Greetings on a cool dreary Friday afternoon. While some areas are still desperate for rain, others have received too much. My thoughts are with all of those affected in anyway by the numerous fires that still continue to burn, which seems to be a common theme every summer.
This is another jam packed issue, including follow up coverage from Alberta Pork Congress, potential tariff effects, Hereford rare breed, Zinc diet changes, mask safety, future of AI in barns, CPC joining the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and so much more.
Congratulations to the award winners presented during Alberta Pork Congress banquet. The Rising Star recipient was Dr. Rienske Mortier, and this year saw two Farm Teams, Milford Colony and Rimbeek (Sunterra), Industry Innovation Award to Pine Haven (Prairie Farm Foods) and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Frank Novak. Also presented at the Banquet were the Olymel Reach For The Top Awards. Recipients were; Grand Champion and Food Safety to Britestone Colony, Core to Birch Hills Colony, High Health to Grassy Hill Colony and Logistics to A & A Van Ginkel.
I had the pleasure of volunteering again this year at the Pork Showcase during the Calgary Stampede. This was the forth year and I already look forward to 2026. As I have shared before it is such a great opportunity to share our hog sector with the city slickers. So very many have no contact with farms any more, some truly think their milk, meat and vegetables come from Safeway. It give us the chance to explain why we have farrowing pens, called maternity pens at the Stampede. Usually once you explain its for the piglets protection even the opposed understand. We also had a visit from the Stampede princess this year. Kudos to Alberta Pork for their continued support of this valuable exhibit. Thanks to the pork committee members and all the volunteers who donated their time.
On page 48 you will find the photo contest winners, as in previous years you might see these photos pop up in Prairie Hog Country future issues.
The complete readership survey results are in the centre spread. Thanks for your continued support. Eighty-six percent said Prairie Hog Country was your favourite hog magazine, while 89 percent said PHC is their preferred source of producer information. Forty per cent have been reading PHC for more then 16 years, with 21 percent being over 20 years. Eighty-six percent said advertisements do influence their purchasing decisions.
2026 will be the 30th year of publishing for Prairie Hog Country, hard to believe. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many producers and fellow industry people over the years, and now a privilege to call many friends. The release dates are set for next year, found on page 49 for those who plan ahead.
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 October. •