Snow and slippery highways did not slow Manitoba’s hog producers. They came out in strong numbers for the Brandon Hog & Poultry Show at the Keystone Centre, proving once again that commitment to the industry runs deeper than winter weather. By midday, the building filled with producers, suppliers, and supporters, all ready to reconnect, compete, and give back.
For me, the day carried extra meaning. I have watched this industry grow for more than five decades as a farm journalist. Long before that, I watched my father farm in the late 1940s and early 1950s, then worked alongside him after leaving school in 1963. In 1985, we launched the first hog exhibition, carcass show, and sale. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the industry returned to those roots, focused on quality, community, and stewardship.
The highlight of the day came with the carcass competition results and the sale of champions. Producers entered 52 pork carcasses, representing more than 4,600 kilograms of pork donated directly to local food banks. East 40 Packers Ltd. handled the processing, ensuring the pork moved efficiently from competition to community tables.
In the pork quality results, Sprucewoods of Brookedale, MB, took top honours. Northern Breeze from Portage la Prairie placed second. Starlight of Starbuck, MB, claimed third. Cascade, based near MacGregor, MB, earned fourth place, while Waldheim Colony near Elie rounded out the top five. The champion presentation included Robert MacKay of Canada Packers, Loren Hofer representing Sprucewoods, and organizer Doug Cramer.
While trophies mattered, the real winners were local charities. Through the auction of champion pork, prize-winning eggs, and even a single pie, the event raised more than $16,500 in cash. Combined with the donated pork, the impact reached far beyond the show ring.
Doug Cramer, owner of Cramer Expo and Event Management of Regina, Saskatchewan, organized the event. His company specializes in agricultural exhibitions and livestock expos. After previous organizers stepped away, Cramer and his team brought fresh energy and kept the show moving forward. At day’s end, he said the outcome exceeded expectations, especially given the weather. He confirmed the event will return in two years.
Jason Care, a longtime judge of the pork quality competition at Prairie Livestock Expo, said this year’s entries set a high bar. More than 20 percent of carcasses reached an index score of 116, which reflects excellent on-farm management. He explained that each carcass undergoes a detailed evaluation of backfat, loin size, belly size, colour, weight, and overall balance. He uses photos, measurements, and colour analysis to ensure accuracy and transparency for producers.
Care said producers value the competition because it blends performance with purpose. All pork goes to charities, while prize money supports causes such as STARS and children’s hospitals. Entry numbers nearly doubled from last year, despite winter conditions, a result Care credited in part to East 40 Packers for providing strong facility and processing support.
Loren Hofer of Sprucewoods Colony said the champion result came from daily discipline. He pointed to precision feeding, careful monitoring, and animal well-being as the foundation. Selection for competition starts only days before the show, with close observation of a small group of pigs to identify the best fit.
Hofer added that success depends on teamwork, nutrition, and consistency. Everything must come together at the right time.

Trevor Hofer echoed that message, saying strong genetics and a clear understanding of competition standards guide their decisions. Their five-week batch system allows multiple people to watch the same animals, improving efficiency and refining decisions based on measurement and performance data.
Mark Fynn, Director of Quality Assurance and Animal Care Programs at Manitoba Pork, said optimism stood out most in conversations with producers. He said current economics favour the industry, which helps lift confidence. He also noted how many producers attended despite the storm, eager to gather, learn, and reconnect.
Fynn said Manitoba Pork values events like this for direct producer outreach. Staff use the opportunity to discuss disease management, the Big Learn training platform, and how levy dollars support advocacy and programming. With a levy vote expected in February, Fynn said many producers express strong support because they understand the value Manitoba Pork delivers. When questions arise, he views them as an opportunity to improve communication.
He also addressed concerns about African Swine Fever in other countries. Manitoba Pork closely monitors global developments because the province exports most of its pigs and pork. Market reactions and trade responses matter. Those risks reinforce the importance of preparedness and prevention already underway.
As the snow fell outside, the mood inside stayed warm and forward-looking. The Brandon Hog & Poultry Show once again showed what this industry does best: produce high-quality food, support local communities, and stand together through every season. •
— By Harry Siemens