Welcome to the fifth edition in 2023, our 27th year in publishing. You might notice a few very slight changes in this issue. After 25 years, the printer I had been using closed its doors last month, wishing all those affected by the plant closure the best. So I had to search for a new press/printer so I could continue to bring you all the latest hog news and information. With this new printer I can continue to produce Prairie Hog Country as you are used to and plus was able to upgrade to a higher quality core section. The only modification is a slightly smaller page. I hope you enjoy the first edition from the new press/printer.
Unfortunately, with this new printer I am not able to continue with the annual calendar that is typically inserted in the centre of the December/January issue. I will however feature in each edition a few of the photographs that were submitted (see page 61).
Fall and harvest season is in full swing upon us, you can smell the combine dust in the air. Some areas started sooner then others, as Bryan Perkins of Wainwright AB, told me back before mid August it was the earliest he has ever started harvest in all his years of farming.
With fall in the air so too are the fall shows, seminars and meetings. Many opportunities to gather with others in the hog sector both producers and industry, to gain insight and knowledge on current topics. For a list of all upcoming events for the fall and early 2024 see under Pork Chops starting on page 54.
One of those topics that seems top of many minds is Prop 12. Canadian Pork Council hosted a webinar a few weeks back. While there was some good information, so much is still unknown on how it will affect us north of the 49th. As the main speaker Michael Fornica shared, it is the animal rights and the larger US States that can dictate such rules. Audrey Cameron from Canadian Pork Council stated at this time ~ five percent of Canadian farms are compliant with Prop 12.
2024 is vastly approaching, for those of you that plan ahead the release dates are on page 53, next year will be the 28th 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.
Thanksgiving is a couple weeks away from when I am penning this, as I say every year, we have so very much to be thankful for. We are truly blessed to be in Canada. Always remain humble and kind, and I hope you can gather with those who mean the most.
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 December.