The National Pork Producers Council will be hosting the 20th annual World Pork Expo on June 5-7, 2008, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The world's largest pork industry-specific trade show and exhibition has evolved over the years, while maintaining a continued focus on the business of pork production.
Pre-registration name badges will place attendees on a first-name basis with their peers from around the globe.
More than 30,000 pork producers, exhibitors and visitors typically arrive to see the cutting-edge innovations the industry has to offer, streaming through the gates at a rate of 1,000 people/hour at peak times.
John Wrigley, World Pork Expo general manager and director of resource development for the National Pork Producers Council, says World Pork Expo has experienced a growing international presence during its 20-year history. “We are seeing both more international attendees and exhibitors,” he notes. “Close to 3,000 international attendees came to the 2007 World Pork Expo.” A pre-Expo tour has been added to help international visitors learn more about the U.S. pork industry. The tour is June 3-4, and will include visits to Iowa State University, Kemin AgriFoods, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a feedmill and pork production facilities.
Wrigley says the World Pork Expo Trade Show continually rates as one of the main reasons people come to the Expo each year. Even with the challenging economic situation, producers can learn about the science, products and partnerships that can improve their operations. The 2008 Trade Show will include more than 500 exhibitors.
Pork producers are also encouraged to attend educational seminars, take advantage of marketing and environmental information centers, take in a breed show and sale, eat a free lunch at the big grill and relax at the World Pork Open Golf Tournament or Sporting Clay Championship.
Friday evening musical entertainment will be presented, street-dance style, on the Grand Concourse beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Street Band, a rock cover band from Webster City, IA, will kick off the evening followed by country favorites Highway 101, with special guest Sweethearts of the Rodeo. The entertainment extravaganza wraps up with the headliner, Broadway Beetles Tribute.
The first World Pork Expo was held in Des Moines in 1988. The event moved to Springfield, IL, in 1989, before heading back to Des Moines from 1990 to 1993. In 1994, 1997 and 2000, the event was held in Indianapolis, IN, before returning to its permanent home at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines in 2002. There was no World Pork Expo in 2001 due to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) scare.
“To have had to cancel World Pork Expo because of FMD for one year and then have it come back and maintain its presence speaks to the strength of the show,” says Ernie Barnes, National Pork Board director of industry services, producer and industry relations and former World Pork Expo manager.
The Junior National Swine Show was added in 2004. “I think the Junior National was by far one of the most positive things added to World Pork Expo over the years,” says Barnes. “It draws 550-600 youth exhibitors to World Pork Expo each year.”
NPPC has redesigned the official World Pork Expo Web site with more details and information about the show, plus pre-registration information at www.worldpork.org. Online registration is available for advance admission purchase for $5. On-site registration is $12, and will be available at Gate 15. Registrants can pick up admission name badges at the Animal Learning Center building on the fairgrounds near Gate 15.
A full schedule of events for World Pork Expo follows on pages 67-71.
June 5-7, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines. A full slate of events and more can be accessed at www.worldpork.org.
Thursday, June 5; Friday, June 6 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Saturday June 7 (8 a.m. to noon)
Varied Industries Building, Cattle Barn, Outdoors
World Pork Expo is the world's largest pork-specific trade show, with a wide array of products and services offered by over 500 exhibitors.
Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6 (8 a.m.to 5 p.m.)
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B
The New Product Showcase offers World Pork Expo attendees the opportunity to vote for the most promising new product from National Hog Farmer's New Product Tour. All voters will be entered to win a commemorative World Pork Expo toy tractor in one of three drawings per day.
Thursday, June 5 (10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); Friday, June 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
The Marketing Information Center offers producers the opportunity to learn about marketing trends that impact the bottom line. Free admission.
Thursday, June 5
10:00 a.m. to noon - Seminars sponsored by AgroSoft North America
10:00 a.m. - New Products Introduced Since Last Year - Tom Barragy, AgroSoft North America
10:30 a.m. - Implementing AgroSoft in Company Managed Farms - Joe Connor, DVM, or Mary Sawlsville, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd Carthage, IL
11 a.m. - Implementing the AgroSoft Programs and New Features - Paul Fredsted and Jon Tomsen, AgroSoft North America
11:30 a.m. to noon - Questions and Answers
Noon to 2:30 p.m. - National Pork Board Lunch and Market Outlook, Moderator: Jamey Tosh, Tosh Farms
Weather Situation and Outlook for Summer 2008, Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University
Outlook for Feed Costs in 2008-09 and Beyond - Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, Inc.
Hog and Pork Economic Outlook - Glenn Grimes, University of Missouri
Friday, June 6
10:00 a.m. to noon — Seminars sponsored by AgriSoft North America
10 a.m. - New Products Introduced Since Last Year - Tom Barragy, AgroSoft North America
10:30 a.m. - Implementing AgroSoft in Company-Managed Farms - Joe Connor, DVM, or Mary Sawlsville, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd., Carthage, IL
11 a.m. - Implementing the AgroSoft Programs and New Features - Paul Fredsted and Jon Tomsen, AgroSoft North America
11:30 a.m. - Questions and Answers
Noon to 2:30 p.m. - National Pork Board Lunch and Market Outlook, Moderator: Gene Nemechek, Genetic Improvement, Inc.
Weather Situation and Outlook for Summer 2008, Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University
Outlook for Feed Costs in 2008-09 and Beyond - Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, Inc.
Hog and Pork Economic Outlook - Glenn Grimes, University of Missouri
3:00 to 5:00 p.m. - The Ins and Outs of Electronic Sow Feeding - seminars sponsored by Nedap Agri, North America
3:00 p.m. - The Start-Up - Gary Wyse, Nedap Agri, North America
3:30 p.m. - Why You Need Velos - Gerard Weijers, Nedap Agri, North America
4:00 p.m. - Group Housing for Sows - How to Do It! - Kase van Ittersum, Nedap Agri, North America
4:30 p.m. - Ventilation - Tim Kurbi, Nedap Agri, North America
Cattle Barn Sales Arena: Free producer education seminars are some of the best-attended events at the World Pork Expo. Learn about animal health, tips to improve daily gain, and learn the ins and outs of working with employees.
Thursday, June 5 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
10:00 a.m. to noon — Seminars sponsored by Intervet, A Schering-Plough Company
10 a.m. - Circovirus Before and After the Outbreak, Pat Graham, DVM, Pittsfield, IL, Ghrist Veterinary Clinic.
10:30 a.m. - Optimizing PCV2 Vaccine Efficacy, Brad Thacker, DVM, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.
1 to 3 p.m. - Seminars sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
1 p.m. - Increase Profits in 2008: The Stuff That's Not on the Typical Lists - Dennis DiPietre, Economist
1:40 p.m. - Diagnosing and Managing Illeitis in Today's Tight Economic Climate - Sarah Probst Miller, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd., Carthage, IL
2 p.m. - Vaccinating to Reduce PCVAD in Large Production Systems, A Case Study - Doug King, DVM, Cargill
Thursday, June 5
3 to 5 p.m. — Seminars sponsored by the National Pork Board
3 p.m. - Cultural Diversity - Orlando Gil, Hawkeye Sow Centers
3:40 p.m. - Occupational Health & Safety - Kelly Donham, University of Iowa
4:20 p.m. - Hearing Protection - Michael Humann, University of Iowa
Friday, June 6 (10 a.m. to Noon)
10:00 a.m. to noon - Seminars sponsored by the National Pork Board
10 a.m. - Risk Management: Chicago Mercantile Exchange:
Grain Outlook - Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, Inc.Strategies to Improve Production Costs and Efficiencies - Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy, Inc.
Thursday, June 5 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
10:00 a.m. to noon — Seminars sponsored by Alltech, Inc.
10 a.m. - Yucca and Odor Control: A Modern Perspective on Quality Control, Efficacy and Cost Reduction - Paul Gorenewegen, Technical Sales, Alltech, Inc., Canada
10:45 a.m. - Dramatically Lower Excretion Levels and Costs, Improved Reproductive Performance and Longevity with Improved Energy Utilization through Organic Mineral Use - Fact or Fantasy? - Jeremy Burkett, Iowa State University
11:30 p.m. - Solutions to Decrease Mineral Excretion and Lower Feeding Costs - A Practical Approach - James Pierce, Coordinator of Monogastric Research, Alltech, Inc.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Seminars sponsored by BASF Plant Science, LLC
1 p.m. - Practical Feeding Programs for the Environment - Tom Deters, marketing manager, FS Total Livestock Services, Effingham, IL
2 p.m. - Research Applications for Managing the Environmental Footprint of Swine Production - Joel DeRouchey, Extension Swine Specialist, Kansas State University
Friday, June 6 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
10 a.m. to noon — Seminars sponsored by Slurrystore
10 a.m. - Anaerobic Digesters - Where Waste Management Equals Energy Generation, David Palmer, BioPower, Franklin, TN.
10:40 a.m. - Save Big Money on Fertilizer While Keeping Your Neighbors Happy, Bill Campion, Pro-Act.
11:20 a.m. - Effective Manure Management Solutions, Steve Oracz, Market Development, Parkson Agricultural Group.
1 p.m to 3 p.m. — Seminars sponsored by the National Pork Board
1 p.m. - Facility Siting, Larry Jacobsen, University of Minnesota.
1:40 p.m. - How to Make EQIP Work for You, Dennis Pate, Validus.
2:10 p.m. - Odor Mitigation Technologies/Environmental Stewards Showcase - (2005) Randy Brown, Maken' Bacon Farms, Nevada, OH; (2006) Henry Moore, Bobcat Farms, Clinton, NC; and (2007) Loren Keppy, Keppy Farm, Durant, IA.
Tuesday, June, 3 and Wednesday, June 4
Includes visits to Iowa State University, Kemin AgriFoods, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a feedmill and pork production facilities.
Thursday, June 5; Friday, June 6; and Saturday, June 7, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Fairgrounds Triangle
Enjoy a fabulous pork lunch every day at the Big Grill. There is such a thing as a free lunch when you visit the World Pork Expo Big Grill!
Friday, June 6 (3 to 8 p.m.)
Three musical acts will take the stage beginning with the Street Band from Webster City, IA, performing rock and roll favorites, followed by country legends Highway 101, with special guest Sweethearts of the Rodeo. Topping off the night will be the ever-popular Broadway Beatles Tribute.
Friday, June 6 (8:30 a.m. registration and free range balls; 9:30 a.m. shotgun start):
Briarwood Golf Course, Ankeny, IA
A World Pork Expo favorite! Reservations will be accepted for the first 144 golfers. Cost is $125 per golfer. Sign up a foursome or register individually by calling John Wrigley at 417-451-6004, or email wrigleyj@nppc.org. Download a registration form at https://www.worldpork.org/pdfs/events/WPO-Entry-Form.pdf.
Thursday, June 5
New Pioneer Gun Club, Waukee, IA
Sign up for a five-person team shootout. This is a “don't miss” World Pork Expo event. Contact Craig Boelling at 515-278-8012, or email boellingc@nppc.org. Download a registration form at https://www.worldpork.org/pdfs/events/WPOCTC-Reg-Form.pdf.
Thursday, June 5; Friday, June 6; and Saturday, June 7, during trade show hours
Cattle Barn
Learn about the best swine genetics available by taking a trip through the National Swine Registry's America's Best Genetics section in the Cattle Barn. Learn more at https://www.worldpork.org/pdfs/events/AGB-Blurb.pdf or visit www.nationalswine.com.
Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7, during trade show hours
Cattle Barn
Presented by the National Farm Toy Museum, the World Pork Expo Farm Toy Show and Sale offers many displays of farm toys and memorabilia for sale.
Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7, during trade show hours
Cattle Barn Main Entrance
Pig images in a variety of media will be on display in this unique traditional show. Artists vie for cash prizes and ribbons. Expo attendees may vote for their favorite artwork in the Audience Choice Award.
Saturday, June 7 (Judging starts at 11 a.m., prizes awarded at 3:30 p.m.)
South of the Varied Industries Building
The nation's best barbequers will vie for a share of more than $37,500 in cash prizes and national competition points in this World Pork Expo tradition. Contestants will bring their custom-made grills and sauces to compete in the categories of whole hog, ribs, loin and shoulder and showmanship.
Thursday, June 5; and Friday June 6 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, June 7 (8 a.m. to noon)
Cattle Barn (Northeast Corner)
Racing pigs will hoof around a sawdust track at blazing speeds. It will be fun for the entire family.
Thursday, June 5 through Saturday,June 7 during trade show hours.
Varied Industries Building (South Foyer)
Shop for exclusive World Pork Expo apparel and merchandise. Take home a souvenir!
Friday, June 6; Saturday, June 7
Swine Barn
The 2008 World Pork Expo Swine Show and Sale features the nation's top producers of purebred Berkshire, Chester White, Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, Poland China, Spotted and Yorkshire boars and gilts. For details, registration information and schedules, visit www.nationalswine.com.
Thursday, June 5
8:00 a.m. - All hogs must be on the grounds for check-in and scanning of boars.
Friday, June 6
7:30 a.m. - Ring A
Yorkshire show, followed by Landrace, Duroc and Hampshire boars and gilts; crossbred boars
9:00 a.m. - Ring B
Berkshire show, followed by Poland China, Spotted and Chester White.
Saturday, June 7
9:00 a.m. - Ring A
Yorkshire sale, followed by Landrace, Duroc and Hampshire boars and gilts; crossbred boars; and crossbred gilts from WPX Junior National only.
10:00 a.m. - Ring B
Berkshire sale, followed by Poland China, Spotted and Chester White.
Wednesday, June 4; Thursday, June 5; andFriday, June 6, Swine Barn
One of the top youth shows in the nation, the Junior National Swine Show has entrants vying for swine and showmanship awards. For more information and schedules, visit the Junior National Swine Association Web site at http://www.nationalswine.com/njsa/njsaShowsEvents/08_wpx_junior_national.html.
7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Registration and declaration of market-entry weights.
9 a.m. All World Pork Expo Junior National entries must be on the grounds.
11:30 a.m. - Mandatory exhibitor meeting by show ring.
Noon
Ring B - Crossbred Barrow Show, followed by Purebred Barrow Show.
Ring A - Berkshire, Chester White, Poland China and Spotted.
Ring B - Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire.
Thursday, June 5
8:00 a.m. - Junior and Senior Showmanship Contest
Ring A - Senior, followed by Intermediate.
Ring B - Junior, followed by Novice.
1 p.m. - Purebred Gilt Show
Ring A - Berkshire, Chester White, Poland China and Spotted
Ring B - Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire, followed by the Crossbred Breeding Gilt Show (first- and second-place crossbred gilts will be offered in the sale).
Friday, June 6
8 to 9:30 a.m. - Judging Contest registration by judging rings
10 a.m. - Judging Contest
12:30 p.m. - Novice Judging Contest
4 p.m. - Sweepstakes Ceremony
All World Pork Expo Junior National hogs are released after the Sweepstakes Ceremony, but are encouraged to stay through Saturday for the World Pork Expo Purebred Sale. For more Junior National Information, call 965-463-3594 or email jennifer@nationalswine.com.
World Pork Expo visitiors can pre-register online at www.worldpork.org and have namebadges sent in advance, or pick them up at the Animal Learning Center inside of Gate 15.