Preface

Welcome to the 38th Banff Pork Seminar

While I have been a delegate more than thirty times and a presenter 3 times over the years, I don't recall a time more crucial to our industry.

This year's theme &ldquot;Bringing Back Profitability” recognizes what is needed if the pork industry is to have a future. We have been without profitability for all too long so it is fitting that we gather in Banff to benefit from interacting with other industry leaders as we each chart our course forward.

The 2009 plenary sessions will be looking at competitiveness at both the production and marketing levels. While the breakouts will, as usual, provide a range of interesting and important topics, many address either directly or indirectly our competitive positions.

Please use your time in this beautiful setting to greet old friends and make new ones. Take an opportunity to thank our sponsors who, in spite of industry problems, again stepped up in a very significant way to support our Seminar.

I appreciate the opportunity to work with the energetic Advisory Committee and especially Ron and Ruth Ball who tie it all together.

Best regards,

Bryan Perkins
Chair, 2009 Banff Pork Seminar Advisory Committee