Des Moines, IOWA — Thousands of pork producers and industry professionals will gather to learn the latest technologies and innovations in the field at the 2022 World Pork Expo, from June 8-10 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

The World Pork Expo is well-known for its networking opportunities, educational seminars, packed trade show floor, and events. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead so they don’t miss out on the packed programming.

Top options to enjoy the show

Here’s a look at some of the featured events and opportuniites taking place at this year’s Expo:

• Explore the Trade Show. Attendees don’t want to miss visiting the hundreds of vendors and exhibitors displaying the latest pork production technologies, products, and services throughout the Varied Industries Building, Hospitality Tents, and more. The trade show is open Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Check out the list of exhibitors here.
• Stop by a Seminar. This year’s line-up of programming through Business Seminars and the Pork Academy gives producers the opportunity to learn about critical topics such as sustainability, data, industry collaborations, nutrition, and more.
• Breakfast at the McRig. Expo attendees can grab breakfast at the McRig, courtesy of McDonald’s, on June 8 and 9 from 8-10 a.m. Snag a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit or sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit with a side of hash browns. The McRig is located at Grand Avenue, west of the main entrance.
• Get Your Fill at the Big Grill. Attendees are also invited each day to stop by the Big Grill for a free lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Big Grill is located in the grassy area south of the Varied Industries Building.
• Get Grillin’ with the Grillologists. Self-proclaimed “Grillologists,” Mad Dog & Merrill® entertain and educate thousands of backyard enthusiasts every year with the finer points of grill’n. Attendees can join in the laughs and a filming of Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n® at booth G162 on June 8 at 2:00 p.m. and again on June 9 at 10:30 a.m.
• Networking lounge. Lounge Hours are held in Meeting Room B from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for opportunities to network with staff experts from the National Pork Board and answer questions about sustainability and disease preparedness.

Business Seminars and Pork Academy tackle tough topics

This year’s line-up of Business Seminars and Pork Academy gives producers the opportunity to learn about critical topics such as sustainability, data, industry collaborations, nutrition, and more.

“These seminars provide opportunities for pork professionals to stay on top of the latest challenges, topics, trends, and innovations in our industry,” said NPPC President Terry Wolters, owner of Stoney Creek Farms. “The World Pork Expo is an excellent place to learn how to improve operations and outcomes with the newest strategies.”

This year’s line-up of Business Seminars includes a variety of sessions, such as multi-part panel discussions and Q&A opportunities. Highlights include:

Seminars -- Wednesday, June 8:

• 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Join Dan Jones, Ph.D. for Today’s Science, Tomorrow’s Success: ADM Feed Additive Portfolio and Elliott Brammer, VP Amino Acids, ADM Animal Nutrition to learn more about the amino acid market, current developments and research focus.
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Supply chain challenges. Labor shortages. Sustainability pressures. Market volatility. Join experts for this entry in our sustainability series, Sustainability of Modern Protein Production in Times of Global Supply Chain Uncertainty.
• 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — What does international and domestic demand for crops and pork look like? How is that impacting pork prices and pork consumption? Learn more in this seminar, Economic Outlook of the Crop & Pork Industry.
• 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Are you already thinking about how to optimize performance and profitability this fall? If not, you should be. Get the tools you need to do just that in this seminar, Perfect Plan for Fall Profitability & Beyond: Live!

Seminars -- Thursday, June 9:

• • 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — It’s no secret that most of us in the industry realize that market barrows perform better than gilts. But should we look at this challenge as a cost of business or a revenue opportunity? Join this panel discussion: Gilts vs. Barrows – New Innovation for Closing the Gilt Gap.

This year’s Pork Academy introduces big ideas and innovative thinking from experts ready to tackle the challenges faced by pork producers and their communities.

The Pork Academy schedule of events includes:

Academy -- Wednesday, June 8:

• • • 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Coffee Talk: Hot Topics in the Pork Industry, featuring Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board.
    • 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Sustainability Series: What’s Coming and Why You Need to Be Ready, featuring Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist, UC Davis CLEAR Center.

Academy -- Thursday, June 9:

• • • 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Foreign Animal Disease Series: The Alphabet Soup of Disease Response, featuring guest speakers Dr. Pam Zaabel, Director, Swine Health, National Pork Board; Tyler Holck, Senior Program Coordinator, US Swine Health Improvement Plan; and Dr. Anna Forseth, Director, Animal Health, National Pork Producers Council.
    • 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Foreign Animal Disease Series: Depopulation and Disposal, featuring Marguerite Tan, Director, Environmental Programs, National Pork Board; and Stephanie Wisdom, Director, Animal Welfare, National Pork Board.
    • 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Sustainability Series: Decoding Carbon Markets – What Do They Mean to You?, featuring Dr. Sara Crawford, Vice President, Sustainability, National Pork Board, and the Pollination Group.

There’s still time to register to join thousands of pork industry professionals at this summer’s must-attend pork event. Learn more and register via the 2022 World Pork Expo website.Visit www.worldpork.org to view a full schedule of events.