SIEMENS SAYS: Snowy roads, strong turnout, and a celebrated industry raise money for local charities |
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What a privilege to watch the farming industry grow up — this most basic industry we have, totally renewable, feeding our neighbours and people around the world. Over 54 years as a farm journalist, I witnessed countless firsts. Before that, I watched my father farm in the late 1940s and early 1950s, then joined him after an incomplete Grade 11 school year in 1963.
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Fast forward to 1985, when we launched the first hog exhibition, carcass show and sale. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the industry returned to basics at the Keystone Centre in Brandon.
Snowy roads did not keep producers away from the Brandon Hog & Poultry Show. By midday, the event had a strong turnout. The highlight at day’s end came with the trophies and the sale of champions — awards for baking, three categories in eggs, and the coveted pork quality honours.
Producers entered 52 carcasses, representing more than 4,600 kilograms of pork donated to local food banks. Thanks to East 40 Packers Ltd. for handling the processing.
In pork quality results, Sprucewoods of Brookedale, Man., took top honours; Northern Breeze from Portage la Prairie placed second; Starlight (Starbuck, Man.) came third; Cascade, based near MacGregor, Man., earned fourth; and Waldheim Colony near Elie rounded out the top five.
The biggest winners of the day, however, were local charities. They received pork from all 52 carcasses and more than $16,500 in cash raised through the auction of the winning pork entries, dozens of prize-winning eggs and, of course, one delicious pie.
Special thanks go to Doug Cramer, owner and organizer behind Cramer Expo and Event Management, based in Regina, Sask. His company specializes in agricultural exhibitions, livestock expos and producer-focused events. Doug and his team stepped in after the previous organizers discontinued the show and moved it forward with energy and commitment.
Jason Care, longtime judge of the Pork Quality Competition at Manitoba Hog and Poultry Days, says this year’s entries set an impressive benchmark. More than 20 % of carcasses reached the top index score of 116, a level he says reflects exceptional stewardship by producers.
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