50th Ontario Pork Congress
Past OPC presidents gathered for a special luncheon on June 22. They posed together for a commemorative photo.
Photo: Kristy Nudds
50th Ontario Pork Congress
Memorabilia from past congresses was on display for visitors to enjoy.
Photo: Kristy Nudds
50th Ontario Pork Congress
Congress attendees stroll past some of the 128 exhibitors June 21.
Photo: John Greig
50th Ontario Pork Congress
The pork quality competition has been an event at each congress.
Photo: John Greig
50th Ontario Pork Congress
Chefs cook their best pork for the Taste the Best pork sampling.
Photo: John Greig
The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) celebrated its 50th anniversary June 21 and 22 at the Rotary Complex in Stratford, the first in-person show since 2019.
Back this year were many events regular attendees have come to expect, such as educational programming, the pork quality competition, taste the best pork sampling, and a large industry trade show with 128 exhibitors.
Unfortunately due to active PED cases in Perth County, the pig show, known as the Bacon Maker Classic, had to be cancelled.
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A special 50th anniversary display was created featuring memorabilia from past shows, such as photos, awards, art, and many past show guides and media clippings. It was a treasure trove that delighted many visitors, including this writer.
Once welcoming over 10,000 visitors, the OPC now welcomes several thousand visitors, a reflection of a more consolidated industry. However, having a live in-person show where pork producers and industry can connect is the reason the OPC was started 50 years ago.
Former OPC president (1993-1994) Richard Smelski said in the OPC show guide “For us, the OPC was a gathering of like-minded people, at a central location that provided us with opportunities to willingly share the latest ideas in the business.”
Current OPC President Kirk McLean told Farmtario the organizers “are very pleased with the return of OPC and to be able to have had an in-person show for the 50th anniversary. It is with great appreciation that I thank all the volunteers and administration that put in countless hours to make the 50th OPC a great success.”
The 2024 Ontario Pork Congress will be held June 19 and 20 at the Stratford Rotary Complex.
