Yesterday, from when I am penning this, the Alberta Government announced that students will return to schools in the class room this fall. I received Tim’s cartoon only a few short hours later. We both must have been on same wave length and didn’t realize it.
A huge thanks to Paul and Manuel of HEART for meeting with Harry Siemens and sharing your touching story. I know this piece has nothing to do with hogs or anything in the pig sector but I felt it was an amazing story to share. These two men, along with their team, help bring closure in the toughest of times to families. In fact the day they had the original interview set, they had to postpone as they were called to a recovery in Saskatchewan.
Included in this issue are the complete survey results, as mentioned with this crazy COVID-19, I wanted ask to some different questions. It is very important to me and my entire Prairie Hog Country team that we are communicating the stories that you the readers want and in a style that you prefer. However, it is equally as important that we can help share how your farm and families are coping during these uncertain times. The results were very similar, if your farm is more worried about COVID 19 or the potential arrival of ASF in Canada. Fifty-three percent said more worried about COVID compared to 47 percent ASF. Both are very concerning to not only the hog sector but the entire Country. I am happy that Prairie Hog Country continues to be your preferred source of producer information in Western Canada and that multiple members of your farm read each edition. I also appreciate, as do my advertisers, that their ads do influence your purchasing decisions. As without their continued support, there would be no Prairie Hog Country Magazine. Thanks again to all who took the time to fill out and return the surveys.
During these ever changing times or as mainstream media likes to call it, fluid situation, the fall seminars look a little different. As of press time Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop has been cancelled for 2020 and both Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium and Banff Pork Seminar are holding virtual events. As of today, when I am penning this, both Alberta Livestock Expo in Lethbridge and Prairie Livestock Expo in Winnipeg are planning on holding their respective trade shows. Decisions will be made in weeks to come if mass gatherings including trade shows are still not allowed.
Included on page 40 are the photo contest winners. Even though the top three have been chosen, there is still time to submit photos for a chance to be included in the 2021 Prairie Hog Country Calendar.
This month marks 17 years since I took over as publisher and owner of Prairie Hog Country, yes I have been involved since the beginning in 1996, but I assumed the additional roles in 2003. I cannot thank you, the readers of Prairie Hog Country enough for your constant support, positive messages and genuine appreciation of PHC. To the advertisers, whom there would be no PHC without your financial support, I am eternally grateful for your continued support. I count myself one of the fortunate ones, to be able to do what I love with many near and dear colleagues.
For those of you who plan ahead, the release dates for 2021 are on page 41. Again if able I will print additional copies of four of the six editions to come with me to trade shows. February/March – Swift Current at Cramer Expo February 11th, June/July – Red Deer for Alberta Pork Congress June 9th & 10th, October/November – Lethbridge for Alberta Livestock Expo October 6th & 7th, and December/January – Brandon for Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo December 8th.
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 October. •