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World’s largest pork-specific trade show is back, June 6 to 8

Seeing the pork industry’s newest technologies, participating in business seminars and showing outstanding breeding stock are just a few of the opportunities that draw nearly 20,000 people to the 2012 World Pork Expo.

Producers, agribusiness representatives and pork-industry enthusiasts are making plans to come to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, June 6 to 8, to participate in Expo — the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. This three-day National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) event also features business seminars and PORK Academy, the Junior National swine show, breeding stock shows and sales, live entertainment, and delicious food.

“From the debut of new equipment that improves pig welfare and performance, to well-known entertainers performing at MusicFest, everything is world class at World Pork Expo,” says R.C. Hunt, NPPC president from Wilson, N.C. “Before and after continuing your education at business seminars, you’ll see the very latest technology on display. Add in great food and hospitality, and you’ll have a first-rate experience along with outstanding ideas to take back home.”

A trade show that’s second to none
More than 450 commercial exhibitors will display the industry’s best at the Expo’s trade show. It will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new products and services that can improve profitability while helping produce quality pork. When in the Varied Industries Building, cast your ballot for your favorite new technology in World Pork Expo’s New Product Tour.

Seminars with the latest insights
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Varied Industries Building will be home to a variety of educational presentations from leading experts.

Expo-goers can choose from business seminars focusing on new technologies and management techniques, PORK Academy presentations about feed ingredient availability, doing what’s right versus looking for the camera, export issues and managing PRRS.

Top genetics on display
In the Fairgrounds’ Swine Barn, attendees will see one of the top youth shows — the World Pork Expo Junior National. Exhibitors from across the country will show crossbred barrows on Wednesday and purebred gilts on Thursday.

On Friday, Expo-goers can view open-show exhibitions including both purebred and crossbred classes. The breeding stock sales are on Saturday, from 8 a.m. until they’re completed at approximately noon.

Grammy-caliber entertainment at MusicFest
Once again, MusicFest will be the Expo’s social highlight. From 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, attendees can enjoy free roasted pork and refreshments while watching live performances.

Grammy Award winner David Ball, a country music singer and songwriter, will open MusicFest. His chart-topping hits include “Riding With Private Malone,” which made him one of the first artists to take an indie single to the Country Top 5, and“Thinkin’ Problem.”

Called America’s No. 1 Tribute Band, The Blooze Brothers will bring its signature high-powered, choreographed, 12-piece-band show to the MusicFest stage. They have mastered the music and crazy antics that John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made famous on Saturday Night Live.
 
Showcasing Midwest agriculture
Even before Expo begins, attendees can experience Midwest agriculture at its finest on three pre-Expo tours, June 4 and 5.

The two-day tour will take participants to see the locks-and-dam system that enables agricultural products to traverse the Mississippi River, and the John Deere Pavilion museum. They also will visit Cinnamon Ridge Farms, which features 4,000 acres of corn and soybeans, wean-to-finish swine facilities and a beef operation.

For those with limited schedules, two one-day tours are available. The Monday Iowa Agriculture Tour will feature a Christensen Farms feed mill, and the newly remodeled Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The Tuesday-only Iowa Agribusiness tour features stops at Swine Genetics International’s boar-reproduction facility and Pioneer Hi-Bred.

Easy to enjoy Expo
This year World Pork Expo is debuting an app to help attendees make the most of their Expo visit by downloading up-to-date schedules, finding exhibitor booths, locating special events and more. The WPX2012 app will be available from Apple and Android stores in late May.

“The best advice I can share regarding World Pork Expo is to carve out more than just one day to take it in,” says Hunt. “There’s so much to see – your family and employees will thoroughly enjoy every minute as they mingle with top pork producers from throughout the world.”

Those who pre-register at www.worldpork.org by Saturday, June 2, will receive $10 off the regular admission price of $15 that provides entry on all three days. More information is available at www.worldpork.org.

World Pork Expo, the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, is brought to you by NPPC. On behalf of its members, NPPC develops and defends export markets, fights for reasonable legislation and regulation, and informs and educates legislators. For more information, visit www.nppc.org.