Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a major focus for Boehringer Ingelheim, which sponsored a press conference at the recent World Pork Expo to talk about some of the latest in PRRS-control strategies. Dr. Reid Phillips, with BI’s Swine Enteric Technical Services, says they strive to encourage collaborative research in the field and continue to evaluate their modified live …
Novus International Partners With Chr. Hansen
NOVUS International signed an agreement last week at World Pork Expo with Chr. Hansen to provide the direct fed microbial BioPlus 2B® for swine producers in the United States. BioPlus 2B® contains two strains of Bacillus (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis). These Bacillus strains can improve the intestinal microbial balance of swine. Safety studies have proven that BioPlus 2B® strains …
Hog Industry Outlook at WPX
A media event at World Pork Expo sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health gave the outlook in several different areas for hog producers – the market, H1N1 and control of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2). It goes without saying that the market outlook is pretty dismal. University of Missouri professor emeritus Glenn Grimes summarized his forecast simply. “Farrows trending down, …
Impact of H1N1 at WPX
Attendance was down a bit at World Pork Expo this year due primarily to the impact of the H1N1 virus or “swine flu,” which kept away many international visitors who would normally attend. Washing and sanitizing of hands was stressed more than normal and the flu was a topic of press conferences, media interviews and general conversation. As we all …
Pig Racing at WPX
Seriously, what would a pork expo be without racing pigs? While World Pork Expo is a serious event for producers who want to find out the latest information about their industry, it’s also a family event with fun stuff like pig races. Hendrick’s Racing Pigs provides the entertainment in the cattle barn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The races are …
Boehringer Ingelheim Lights Up WPX
Boehringer Ingelheim gets the cool giveaway award for the World Pork Expo this year with their rechargeable pig flashlights. These nifty little gadgets use no batteries, so they are eco-friendly and sustainable – how about that?! They were definitely the most in-demand item at the expo and B-I ran out of them by the third day. I got one of …
Women in Swine Research and Production
No one would argue (especially not the men!) that women are the backbone of the agriculture industry and during a seminar at World Pork Expo sponsored by Novus International titled “Women in Agriculture” we heard from two world-class women making a difference in the swine industry. Dr. Laura Greiner, who does research for Innovative Swine Solutions and Carthage Veterinary Service …
Beautiful Weather for WPX
Another simply gorgeous day for the World Pork Expo. Today is the last day for the event – a change from previous years. The expo used to start on Thursday and end Saturday afternoon, shortly before judging of the Great Pork BarbeQlossal. The days for that event, which is sponsored by the National Pork Board, remain the same. Cooking starts …
Kids and Hogs
Participation in the Junior National Swine Show at World Pork Expo was up significantly this year. Apparently the kids don’t care that the hog industry is going through tough times right now! Officials said there were over 2000 entries in the show this year, up from 1800 last year, and it is so funny to see some of these really …
Novus Puttin’ on the Pig
The highlight of day two at World Pork Expo is the carving of the roasted hogs and there were four this year. We already saw Elvis Pigsly in the last post – here is the Novus International feast. The hogs are roasted for almost 24 hours before they are carved up and offered for passers-by to enjoy, with a nice …