The Rural Voice, 1983-06, Page 330
ONTARIO PORK CONGRESS
10th Anniversary, June 1974 -June, 1983
Stratford Coliseum, June 21,22,23 1983
by Rhea Hamilton.
The Ontario Pork Congress marks its
tenth anniversary this year and through
the enormous efforts of hundreds of
volunteers, it has been a success each
and every year since its inception.
This year has been no exception.
President Lorna Small, who has been
with the Congress since its inception,
has seen its growth and how it involves
so many people in all areas of agriculture
as well as a few who are not active in any
facet of the agriculture industry.
To make things run smoothly, commit-
tees are formed and this year there are
nineteen of them, some with one or two
members and others with as many as 15
or 20. Each committee head is respon-
sible for that particular area and reports
back to the executive every month on the
progress made and to get feedback on
new ideas.
The executive is elected and the only
member to receive any remuneration for
labour is the secretary Jean Smelski.
The Congress started when the former
Ontario Barrow Show, which was held in
London each year, attracted only those
interested in showing their stock.
According to the Congress history,
written by Richard Smelski, OMAF swine
specialist, industry people were con-
cerned about lack of enthusiasm and
participation. An idea was generated by
four key people and the Stratford Agri-
cultural Society was approached to host
the Ontario Pork Congress.
G
The risk was high. Neither industry
nor organizers knew what to expect and
funds were raised through memberships
sold at a banquet.
While the idea of a livestock and trade
show has remained the same through the
years, the number of people attending
has grown as has the scope of the
information being offered to producers.
The committees cover basic publicity,
registration, judging, food and bar areas;
but there are other committees to cover
the planning for breeder day, feeder day
and market day.
There are going to be a few innovations
this year including a massive expansion
of the education program.
According to Small the program has
THE RURAL VOICE, JUNE 1983 PG. 31