You will see like the cover of this edition, wild pigs and the problems and possible threat they are causing is a common theme. Yes, the tropical location in Hawaii, but much closer to home in Western Canada. A recent article in the Edmonton Journal even tackled the issue comparing the river cites of itself and Saskatoon as both prime potential environments for the feral pigs to move into. Thanks again to Jeff Guilloz for meeting me at the condo complex and sharing your interesting story. 
Again closer to home, Dr. Ryan Brook is a man in demand, with multiple speaking engagements and interviews, including keynote speaker at the upcoming Manitoba Pork Council AGM April 6th.   
As I remember him saying at Banff Pork Seminar a couple years back “More than 700 delegates who came here to talk about managing pigs inside the fence, he told delegates. “I’m the only one who came here to talk pigs outside the fence.” 
With COVID restrictions now in the rear-view mirror all of us the in the hog sector look forward to in person events, starting with the Saskatchewan Livestock Expo. Make sure to come to the sold-out trade show in Swift Current Thursday May 12th. Followed by Alberta Pork Congress in Red Deer June 15th & 16th. As of press time booths are 90 percent sold out. Social events are yet to be confirmed. I have been invited to attend the Open House at Holt Colony for their recently completed farrow to finish renovation, look forward to it. 
I am still so humbled by the tremendous response to the recent kids colouring contest. We had a total of 290 entries, wow! Sixty-two from age five or less, 144 from ages six to nine and 84 from 10-plus. Sixty-four came through mail and 226 via email. As explained on the contest page, the only way to be totally fair was a random draw from each age category. All names were transferred onto slips of paper then a blind draw. 
Also included in this issue is our annual readership survey, please take the time to fill it out and get it back. You can mail it, fax it or scan and email. One of the questions included is how long have you been reading Prairie Hog Country? I always love it when producers tell me that they have been reading PHC for years, well now that we are in our 26th year of publishing for some of you it has been over two decades. Thanks so very much for your continued support and dedication. 
Remember to keep those cameras (cell phones) handy as it will be photo contest time again soon. You can start sending in photos anytime. Remember only positive reflections of our industry, and make sure they are high-resolution photos. You can email them or send via mail. 
As this edition is released just prior to Easter, please let me wish you and your entire family a very blessed Easter. May we remember HIS sacrifice for all of us. 
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:  
Talk to you in June. •