New president of OPC executive committee elected

Oct 18, 2016

Joe Dwyer will take over for Blair Cressman

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

A changing of the guard took place at the Festival Inn in Stratford, Ontario as Joe Dwyer was elected the new president of the Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) executive committee.

“As your new president we look to carry (the momentum) through to next year,” he said.

Other committee members include Chris Fullam, Daryl Vermey, Linda Weitzel, Megan Kirkpatrick, Andrea DeGroot, Kirk McLean and Chris Crump.

Back Row (L-R) Chris Fullam, Daryl Vermey, Blair Cressman, Kirk McLean, Chris Crump
Front Row (L-R) Linda Weitzel, President Joe Dwyer, Megan Kirkpatrick, Andrea DeGroot
Photo: Glenn Ruegg

The momentum Dwyer referenced was explained by outgoing president and committee member Blair Cressman.

“The 43^rd annual Ontario Pork Congress was a true success in all regards,” he said. “We were blessed with great weather and attendance was strong. The trade show expanded again to accommodate a growing number of exhibitors, featuring innovation from around the globe.”

In the 2016 Hog Jog, OPC partnered with the Stratford-Perth Shelterlink. OPC presented Shelterlink with a cheque for $48,000.

“It truly showcases our industry’s spirit of giving,” Cressman said.

The next Ontario Pork Congress is scheduled for June 21-22, 2017.

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.