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Make plans to attend World Pork Expo

The 2014 World Pork Expo comes to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, June 4-6, 2014. Sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), World Pork Expo features the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, educational seminars, swine shows and sales, and so much more.

“If you’re shopping for new products and technologies; want the latest information on production management, legislative issues and markets; or are looking to exchange ideas with pork producers and other professionals, World Pork Expo is the event for you,” says Alicia Newman, World Pork Expo’s general manager. “But don’t delay. Hotels fill up quickly, so start making plans today.”

In 2013, nearly 20,000 pork producers, their employees and other professionals from 39 countries attended Expo, and organizers expect similar attendance this year. Online registration is already open; simply go to www.worldpork.org. Register early to secure the discounted admission fee of $5 for an adult (ages 12 and up), which provides entry for the entire Expo — a $10-per-person savings over the on-site fee.

The world’s largest pork-specific trade show, featuring more than 400 exhibitors from around the globe, is always a highlight of Expo. Attendees can stroll through more than 310,000 square feet of exhibit space to view the newest products, services and technologies available to pork production businesses today. The trade show is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 5. On Friday, June 6, trade show hours run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free educational seminars are offered on Wednesday and Thursday and will present updates on current management issues and research. Experts will be discussing topics ranging from animal health and well-being to production management to legislative updates to feeding strategies and more — all designed to provide practical information to take back home. Business seminars, also scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, address a range of marketing and business strategies and present an opportunity for questions and dialogue.

Live hogs will be on display in the swine barn from June 3 to 7. The ever-growing World Pork Expo Junior National, hosted by the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred, now ranks among the premier youth shows in the United States. In 2013, a record 1,600 pigs were exhibited by 678 juniors from 26 states. More details about show rules and entries are available at NJSA’s website.

Also at Expo, swine breeding stock from throughout the nation will compete in the purebred, open shows. Last year, more than 200 exhibitors competed for top honors with nearly 600 hogs. Breeding stock sales are held Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. until completion (at approximately noon).

MusicFest, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, has evolved into the social highlight of Expo. It’s a time when attendees can relax, listen to music, connect with colleagues, and enjoy some delicious pork and refreshments.

It wouldn’t be World Pork Expo without the Big Grill, and during each of event’s three days attendees can stop by for a free lunch of succulent pork. Manned by the Tama County Pork Producers Association from Iowa, the Big Grill serves up some 10,000 pork lunches each year.

To learn more about the 2014 World Pork Expo, check out www.worldpork.org. It has schedules and event details.

Even more information is available by connecting with World Pork Expo on Facebook, following Expo on Twitter (#NPPCWPX), and downloading the free mobile app by searching for “World Pork” in the Apple Store, Android Market or Blackberry’s App World.