Greetings on a bright sunny Alberta Tuesday morning as I am penning this installment. This following a spring storm that blew through last night with high winds and hard rain, hoping the rain fell in the many areas that are fighting fires.
Thanks to all those who took the time to fill out our annual readership surveys, the complete results will be released in the August edition. I will, as in previous years, have the binder with the surveys with me at trade shows and seminars just in case anyone ever wishes to review them. Thanks for your continued support and encouragement from both the readers and advertisers.
Also, I was blown away with the number of returned colouring contest entries this year, there was a staggering 271. The random draw winners can be found on page 49.
This issue is once again jam packed with news and information.
First off Harry was able to be a part of the second Canadian Wild Boar Summit. As this continues to be a huge concern across the prairies.
Mary was able to tag along with Dr. Frank Marshall to do his quarterly herd health check at Hartland Colony. Not only spending time in the barn but learning more about Dr. Marshall and his time servicing the hog sector.
Additionally included in this issue is follow up coverage from Prairie Swine Centre spring meetings, Manitoba Pork Council 60th AGM, Updates to the Pig Code of Practice, Tariffs and Trade growth, PRRS cases spike, Emergency Preparedness in Saskatchewan and so so much more.
Two weeks from today I will be in Red Deer setting up for Alberta Pork Congress. You will find Arlene, Mary and myself at our usual spot by the front entrance. Stop by say hi and fill out door prize draws, it is always great to see producers in person face to face. The August edition will have follow up coverage including the winners from Awards banquet and Olymel Reach for The Top Awards.
The June edition marks the annual photo contest, although I am no longer printing a calendar, due to the printer change a few years ago, I will still include the winners and many of the submitted entries in future editions of Prairie Hog Country. You can see details on page 57. Please only photos that are a positive reflection of the hog sector.
Looking ahead to the fall, registration is now open for Alberta Livestock Expo. More details will be available soon for Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop, Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium and Banff Pork Seminar. Check out Pork Chops for all the latest details and contact information.
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 August. •