By Andi Anderson
The 36th annual World Pork Expo, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), recently concluded at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, drawing an impressive gathering of over 12,000 producers and industry experts from 37 countries.
This event is recognized as the world's largest pork-specific trade show, offering many seminars, networking, and hospitality opportunities aimed at advancing the swine industry.
NPPC president and Minnesota pork producer Lori Stevermer expressed her enthusiasm for the expo, stating, "World Pork Expo brings out the best in the swine industry. There are so many educational and networking opportunities. I hope everyone who attended Expo went home with a new idea they can implement on their farm for a long-term benefit."
The expo featured a cautious optimism among exhibitors, as discussed by Natalia Rimi HeisterKamp, global strategy director for Gestal Jyga Technologies.
She noted, "International visitors come to look at what’s new... They want to see how U.S. producers get the production numbers that they do."
U.S. producers like Hyatt Frobose, commercial director and nutritionist at the company, are beginning to reinvest in their facilities, adopting new technologies to maintain effective and efficient pork production.
The expo also focused on reaching various participants, including the youth. A new addition this year was the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet, sponsored by Novus and Nutra Blend, where young participants engaged in discussions to innovate solutions for industry challenges.
Winner Emma Kuhns from Illinois highlighted the importance of the program, expressing gratitude and her future aspirations in law to advocate for pork producers.
The expo offered the Pork Academy and business seminars sponsored by various companies. These sessions covered a wide range of topics from market economics to sustainability and biosecurity in pork production.
The event was about discussions and seminars; it also featured the Big Grill, where attendees enjoyed over 5,000 free pork lunches, showcasing the delicious products of the industry.
The next World Pork Expo is scheduled for June 4-5, 2025, at the same venue, promising more opportunities for learning, sharing, and enjoying the vibrant pork industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mg7
Categories: Iowa, Livestock, Hogs