This week we celebrate the silver anniversary of World Pork Expo, the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, presented by the National Pork Producers Council.
Nearly 20,000 pork producers and industry representatives from 39 countries will be in Des Moines this week for the 2013 World Pork Expo. “If you’re looking for products, technology or information, World Pork Expo is the best place to spend your time,” says Randy Spronk, NPPC president and pork producer from Edgerton, Minn.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, World Pork Expo will feature 310,000 square feet of exhibits, which is an increase from 2012. New this year is the addition of the Agriculture Building to the exhibit space, which will feature the International Visitors Center and the America’s Best Genetics display, as well as a display of World Pork Expo memorabilia from the past 25 years.
“Attendees should stop by the Agriculture Building and vote for their favorite display,” says Alicia Irlbeck, World Pork Expo general manager. “To celebrate World Pork Expo’s 25th anniversary, NPPC is giving away a trip for two to a location of the winner’s choice for up to a $3,000 value. All Expo attendees are eligible and can sign up in booth 2708.”
As always, Expo features lots of educational seminars and the Junior National show. “We have a wide variety of seminars lined up, from nutrition and feed to manure management and food safety,” Irlbeck says. The World Pork Expo Junior National has set another record this year, with 856 junior exhibitors from throughout nation entering more than 2,500 pigs. The 2012 show set a record when youths showed 2,177 hogs — a 25 percent increase from the previous year. The Junior National shows and judging competitions take place each day of Expo. The open show, with almost 1,000 hogs entered by 493 exhibitors, will be held on Friday, June 7, with a sale on Saturday, June 8.
I am getting ready to head up to Des Moines tomorrow to join our local correspondent Joanna Schroeder in covering the expo. This is the sixth year we have been able to bring WPX to you via AgWired, thanks once again to the generous sponsorship of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica and NOVUS International. Both of these great companies will have tents set up on the main drag of the Iowa Fairgrounds and will have lots to offer expo attendees. Stop by and say hi!