Ontario Pork Congress returns to Stratford June 17-18

The 2026 Ontario Pork Congress executive committee and directors include, front row from left, Mandy Ropp, Abel Lopez, president Victoria Stewart, David Ross and Matt Aarts. Back row, Kirk McLean, first vice president Drew De Bruyn, Joe Dwyer, Henry Groenestege and Doug Ahrens. Missing from the photo is Sabina Czachor-Mills. Contributed photo

By Gary West

With spring planting nearly complete across much of Ontario, organizers of the Ontario Pork Congress are preparing to welcome large crowds to Stratford on June 17 and 18.

Held at the Stratford Rotary Complex on McCarthy Road, the annual event brings together pork producers, agricultural businesses and industry partners from across the province to showcase the latest innovations in the pork sector while providing an opportunity for producers to connect with friends, neighbours and colleagues.

Organizers have spent the past year planning what they believe will be one of the best Ontario Pork Congress events yet.

The first day of the congress will feature presentations focused on piglet care, along with the popular Taste the Best Pork event. This year's culinary showcase will feature local restaurants and a brewery preparing pork shoulder with apricots.

The evening will include the annual Hog Jog and Wiener charity run, organized by the Ontario Pork Industry Council. Proceeds from this year's event will support the Emily Murphy Centre, a Stratford organization dedicated to assisting women and children affected by violence.

New this year is the Hog Jog Live Auction, where attendees will have the opportunity to bid on boxes of pork products, including back ribs, tenderloins and boneless pork butts.

The second day of the congress will feature the Bacon Maker Classic live hog show, a youth swine competition open to participants aged nine to 21. The competition runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony.

Other highlights include the Past Presidents' Luncheon, an educational event for international agricultural workers and a pork quality competition. This year's competition will focus on individual cuts of pork rather than whole carcasses.

Ontario Pork Congress president Victoria Stewart said there will be something for everyone at this year's event and encouraged visitors to come prepared to sample some of the best pork products Perth County has to offer.

In addition to educational opportunities and industry exhibits, the event continues to serve as an important gathering place for members of Ontario's pork industry and the broader agricultural community.