Wow – welcome to 2020 – still not exactly sure where 2019 went, it came and went in a blur. Time wise it seemed, however, last year was a scary one indeed with the constant threat of African Swine Fever, which continues today and will throughout 2020. That hot topic remains top of producers and anybody involved in the pig industry’s mind. Still a point being driven home – Biosecurity – Biosecurity!
This first issue of 2020 February March marks the start of the 24th year of Prairie Hog Country, thanks so much for your continued support. All of us associated with Prairie Hog County look forward to bringing you the latest hog news and information for years to come.
Banff Pork Seminar was well represented with 755 attendees from all areas of the pig sector and all areas of the globe. Included within this issue is coverage of some of the sessions, unfortunately we could not get to every one of them. Kudos to Ashley, the volunteers and the entire committee for once again putting on a great conference. Congratulations to the award winners, see the story on page 14 for complete details.
Please check out the link on banffpork.ca for more releases and seminar coverage. Mark your calendars for the 50th annual Banff Pork Seminar January 5-7, 2021.
It seems so long ago but congratulations to Deerboine Colony for taking top honours in the Pork Quality Competition at Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo back on December 11th. They edged out the other 41 carcasses in the competition, which Bob McKay the judge commented on, were higher quality then in 2017, with better bellies. The big winner of the day was the charities, winners donated monies to various children’s hospitals and health centers while the meat, once processed by East 40 packers, was donated to Samaritan House.
Two and a half weeks from when I am penning this note, I will be in Swift Current for Cramer Expo, be sure to stop in at the booth and say hi. The one day sold out show always attracts producers from near and far. At this show as well charity is the big winner both with monies and the meat that will help feed so many in need.
I am reminded every day how generous producers are, even when prices have been lower, they give back. Those who have been in our industry for years will remember my (our) dear friend Bruce Winkler, it was his idea to showcase this exact point. He shared with me, while already sick, an idea to have an auction to have Colonies and industry participate in which even when they were struggling with lower prices and higher costs wanted to give back. Which again as many remember after he passed away from a short aggressive battle with cancer I, along with the board of directors of Alberta Pork Congress held the Bruce Winkler Memorial Silent Auction, with all proceeds going to Alberta Cancer Foundation, specifically the Linac MR Machine. It still warms my heart and makes tear up when I think back to that first auction and how incredible it was.
As always, I am only a phone call or email away. Prairie Hog Country, Box 5536, Leduc, Alberta T9E 2A1, 780.986.0962, fax 780.980.9640 or email:
hogcountry@shaw.ca.
Talk to you in April.