Ontario Pork Congress celebrates successful 2026 event and $52,000 raised for Emily Murphy Centre

Members of the 2027 Ontario Pork Congress executive gathered at the organization's annual general meeting Monday evening at Stratford's Arden Park Hotel. Pictured, from left, are Victoria Stewart (past president), Mike Mitchell (director), Samantha Villeneuve (board secretary), Mandy Ropp (second vice president), Abel Lopez (first vice president), David Ross (president), Sabina Czacher-Mills (director), Maddy Merrick (director) and Matt Aarts (treasurer), a Tavistock resident. Absent is Henry Groenestege (director). Gary West photo

By Gary West

The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) is celebrating another successful year, both financially and through its continued support of local charitable organizations.

Members and volunteers of the longstanding agricultural organization gathered at Stratford's Arden Park Hotel Monday evening for their annual general meeting, where they reflected on the success of the 2026 event and welcomed a new executive for the coming year.

Those in attendance heard from representatives of accounting firm MNP, who presented the organization's financial results and confirmed another successful year for the annual agricultural showcase.

Outgoing OPC president Victoria Stewart thanked the many volunteers, exhibitors and organizers who helped make the two-day event a success, despite some challenges along the way.

Stewart said favourable weather leading up to the June event allowed many pork producers to catch up on work around their farms, giving them and their employees an opportunity to attend the congress, explore new agricultural innovations and reconnect with neighbours and industry representatives.

Among the highlights of this year's event was the popular Taste the Best showcase, which attracted a large crowd eager to sample locally produced pork prepared by Stratford-area restaurants and food vendors.

The Bacon Maker Classic youth pig show was another crowd favourite, with young 4-H members proudly displaying their projects before an enthusiastic audience of family members and supporters.

Stewart also noted the success of the biosecurity measures implemented during the event, helping ensure the safety of participating animals and producers.

She emphasized that the continued success of the Ontario Pork Congress would not be possible without the dedication of its many volunteers, who contribute countless hours to organizing and hosting the annual event.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize the charitable impact of the annual Hog Jog and Wiener Run, held each June in conjunction with the Ontario Pork Congress.

This year's event raised more than $52,000 in support of the Emily Murphy Centre in Stratford.

Centre executive director Lisa Wilde attended Monday's meeting to personally thank OPC members, volunteers, runners and sponsors for their generosity.

Wilde said the funds will support the development of tiny homes behind the centre's property at 67 Barron St., providing additional housing opportunities for families in need.

Over the years, the Hog Jog has supported numerous local organizations, including area food banks, Shelterlink, the Alzheimer Society, the Stratford General Hospital Foundation and Stratford’s Optimism Place women's shelter.

The Ontario Pork Congress also introduced its 2027 executive, with David Ross taking over as president from Stewart.

“We have a strong OPC executive board, and I am confident we will put on a stellar OPC show in 2027,” Ross said. “I am asking our board to consider if there are any new features we could add or old elements we should end to help provide more value to support producers and exhibitors in 2027.”

The 2027 Ontario Pork Congress will return to the Stratford Rotary Complex June 16 and 17, 2027, bringing together pork producers, industry representatives, agricultural businesses and visitors for another two days of education, innovation and community involvement.