Manitoba Pork Council Chair Rick Préjet delivered a strong message of appreciation, pride, and resilience as he addressed the Pork Quality Luncheon during the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. Speaking to a room filled with producers, stakeholders, and provincial politicians—including Premier Wab Kinew—Préjet highlighted Manitoba’s hog sector’s economic impact and generous spirit.
“I’d like to recognize everybody here—the ministers and others—for your presence and support,” said Préjet. “We know we’re going through some trying times, but I appreciate your support. It means a lot.”
Representing the province’s hog farmers, who produce eight million pigs annually, Préjet emphasized the sector’s vital contribution to Manitoba’s economy. “Manitoba’s hog farmers are proud of the economic impact we have,” he said. “Each year, Manitoba’s hog sector contributes $2.03 billion to the provincial GDP, which supports government investments across our province.”
He also highlighted the industry’s employment reach. “We are responsible for 22,000 jobs across Manitoba—that’s enough to fill both the Canada Life Centre and Shaw Park combined,” said Préjet. “And we’re thrilled to be joined today by some of the folks who make up those 19,000 people working hard in the sector.”
Despite the sector’s strength, Préjet acknowledged the mounting pressures on producers. Today, the sector’s resilience faces many tests.
“The threat of tariffs and economic uncertainty strained our producers and economy.”
He thanked the provincial government for recognizing these challenges and responding. “We would like to thank the government for establishing a $100 million contingency fund to support producers like ours,” Préjet said.
Yet through it all, he affirmed the unwavering commitment of hog farmers. “Manitoba hog producers will continue to do what they do best—feed the world with high-quality protein,” he said.
A central part of the luncheon was the announcement of winners from the Pork Quality competition, a longstanding tradition that showcases Manitoba-raised pork’s excellence and highlights local producers’ community spirit.
In the 2025 Pork Quality competition at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, Riverside Colony of Rivers, Manitoba, earned 1st Place / Grand Champion, generously donating their charitable winnings to the Neepawa Hospital. Treesbank Colony, located near Glenboro, Manitoba, secured 2nd Place / Reserve Champion and chose to support The HEART Team with their donation. Wellwood Colony of Wellwood, Manitoba, took 3rd Place, directing their charitable contribution to Christian Aid Ministries. These thoughtful donations highlight Manitoba’s hog producers’ strong community values and generosity.
Préjet also thanked East 40 Packers for processing the pork and donating it to local food banks. “Their support ensures the benefits of this tradition extend far beyond this room,” he said. “The Pork Quality Adventure is a proud part of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. It’s a chance for our producers to showcase their dedication, hard work, and commitment to sustainable farming practices.”
Préjet closed by thanking everyone involved. “Thank you again for being here and allowing me to speak to you,” he said. “I look forward to the rest of the evening and knowing what lies ahead for our industry.”
Wayne Buhr, co-chair of the Provincial Exhibition and emcee for the luncheon, offered insight into how the event supports celebration and charity.
“Sponsor money comes to this event and goes into the prize pool,” Buhr said. “We do take a cut to help prepare for the meal. But most of the money goes into the prize pool.”
He emphasized the giving spirit at the heart of the event. “Fifty percent of all the winnings from any winner goes to the charity of their choice,” Buhr said. “So, in addition to the food banks, several charities in the area will be getting the check.”
Buhr then introduced longtime judge Jason Care, who walked the audience through the judging process behind the competition.
“Just to do a quick summary of how I judge and the criteria,” said Care. “Producers help set the criteria. We award points for back fat, loin, carcass index, loin eye, and belly. All these comparisons help figure out the best marketable pig.”
Care expressed admiration for the precision and consistency of the entries. “It blows my mind to think that these producers get pigs between 96 and 104 kilograms to match measurements within millimetres,” he said. “Every pig entered is a winner to start with.”
He also noted the positive community impact of the event. “Knowing this kind of quality pork goes to food banks to feed the less fortunate—another great part of this event,” Care added. “I’m blessed to be involved.”
Scoring was extremely close this year, with first Place earning 94 points, second place 92, third 89, fourth 87, and fifth 85—demonstrating just how competitive the field was.
Care closed by thanking all participants and handing the mic back to announce winners, reminding everyone that excellence and generosity go hand-in-hand in Manitoba’s hog industry. •
— By Harry Siemens