As I am penning this, the snow continues to come down outside. While looks pretty all white, fresh and clean. Was starting to enjoy the tease of an early spring, we all know still time for more snow to fall.
This issue has follow up coverage from many of the events & meetings already happening this first quarter of 2026. Alberta Pork regional and h@ms meetings, in addition lots of coverage from Manitoba Swine Seminar, follow up from Saskatchewan Livestock Expo, looking more into gene edited pork, reaching beyond the farm gate, expanded details about the Lacombe breed & the Lacombe Research Centre plus an interesting feature on a mobile slaughter system in BC and so so much more.
I have to apologize for the confusion for the last contest – find Barley – the correct answer within the core section was 24, there also were 11 on the front cover. Honestly, when initially planned to count Barley, didn’t think of front cover. Not one person had the entire correct answer of 35. So to be fair every entry that was received with 24 for core section was added to the contest bin, random draw from those entries.
In the centre of this issue, you will find the annual readership survey. Please take the time to fill out and return, it helps us know what you like about PHC and what you would like to see more of, whether it be a specific or feature story or even more particular advertisements. Your opinion counts!
With the fantastic response to the colouring contest the past four years, we will be doing it again. It can be found on page 47. I heard from a few of the Colony schools that they used it for an art project, so it’s a double win. It will be a random draw from all three age categories.
Looking forward to June Alberta Pork Congress is right around the corner. Be sure to get your lunch tickets for Wednesday, banquet tickets for Wednesday evening and Thursday BBQ rickets. The industry awards presented in addition to the Olymel Reach for The Top Awards. Details are on the Alberta Pork Congress website or call Kate at 403.542.7906. Arlene, Mary and I will be at our booth right by the front entrance.
Soon enough registration will be open for remaining trade shows this year, Alberta Livestock Expo and Prairie Livestock Expo. Keep your eyes to Pork Chops for more details and information.
For those that like to share photos for photo contest and potential use in any Prairie Hog Country edition, please note the contest will be up in the June edition. Again share/enter only photos that reflect a positive reflection of the hog sector. See page 37
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 June.•