2025 Ontario Pork Congress had outstanding financial year, as reported at annual meeting in Stratford

When the country went through the COVID-19 pandemic, many shows and organized events in the area had to shutdown and adapt – like the Ontario Pork Congress (OPC), which just had its annual meeting in Stratford on Oct. 20.

The OPC put on a virtual show, as many shows did, but it was found out not to be successful and financially it was devastating.

But even though difficult times were felt, the volunteer directors and OPC members persevered, and after Monday night’s annual meeting, there was good news to hear.

President Kirk McLean was very pleased with the success financially of this year’s 2025 Pork Congress. The accounting firm, MNP and Lee Littlejohns, gave a very positive financial report of growth from this year’s 2025 Congress at $63,500 over 2024.

Kirk said the number of exhibitors remained approximately the same but registrations for the two-day show were up.

With this amount of growth, year over year, the accountant also said the OPC is in a good financial position for future shows.

There was also good news to report from this year’s Hog Jog that takes place on the first afternoon of the congress.

The Stratford House of Blessing reported they received $49,000 from the Hog Jog committee and was truly thankful for such a large amount.

There continues to be increasing numbers needing the House of Blessing’s services, each month serving 1,600 individuals in Stratford and outlying areas. The Hog Jog money will help with all their programs and updates to their equipment going forward into the future.