Source: Meristem Information Resources Ltd.
The entry deadline is nearing for the 2019 Banff Pork Seminar F.X. Aherne Prize for Innovative Pork Production. Award entries must be received by Oct. 31.

Ben Willing of the University of Alberta, chair of the selection committee, says each year the number and quality of entries for the Aherne Prize is a clear example of the thirst for innovation among the many players involved with pork production today.       

The Prize recognizes individuals who have developed either original solutions to pork production challenges or creative uses for known technology. Innovations big or small, complex or simple can be entered. In fact both types have been winners in the past.

Last year, two entries were awarded. Lyle and Maaike Campbell, Birnam Pork, Arkona, Ont. won with their simple “ghost gate” and Scott Hyshka, Mountain Vista / Sunterra Farms, Drumheller, Alta. won with his innovative, collapsible, protective pen-within-a-pen.

Willing says the contest is open to owners, production managers, herdspeople or consultants in the North American pork industry, or anyone who has developed an innovation relevant to the North American pork production industry.

“Contest details are on the Seminar website www.banffpork.ca,” says Willing. “All segments of the pork industry qualify. That includes areas such as feeding, breeding, ventilation, disease control and prevention, transportation, manure management, animal handling, facility or enterprise management, and pork quality and safety.”  

Besides the recognition of having innovations featured at this world-renowned pork industry conference the prize is a valuable one, says Willing. It includes free 2019 BPS conference registration, accommodation at the spectacular Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and travel for the Banff Pork Seminar Jan. 8 to 10, 2019 for up to two innovators. The value of that registration and travel is approximately $2,000 each.

The award is named after a proficient industry innovator, the late Dr. Frank Aherne, a professor of swine nutrition and production at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and a major force for science-based progress in the western Canadian pork industry.