Greetings on a beautiful spring day as I am penning this, it is plus 5 outside and birds are chirping in a tree outside my office window.  
Now as I have lived in Alberta my whole life, I do know that yes we will still get at least one spring snow storm but the cooler harsher temperatures are behind us for another year. 
As you can see from the picture beside this column, I was able to fulfill a bucket list dream last month, to Swim with Pigs. See the full story starting on page 44. For inspiration while typing my story, trying to sort through my scratch notes and understand my own version of short hand, I put on my orange Swimming with Pigs T-shirt. It worked and was able to type away. Special thanks again to two on sight supervisors Ronnie and Jameko, who allowed us to take many pictures and ask an abundance of questions. 
This edition is once again jampacked with the latest: including follow up coverage from recent regional meetings in Alberta and Manitoba Swine Seminar; an interesting visit at Whispering Wind Farms where Brenda was introduced to Kelly, Jon and their Kunekune pigs; A tragic fire in Saskatchewan; the ongoing challenge with Wild Boar; Saskatchewan Livestock Expo; update on the Linac MR machine and so much more. 
Also included in this edition is our annual readership survey, please take the time to fill out and return. Every year I appreciate all the comments we receive back. It helps us to serve you better and have more focus on areas that are the most important to you, our readers. One of my personal favourite questions is how long have you been reading Prairie Hog Country, it amazes me how many are over 20 years. 
After the tremendous response we had to last year’s colouring contest for the kids I decided to do it again. Like last year it will be divided into three age categories. Please see page 40 for details. 
Looking ahead to June, at a recent Alberta Pork Congress meeting the board of directors confirmed a few more details. The Wednesday night awards banquet will return, plus a new spin on Thursday night BBQ – featuring ribs. Even the lunch has a new feel. As of press time the booths are 70 percent sold out. All the details for the social events and trade show can be found on the website albertaporkcongress.com or call 403.542.7906 or email  
kate@albertaporkcongress.com
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:  hogcountry@shaw.ca
Talk to you in June. •