The Stratford Rotary Complex welcomed attendees for the 51st Annual Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) held from June 19th – 20th.
Visitors didn't let high-humid temperatures stop them from enjoying everything the pork industry has to offer, with several thousand attendees taking part in the two-day event.
Thanks to a dedicated organizing committee, the OPC continues to be an excellent venue where pork producers and industry members can connect, which is the reason this event was started over five decades ago.
From the "Bacon Maker Classic" to the latest in innovation and technology, the OPC remains an important meeting place for industry members to share ideas, learn from one another, while also celebrating the people who make up Ontario’s swine industry. More importantly this event offers a venue for the next generation of pork producers to meet and get involved in fun activities.
This year's OPC was attended by Rob Flack, the new Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Minister Flack toured several OPC exhibits, taking time to stop and meet with producers and Ontario Pork Chair, Tara Terpstra.
Ontario Pork (OP) staff and Board members were present to connect with visitors and distribute t-shirts and recipe cards at the Ontario Pork booth. OP staff also collected sharps in the outdoor tent, while at the Swine Health Ontario booth staff assisted producers with Swine Health Area Regional Control (SHARC) enrollment and creating an on-farm emergency plan.
Among the favourite events was the Ontario Pork Industry Council's "Hog Jog". While a lightning storm prevented runners from running the course, the charitable event still raised over $65,000 for the Stratford Perth Hospice Foundation. OPC attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy delicious Ontario bacon burgers, sausage and pork chops which was cooked by volunteers from the Perth Country Pork Producers' Association.
As the curtains closed on another successful event, the Ontario Pork Congress demonstrates the strength of collaboration within the swine industry, leaving attendees with enthusiasm, already anticipating next year's congress.