2015 World Pork Expo set for June 3-5
The dates are set for the 2015 World Pork Expo – June 3-5 – at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. World Pork Expo presents a wide range of activities, including the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, educational seminars, and swine shows and sales.
“World Pork Expo is a showcase of pork production,” says Howard Hill, D.V.M., National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) president and Iowa pork producer. “You’ll find everything that a producer might use on the farm, from data processing and premier genetics, to new feeders and the latest animal health products. It’s a great opportunity to get a crash course in what’s new.”
20.000 pork producers
In 2014, 20,000 pork producers, their employees and other professionals attended Expo, and the event’s general manager, Alicia Newman, expects similar numbers this year. Enhancing the global perspective, representatives from more than 30 countries visit the three-day show each year.
The world’s largest pork-specific trade show features hundreds of commercial exhibits from companies throughout the world. The newest products, services and technologies for producing pork are on display in more than 310,000 square feet of exhibit space. The trade show runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4. On Friday, June 5, the trade show is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A long list of free educational sessions are on tap for Wednesday and Thursday where producers can get updates on issues that affect their businesses, learn about new production and management practices, and review the latest research. The business seminars and PORK Academy also will outline new technologies and business strategies, and offer opportunities for dialogue with experts.
Live hogs
Throughout the week, Expo attendees will find live hogs on display in the swine barn. Highlighting the exhibit is the World Pork Expo Junior National, which has evolved into one of the United States’ premier educational programs and shows. Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred, the Junior National again set a record in 2014, with more than 1,600 pigs exhibited by nearly 750 juniors from 24 states. Rules and entry details are available at nationalswine.com.
An open show rounds out the exhibition, with swine breeders from throughout the nation vying for top honors. In 2014, nearly 600 hogs were exhibited in Expo’s open show. A breeding stock auction will be held on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 8 a.m.
Expo also provides the opportunity for pork professionals to network and reconnect, and MusicFest on Thursday afternoon provides the ideal setting. Attendees can relax, listen to live music performances, and enjoy tasty grilled pork and refreshments.
As one would expect, there’s no shortage of pork at Expo, and the Big Grill is a must-see. Each day, you can stop by for a free pork lunch. Staffed by Iowa’s Tama County Pork Producers Association, the Big Grill serves up some 10,000 pork lunches during Expo’s three days.
For details about event schedules and the latest information on room availability at official World Pork Expo hotels, visit worldpork.org.
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