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The Ontario Pork Congress is pleased to announce the launch of its 42nd show, slated to take place June 17 and 18 at the Stratford Rotary Complex in Stratford, Ontario.
Bringing together all segments of the pork industry under one roof, the Ontario Pork Congress is an annual celebration that aims to educate, showcase the latest technologies and highlight innovation within a healthy Ontario pork sector.
The 2014 Pork Congress boasted some 2,000 attendees, along with nearly 200 international exhibitors representing many different branches of the pork industry, from feed and health products, to sow housing and digital tools.
Christine Schoonderwoerd, president and promotions chair of the 2015 Pork Congress and long-time committee member, says that organizers expect to have roughly the same number of attendees and exhibitors turn out for this year’s congress.
As far as this year’s flagship events are concerned, Schoonderwoerd and the organizing committee are optimistic that they will be able to host live hogs at the perennially popular Bacon Maker Classic barrow show event.
“The decision whether to have live hogs or not at this year’s event will really be dependent on the level of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) activity in Ontario,” she explains. “In the weeks and months leading up to the event, we will be working closely with our veterinarian advisors to ensure that we’re making the most safe and informed decision possible.”
Making a return after its well-received debut last year, the OSI (Ontario Swine Improvement) Bacon Maker Classic Educational Pavilion will take attendees through a series of interactive stations that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the entire pork production process.
Attendees wanting to expand their pork palette can also look forward to Taste the Best, a “swine and wine”-themed event that features tastings of local pork products prepared in creative ways by a small selection of local chefs, accompanied by wine samples. A barbecue pork lunch will again be included with admission, making for a delicious day of networking and education.
To work off all of the tasty food fare, Pork Congress attendees can sign up for the Hog Jog, a 3.5 kilometer run and walk, as well as a 10 kilometer run that draws hundreds of participants and brings much-needed awareness and donations to a local charity.
“This year’s Pork Congress organizing committee is as committed as always to making this year’s event another success that educates, engages and excites industry veterans and the public about the strong pork sector we have here in Ontario,” says Schoonderwoerd.
May 28, 2015 www.porkcongress.on.ca
