Good day one and all. As I am typing this message the beautiful sunshine that started today is scumming to cloud cover. Many are still getting their seeding done, near me anyway, but then we are really in need of some moisture. This past long weekend not far from where I was camping west of Rocky Mountain House, there was a out of control fire – now under control.
It reminds me how much we are not in control. Sure we can choose where we live, what we eat, what we do for a living, can choose to Worship – but not able to control the weather or what is happening across not only our Country but the entire world.
This edition is another jam packed one, with follow up from recent meetings, a very interesting piece of how now using DNA to track Wild Boar, a Yukon producer, a feed company built on legacy, how demographics will affect future hog markets, how some producers feel about blood plasma in feed, celebrating 35 years of the Prairie Swine Centre, reminders about ASF and so so much more.
Thanks also to one and all that took time to fill out our annual readership survey. Full results will be included in the August release. One common comment is many producers want to see coverage on more barn renovations. So in future editions we will try and include more coverage – soooo if your farm is about to complete renovations please reach out to us, maybe we can include a feature on your farm.
Another colouring contest, another amazing response, as I am typing this the final totals are still be added and entered into the draw. Again this year had a few colony schools participate as an art project. See page 49 for random draw winners. Thanks to Tim for even colouring his cartoon submission this time.
Two weeks from today I will be in Red Deer setting up for Alberta Pork Congress. You will find Arlene, Mary and myself at our usual spot by the front entrance. Stop by, say hi and fill out door prize draws. It is always great to see producers in person face to face. The August edition will have follow up coverage including the winners from Awards banquet and Olymel Reach for The Top Awards.
The June edition marks the annual photo contest, although I am no longer printing a calendar, due to the printer change a few years back, I will still include the winners and many of the submitted entries in future editions of Prairie Hog Country. You can see details on page 57. Please only photos that are a positive reflection of the hog sector.
Keep your attention to the Pork Chops section as has dates of all upcoming shows, events and meetings along with registration details. The fall has many opportunities available to take and absorb valuable information for all producers and fellow industry peeps as well.
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 August.•