Brandon, MB – The Pork Quality Competition and Luncheon, a signature event of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, celebrated another successful year today, recognizing excellence in pork production across Manitoba. This year’s competition featured 12 high-quality entries from producers across the province, with Riverside Colony earning the title of Grand Champion, and Treesbank Colony awarded Reserve Grand Champion—marking their first participation in the event in nearly seven years.
Hosted in partnership with Manitoba Pork, Assiniboine College, East 40 Packers, Fortified Nutrition, Blue Water Wash, and Victoria Inn, the event drew strong community and political support, with attendees including Premier Wab Kinew, the Leader of the Opposition, the Mayor of Brandon, and representatives from the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and Assiniboine Community College.
“Today’s event is more than a competition,” said Wayne Buhr, Co-Chair of the Royal Manitoba WInter Fair. “It’s about celebrating the dedication of Manitoba’s hog producers, building community connections, and supporting culinary education and local food banks.”
A Community-Focused Culinary Collaboration
Each year, hog producers across Manitoba are invited to submit up to two animals for judging, with carcasses delivered to East 40 Packers at the start of fair week. The top two carcasses are donated to the Assiniboine College Culinary Arts program, where students use the products in their training. All remaining entries are processed and donated to local food banks, continuing the event’s legacy of giving back to the community.
Additionally, half of all prize money is donated to the winners’ chosen charities. This year, one of the competing colonies made an additional donation from their winnings to a local cause, demonstrating the spirit of generosity that defines the event.
Rich History & Growing Participation
The Pork Quality Competition has grown from its origins as a live hog show in the Dome Building in the 1970s to become one of the most anticipated annual events at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. The competition combines agricultural excellence, culinary collaboration, and community service, creating a unique experience for both participants and attendees.
Tickets to the luncheon were available to the public and could be purchased online or at the gate, allowing all guests—regardless of participation—to enjoy a delicious pork-based meal and celebrate Manitoba’s hog producers.
For more information and details on how to participate in next year’s competition, please visit provincialexhibition.com.