As I am typing this note I can literally smell and feel combine dust in the air, fall and harvest is upon us. Normally, at this time of year I would be saying see you at the upcoming shows/seminars/meetings, but alas because of COVID and new restrictions we find ourselves again with more events cancelled or moving to virtual formats. Check out Pork Chops for the latest updates of which events are cancelled or have changed formats plus those still hoping to have in person events. It has been a long time (Cramer Expo February 2020) since I have seen many in the hog sector in person. Thinking ahead, once said events are allowed again, we will most likely have to show proof of vaccination, so if you have not yet got the jab, please do so we can all gather together again.
ASF continues to be a huge concern for the entire Canadian pork industry, lately more focus and time has been spent trying to educate the small lot producers of the imminent threat of this terrifying disease. The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has been working with its affiliates in the US and Mexico to solidify its plan to protect North America. With ASF currently in every corner of Dominican Republic it is very close. Dr. Egan Brockhoff was interviewed by Bruce Cochrane only days ago on this subject, he stated that the CPC has shared Canadian biosecurity recourses with the Dominican Republic and helped them with understanding what is needed to control and contain the virus.
During these unique times every once and a while there is still some very positive things, back in July I was invited to a gathering of former and current producers, all clients for Dr. John Strokappe. I was not able to attend however Brenda did and she shared it was a wonderful time of sharing stories and laughs. It was organized by Andy Stahl, thanks for including Prairie Hog Country. See story on page 11. 
There is still time to submit photos for the 2022 Prairie Hog Country Calendar. While the photo contest is complete, I still need more photos for the Calendar, please send by October 31st.
2022 is right around the corner, the release dates have been set (see page 45), next year will be the 26th year of publishing for Prairie Hog Country. I very much look forward to keep bringing you the latest hog news and information six times per year. Should you or any company you represent want more information on or about PHC or how to get your message direct into the producer’s hands including all the Colonies please do let me know. Thanks for your past, present and future support. We all hope and pray that 2022 will be a normal year, where we will be able to see each other at shows, seminars, meetings, barn openings – heck anywhere.
With Thanksgiving only weeks away, even with these crazy times, we still have much to be thankful for.  Roofs over our head, food in our tummies, clothes on our backs and being a part of industry we all share great respect for. And compared to many other places in the world much more blessed. Again, like Christmas will not be the same with no big extended family celebrations, so reach out however you can – phone, zoom, outside, be thankful and gracious.
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   
Stay safe and stay healthy, talk to you in December.•