The 16th annual Saskatchewan Livestock Expo took place back on February 19th. While some bad roads kept a few exhibitors from making it to Swift Current, there were still over 80 companies represented.
As Doug Cramer, show organizer commented, “what are you going to do, can’t change or have control over the weather.”
The producers still came from far and wide to see the companies they deal with. One mentioned to me, “best place to see so many in one place at one time.”
Western Ag Supply (WAGS) was a popular booth as they had last of the gold medal game on the TV. Unfortunate loss for Team Canada, they really did outplay their US rivals, but.. their goalie wow.
Of course one of the biggest highlights of the day is the Cramer Cup Series and the Sale of Champions.
Before the winner could be chosen these three had the hard task of being judges for the pie contest, Barb Schmidt (Connect On Farm), Jenn Duncan (Fortified Nutrition) and Doug Durbano (Masterfeeds). Winner was Lydia Entz of Carmichael Colony.
For the Pork Quality Competition 30 hogs were entered, Jason Care handled the hard job of Judging. Participating Colonies were: Baildon, Bench, Boundary Lane, Downie Lake, Garden Plain, Hodgeville, Main Centre, Matador, Pontiex, Rose Valley, Sand Lake, Smiley, Vanguard, Wheatland and Wymark. Special thanks to Thunder Creek Pork for processing. The 30 entries generated 3069kgs (6767lbs) of pork being donated to local food bank charities.
Judge Jason Care shared that the tiebreaker rule is higher index followed by largest loin eye are, followed by loin depth highest yield
Top five hogs were: 5th Wymark, 4th Bench, 3rd Vanguard and clinching both 2nd and 1st place was Main Centre.
Handling the auctioning duties for the sale of champions was Tyler Smith; he once again did a great job encouraging bids. In the end over $35,000 was raised for charity both by monetary and meat donations.
Some of the receiving charities were: STARS, Swift Current Hospital, Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Herbert Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.
Huge thanks to Fortified Nutrition, Masterfeeds, Sollio AG and Western Ag Supply (WAGS) for their bids of support for the winning pie, three classes of eggs and the top five carcasses.
Doug thanked all the sponsors, exhibitors and attendees for another installment of the Saskatchewan Livestock Expo. Mark your calendar for February 18th, 2027 for the 17th show. •
— By Laurie Brandly
