Doug Richards Receives Ontario Pork Congress Industry Leadership Award

October 20, 2014–Douglas Richards, Swine Specialist for Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, was announced as the winner of the Ontario Pork Congress Industry Leadership Award on October 20 in Stratford at the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Pork Congress (OPC).

Frank Hogervorst, 2013/2014 President of Ontario Pork Congress, commented that he had never seen a more detailed and succinct nomination form outlining career and personal accomplishments during his time on the Executive.  Frank quoted Doug’s nominators:  “Doug’s most significant achievement is best described as outstanding communication of ideas, new technology and information both internally throughout the swine section and externally as a representative of the sector”. 

Richards thanked Hogervorst for the award saying that he especially enjoyed working and volunteering in the pork industry as clients and colleagues often became close friends and he felt that was unique to the pork industry.   He also shared the evolution of his career and a few entertaining experiences over those 34 years. 

The Pork Industry Leadership Award is awarded annually to an individual who has given freely of his/her time and provided distinguished service to the Ontario Pork Industry and community.

The Lyle Heldmann Award for “grace under pressure” is awarded annually to a participant in the OPC Bacon Maker Classic (formerly the Junior Barrow Show).  This year Sharon Heldmann presented the award to Grace Robinson, daughter of Jeff and Erin Robinson of Walton, Ontario.

Dan Kane, Ann Coyle, Bill MacDougald, Lori Moser and Emma Payne, OPIC Hog Jog Committee members, presented a “large” cheque to Wellspring Stratford in the amount of $42,000.00 representing the proceeds of the 2014 Hog Jog.  Honourary Chairs, Reid and Rhonda Wilson, were also in attendance and expressed their appreciation the industry’s generous support of such a worthwhile cause.

A new executive was also elected for the Ontario Pork Congress at last night’s meeting.

Christine Schoonderwoerd, Communications for Wallenstein Feed and Supply Limited, will serve as President for the 2014-2015 year.  Schoonderwoerd commented that Ontario Pork Congress has always been near and dear to her heart.  She compared Congress to the Ontario pork industry—always changing and is looking forward to working with the dedicated team that has made the Ontario Pork Congress a success.

Other executive members include: 

• Past President: Frank Hogervorst –Avonbank Ag Solutions
• 1st Vice President: Blair Cressman - Zoetis
• 2nd Vice President: Joe Dwyer –Dwyer Manufacturing Ltd.
• Treasurer: Chris Crump – Ontario Swine Improvement
• Secretary:  Kirk McLean – Stubbe’s Precast
• Director at Large: Jim Donaldson – Canadian Swine Exporters
• Director at Large: Meghan Kirkpatrick – Agribrands Purina

The Ontario Pork Congress has been in existence since 1973 and has a goal of bringing together all segments of the pork industry and to showcase what it has to offer.

Source: Porkcongress