Banff Pork Seminar introduces a hybrid conference for 2022

Date posted: Oct 13, 2021

It is a celebration of grass roots innovation in the pork industry that has become one of the most popular in North America. Entry deadline for the 2022 FX Aherne Prize for Innovative Pork Production is Oct. 31, 2021.

"The prize is awarded at the annual Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) and the Seminar's reputation for excellence is one of several reasons for the Prize's popularity," says researcher Ben Willing of the University of Alberta, who chairs the awards selection committee.

Another reason for its popularity is the range of entry sophistication and the diversity of those who submit them, he adds. Innovations can be big or small, simple or complex. The contest is open to owners, production managers, herdspeople, consultants, or anyone who has developed an innovation relevant to the North American pork industry.

Entries can apply to any segment of the industry including feeding, breeding, ventilation, disease control and prevention, transportation, manure management, animal handling, facility and enterprise management and pork quality and food safety.

"The selection committee is always impressed by the creativity and innovation of participants," says Willing. "We are pleased to offer a prize of significance. The winner receives complimentary registration to the 2022 Seminar, accommodation at the world-renowned Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and travel assistance. That's a value of approximately $2,000.

"If past experience is any indication, winners appreciate the chance to spotlight their innovation and be recognized as an innovator by their peers, the pork industry and the Seminar attendees," he says. "It is something the award namesake, Frank Aherne, a long-time industry research leader, would appreciate."

Best place to find all contest details is on the Seminar website www.banffpork.ca.

Follow Banff Pork Seminar on Twitter @banffpork. Connect on Facebook /BanffPork. Get complete coverage in a Special Meeting Report of the 2022 Banff Pork Seminar, presented by communications partner Meristem. Find the special report link on the Seminar site home page www.banffpork.ca.