The 2024 World Pork Expo, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council, invites attendees to engage with the latest insights across all facets of the pork industry.
This year’s event features a new two-day schedule and the return of the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. Other highlights include the return of free educational seminars and the introduction of the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.
“In a constantly changing industry like this, it’s important to stay informed and innovative,” NPPC President Lori Stevermer said. “This is especially true as we welcome young people eager to make a difference. The 2024 World Pork Expo is all about improving knowledge for all professionals and supporting young talent through events like the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet.”
The issues meet is a new competitive speaking event for young adults passionate about the future of the pork industry. Sponsored by Novus and NutraBlend, the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet is designed for pork enthusiasts aged 17 to 22 to engage with real-world industry challenges. Participants will research, problem-solve, discuss and draft mock motions, gaining valuable experience in NPPC’s policy development process.
The competition will be held during the expo and kicks off with an orientation, followed by round robin discussions on Day 1. Day 2 features the final round and culminates in the results announcement. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 and a trip to the NPPC Legislative Action Conference await the top winners. Visit WorldPork.org for details.
A fresh lineup of business seminars awaits attendees this year. These seminars will focus on key industry pillars such as sustainability, technological advancements and other pressing issues shaping today’s pork production. They will be held in the Varied Industries Building and will feature comprehensive panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions with leading experts.
Seminar schedule
June 5
1 to 3 p.m., Kent – A Partner in Continuous Improvement, sponsored by Kent Feeds. Speakers Jim Smith, Michael Edmonds, Kale Causemaker. Join Kent to learn about the latest in swine nutrition, including new developments in its NexGex Advanced line-up and the introduction of EFFICOR, a new swine origin probiotic. Location at Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B.
2 to 3 p.m., The Impact of Clean Feed on Endemic Swine Disease, sponsored by Anitox. Discover the benefits of clean feed in reducing endemic swine disease with Francisco Domingues, exploring the effectiveness of feed sanitizers and strategies for optimal biosecurity in your feed mill. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room D.
June 6
10 to 11:30 a.m., Challenging Health and Productivity – How does the U.S. lead the world in sustainable, profitable pork production? Sponsored by Alltech. Mark Lyons of Alltech leads a discussion on the U.S. pork industry’s role in global trade, animal health and sustainability, aimed at enhancing economic and environmental outcomes for producers and consumers alike. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room D.
Pork Academy
The Pork Academy, presented by the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff, returns with interactive sessions featuring expert analysis and discussions. Set within the Varied Industries Building, attendees can gain insights and enter for a chance to win exclusive pork-related prizes. Entrance to the Pork Academy sessions is included with a World Pork Expo admission.
June 5
9 to 11 a.m., An Economic Outlook for the Pork Industry. Join Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns as they discuss the international and domestic demand for pork, pricing impacts and market consumption in an interactive economic session. Location, Varied Industries Building Upper Meeting Room.
1 to 2 p.m., Building Public Trust in Pork. Speakers Nicholas Gabler, Iowa State University; Pedro Urriola, University of Minnesota; Katie Sanders, North Carolina State University; and Alexa Lamm, University of Georgia, will explore strategies to bridge the gap between the public and farm practices with the Real Pork Trust Consortium, focusing on building consumer trust. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C.
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., How Pork Powers Your Plate and the Industry. Discover the latest in pork nutrition research, and learn how collaborations with nutrition experts are enhancing pork’s appeal in this informative panel discussion. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C.
June 6
9 to 10:30 a.m., Endemic Diseases, Biosecurity and Other Hot Topics in Swine Health. Moderator Brent Pepin, National Pork Board. Speakers Deb Murray, New Fashion Pork; Lisa Becton, Swine Health Improvement Center; Guilherme Cezar, Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine; Laura Dalquist, Swine Vet Center. Address your swine health concerns with leading experts, focusing on diseases and biosecurity in an engaging discussion. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B.
10:30 to 11:45 a.m., Positioning Pork For Success: Meeting Consumers Where They Are. Learn how understanding consumer behavior can drive pork’s relevance and demand, utilizing insights from the NPB Consumer Connect. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C.
1 to 2:15 p.m., The Future of Everything Pork. Explore the future of pig farming with experts on gene editing, AI and other advanced technologies, discussing opportunities and challenges. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C.
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Carbon Markets, CSAs, ROI and More. Moderator Jill Brokaw, National Pork Board. Get the latest updates on Climate Smart Grants, sustainability funding opportunities and how they affect on-farm practices. Location, Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B.
Online registration for the World Pork Expo closes on May 30. For registration details, event updates, hotel information and more, visit WorldPork.org.
