How can pork farmers stay on top of the latest industry innovations? Check out the 2018 Illinois Pork Expo as it returns to the Bank of Springfield Center on Feb. 6-7.

The “Generations of Commitment” theme honors the pork producers behind Illinois’ thriving and growing pork industry, says Kelsey Burgener, project coordinator for the Illinois Pork Producers Association. “The meetings and seminars will help farmers stay relevant and give them knowledge to take back to their farms,” she adds.

Burgener shares her top five reasons to attend Illinois Pork Expo 2018.

1. Learn something new. Breakout session topics will include markets, feed mill audits and sow mortality. More breakout sessions will be added, Burgener says, and listed on the Illinois Pork Expo website as they become available.

2. Bid for a good cause. The Pork Production Auction will feature donations from Illinois agribusinesses, including Cardinals and Cubs baseball game tickets, gifts cards for products and services, grills, and more. Proceeds benefit IPPA’s non-checkoff activities such as the Pork Chop Open in Macomb, Ill., and the Legislative Action Conferences held twice a year in Washington, D.C. “This gives producers the opportunity to talk with members of the congressional delegation about the importance of the pork industry,” Burgener explains. The IL Pork PAC Live and Silent auctions help support the IPPA’s Political Action Committee.

3. Mingle with members and legislators. A legislative reception will be held on Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Members and expo attendees are invited to meet with Illinois legislators, Burgener says. She adds that legislators are in session that week and she expects a good crowd.

4. Take a course. Farmers may register and take Certified Livestock Manager Training at the expo on Feb. 7. Livestock facilities in Illinois that house more than 300 animal units are required to have at least one person certified.

5. Check out the latest technology. New exhibitors will be on the trade show floor this year, Burgener notes, including truck equipment businesses, online management companies and ultrasound equipment providers. “Producers can look for a full trade show floor at the Bank of Springfield Center in 2018,” Burgener says. The trade show will be open on Feb. 6 from 2 to 9 p.m. and on Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Burgener encourages members to attend the IPPA annual meeting, held on Feb. 6 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards recognition lunch honoring the new IPPA president, IPPA ambassador and Family of the Year.

Illinois Pork Expo 2018 registration will be sent to members soon, and online registration will be available at ilpork.com.