The economist to the pork industry Steve Meyer, with Paragon Economics, gave attendees at the 25 anniversary of the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa an economic update. During a question and answer session Meyer noted that the industry finally has prices back to profitable for the short run, the first time in nearly two years. However, he doesn’t …
Meet Kourtney Determan – Up & Coming Aggie
During the 25th Anniversary of World Pork Expo, I had the opportunity to meet one of the up and coming young women in agriculture – Kourtney Determan. She is an Iowa native who grew up on a farm in Northwest Iowa as well as a recent graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Communications. In mid-May, she …
NPPC Science & Technology Updates at WPX
This morning, Bill Luckey, pork producer from Columbus, Nebraska and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) director gave an update during the second day of 2013 World Pork Expo on science and technology updates including antibiotics and animal welfare. In terms of antibiotics, Luckey said NPPC has been actively involved in the Animal Drug User Act. It has moved all the …
And This Little Piggy Went to World Pork Expo
Remember the nursery rhyme “This little pig went to market. This little pig went home….”? Well, this little pig went to World Pork Expo and had a great time. The coolest and most creative “piggies” at the 25th anniversary of World Pork Expo were found on Trudy’s nails in the Boehringer Ingelheim tent. Her nails support the pork industry in …
USDA’s Alonzo Updates WPX on Key Issues
Anne Alonzo is attending her first World Pork Expo since taking the helm as the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator just over a month ago. During her comments this morning, she said that the USDA is very supportive of the efforts of the pork industry and will continue to work with them on key issues. There were several items …
25th World Pork Expo Kicks Off With a Bang
This year marks the 25th year of the World Pork Expo and the event is sure to be a success. More than 20,000 pork producers and industry representatives from 39 countries will be on hand for the opening today presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). According to the Expo’s new General Manager, Alicia Irlbeck, the event is the …
Syngenta Unveils New Crop Research Facility
Syngenta has unveiled its new crop research facility at the company’s RTP Innovation Center, located in North Carolina. The $72 million Advanced Crop Lab allows company researchers to simulate any agricultural climate and precisely measure plant inputs. This technology will help farmers grow more food with fewer resources. “Our new Advanced Crop Lab allows us to bring together components of …
ISU Seeks Input on DDGs
Iowa State University is conducting a survey of livestock producers use of feed-related co-products from ethanol production (distillers grains). The survey is focused on the beef, dairy, swine and poultry sectors. It is being funded by a coalition consisting of the Renewable Fuels Association, the Distillers Grains Technology Council and the Corn Utilization Councils from Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. “The …
Elanco Invests $100M in China Animal Healthcare
Elanco is investing approximately $100 million to purchase a minority equity stake in China Animal Healthcare Ltd., one of the leading players in the animal health industry in the People’s Republic of China. The investment expands Elanco’s commitment to China, with the goal of providing innovative, safety-enhancing food production solutions to help meet the growing food demands and nutritional needs …
Celebrate National Biodiesel Day
Today is National Biodiesel Day! The Iowa Biodiesel Board is asking Iowans to reflect on the contribution the biodiesel industry is making to Iowa and to the nation. March 18 is National Biodiesel Day because it is Rudolf Diesel’s birthday, the man who invented the engine that bears his name. He ran early models on peanut oil, and was a …