Ontario Pork Congress to kick off its 41st Show

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) is set to open its doors this week in Stratford, Ont., June 18 and 19. In its 41st year, the congress is the largest pig show in Canada.  More than 200 exhibitors are expected to be on display at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

The event brings together those involved in the swine industry to showcase new technologies, celebrate pork products and provide farmers with the opportunity to learn about the latest issues facing the pork industry.

Congress organizers hope to build on last year’s success of connecting not only with producers, but with consumers as well. Once again, OPC will be teaming up with the Stratford Blues and Rib Festival to extend the event to create “Hog Wild Week”. The five-day pork festival will include live music performances and special dishes and tastings at a number of Stratford restaurants and microbreweries.

One key change this year is that there will be no live pigs on display. The junior and senior barrow shows have been cancelled as a precautionary measure over the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) virus. Despite the change, barrow entrants will still be able to submit videos of their animals to be judged.

Event highlights:

• “Pork for a Cause Hog Jog” – 3.5k run’/walk and 10k run
• “Taste the Best” – culinary competition among five Stratford restaurants
• “OSI Bacon Maker Classic Educational Pavillion” – series of educational events