World Pork Expo sets sights on future
In search of new ideas and solutions, more than 20,000 producers, employees and pork professionals recently attended the 2018 World Pork Expo. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, Expo also welcomed nearly 1,000 international guests from 35 countries to Des Moines.
Marking its 30th year, the 2018 Expo presented a record number of trade-show exhibitors, hospitality tents, educational seminars and live hogs in the Junior National show. The Iowa State Fairgrounds provided the perfect backdrop for a festive summer evening during MusicFest, giving visitors the opportunity to share fun and fellowship.
“It’s hard to believe Expo has been around for 30 years,” says Jim Heimerl, NPPC president and producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “Just as the U.S. pork industry has evolved over the years, so too has Expo. Today it is an excellent venue to visit with a number of pork professionals and share insights in a short period of time. I hope there are many more Expos to come.”
More exhibits, more innovations
Topping the list of priorities for Expo attendees was the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, and this year’s offering set a record. The addition of the Jacobson Exhibition Center and an expanded outdoor exhibit space pushed the trade show beyond 360,000 square feet. A mix of first-time and long-time exhibitors from more than 500 U.S. and international companies displayed the latest products, services and technologies for pork production.
Barn-busting Junior National Show
The vibrant World Pork Expo Junior National continued its steady growth, with nearly 1,200 youth, representing 32 states. That compares to 1,050 exhibitors from 32 states in 2017. Also breaking records were the number of live hogs exhibited—2,800 head—an increase of 300 hogs from 2017’s record. To accommodate the ever-expanding show, the events began on Monday, June 4, and ran through the end of the week. Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, the Junior National combines educational activities such as a Skillathon and Youth PQA Plus certification, with swine judging, live-hog competitions and showmanship.
