Greetings, as I am penning this a light dusting of snow is coming down, unlike other parts of Alberta we have not received the amount of snow over past few days. But we definitely need moisture, with the authorities already talking about fire bans even some fires that are still burning underground and water levels at a extreme low. Even the Canadian Pork Council acknowledging on World Water Day (March 22nd) how important it is for water conservation.
Included in this edition is follow up coverage from many of the recent meetings/events; h@ms, Alberta Pork Regional Meetings, Saskatchewan Livestock Expo and Manitoba Swine Seminar.
Referencing Saskatchewan Livestock Expo once again a great day with crowded aisles and positive conversations. Kudos to Doug for organizing another great show. Congratulations to all the winners in the Cramer Cup series, especially first place in carcass competition Wymark Colony. As in previous years the biggest winner of the day was charity between the over 7000+lbs pork being donated to Soul Harbour Mission and Chili for Children in addition from the Sale of Champions another over $20,000 in cash to various charities. Thanks to Jason for judging, Tyler for auctioning and Thunder Creek for processing. Make sure to mark February 20th, 2025 for the 15th SLE. See ful story on page 33.
Staying on the same page with trade shows, I am still on the board for Alberta Pork Congress. This year will be the 50th, be sure to join us in Red Deer June 12th & 13th. At the trade show there will be a memory lane, special door prizes and a lunch celebration on Thursday. Wednesday evening will feature the awards banquet where four industry awards will be presented — Ambassador, Rising Star, Farm Team and Lifetime Achievement. In addition the Olymel Reach for the Top and best booths plus a silent auction with proceeds going to STARS and HALO. An extra special part of the banquet will be welcoming back all former presidents of the Albert Pork Congress, a title that I myself have had the privilege of three times. For details or to purchase tickets whether for lunch or the banquet contact Kate at 403.542.7906.
Looking ahead even though we are no longer printing a calendar (due to printer/press change) I will still have our annual photo contest. It will include many of these photos in upcoming editions of Prairie Hog Country. So have your phones ready to capture some great Kodak moments.
I had a few comments that the last contest was a bit tricky and it took time to search through the February edition for all the answers, still there were many entries, thank you to all the dedicated readers for your effort. The annual readership survey is on page 44 & 45 please to take the time to fill out and return, it does help me with planning future story ideas and even benefits the advertisers with what products you are most interested in. On page 48 is another colouring contest for the kids, I have been overwhelmed with the response in the last two so decided to do again. Like previous years, will be a totally random draw in each age category.
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. •