“Both of our winners have made significant contributions to the pork industry and their accomplishments deserve to be recognized,“ said Larry Skinner, Chair of Ontario Pork. “Their work on behalf of all producers clearly shows their commitment and dedication to our industry.“

The Ontario Pork Industry Merit Award is given annually by Ontario Pork to recognize and honour outstanding accomplishments in the Ontario pork industry.

Will Nap manages a hog farm in Simcoe County, where he has farmed since the 1970s. He was first elected to the Board of Directors of Ontario Pork in 1995 and became Vice Chairman in 1997. Will served as Chairman of the Board 1998-2000, and helped steer the industry through the dark days of industry unrest and the price collapse. He has dedicated countless hours to Ontario’s agricultural industry, including chairing the 1981 International Plowing Match, helping in the formation of the Process Potato Growers’ Marketing Board, hosting foreign delegations at his farm, and above all, being a tireless champion and supporter of the hog industry.

John Bancroft is a swine specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He has specialized in extension activities in Huron and Perth counties since 1983. John is an active member of the Ontario Pork Congress, serving as Chair in 2002. He coordinated the Junior Barrow Show at the Royal Winter Fair for many years, is the Chair of the London Swine Conference and helps organize many different swine extension events every year. Farmers rely on his weekly articles, newsletters and enterprise budgets and hog market commentaries, as well as the many fact sheets he has produced on pricing and budgeting.

Source: Ontario Pork - 16th March 2006