“Expo is a showcase of not only the United States, but also the world,” says Craig Jarolimek, manager of marketing development, USA, for Topigs Norsvin, which is based in Vught, the Netherlands. “As you walk through the trade show, you see producers and companies from all over the world — it’s truly a world-class event.”
With record-setting U.S. hog prices and reduced feed costs offering a profitable outlook, Expo exhibitors reported that producers are optimistic about U.S. pork production and are formulating plans for the future. The general consensus is that producers are focused on upgrading, remodeling and reinvesting.
“Today’s producers are very professional and precise,” says Mark Hayden, national sales manager for Automated Production Systems, which is headquartered in Assumption, Illinois. “They are looking for new technologies and innovative ways to make their jobs easier and more efficient.”
Another record-setting youth show
In just 11 years, the World Pork Expo Junior National has grown from 120 hogs to this year’s record of more than 1,600 head exhibited by nearly 750 youth from 24 states. Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, the World Pork Expo Junior National has become a premier event for young swine exhibitors, and includes showmanship competitions, judging contests and educational sessions.
Concluding Expo’s swine exhibition was the open show, with nearly 600 hogs. At the sales on Saturday, June 7, a crossbred gilt shown by Ashlee Daniels of McKinney, Texas, was the top-selling gilt, setting a world record at $50,000. The highest-selling boar was the reserve champion Duroc shown by Nathan Weisinger, Fort Madison, Iowa; it sold for $90,000.
More 2014 Expo highlights
The world’s largest pork burger was assembled at this year’s Expo as part of a special outreach to the community, thanks to the joint efforts of Hog Slat, NPPC and Vinny’s BBQ. The precooked weight of the mammoth burger, including bun, was 348 pounds — breaking the record set at the 2012 World Pork Expo. The majority of the burger was donated to Des Moines’ Youth Emergency Services & Shelter, with MusicFest attendees also able to sample the record-breaking burger.
Every year, Expo features lots of tasty pork, including at the Big Grill. Volunteers of the Tama County Pork Producers Association once again manned the grill and served up more than 10,000 free pork lunches.
Always popular, and a vital part of Expo, were the nearly 20 free business and PORK Academy seminars providing insights into animal handling, marketing and production management, as well as updates about PEDV infection rates, research efforts and prevention strategies.
Looking ahead to next year, NPPC announced the dates for the 2015 World Pork Expo — June 3-5, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
“World Pork Expo is certainly an event that everyone in pork production needs to put on their calendar,” Hill says. “It is the place to learn about new innovations, designs and engineering that help us raise our animals responsibly wherever we farm.”
World Pork Expo, the world's largest pork-specific trade show, is brought to you by NPPC. On behalf of its members, NPPC develops and defends export markets, fights for reasonable legislation and regulation, and informs and educates legislators.
Source: World Pork Expo