Looking for pork news and information? Don’t miss the annual Illinois Pork Expo, where organizers have incorporated a variety of changes this year.

The Illinois Pork Expo will be held February 16-17 in Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center. Previously, the Expo has been held in Peoria.

According to Morgan Booth, Illinois Pork Producers Association, the organization is also incorporating their annual Legislative Reception into the Expo, to be held Tuesday, February 16 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the trade show floor. “Farmers will have the chance to engage with legislators and talk to them about the industry,” Booth says. 

ON THE MOVE: The Illinois Pork Expo will be held February 16-17 in Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center. Previously, the Expo has been held in Peoria.

This year’s trade show will feature more than 160 booths representing 130 companies. The trade show is open Tuesday, February 16 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m, and Wednesday, February 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

IPPA is also offering a variety of educational seminars, with topics that include:

• Opportunities available in contract production, including what to expect, how to build a barn, lending requirements and fertilizer values.

• Juggling farm and family life, with a panel discussion on balancing life, family and work and also food ideas for families on the go.

• Manure management with a focus on manure value, application technologies, and regulations.

• Barn management tips on ventilation control, new pig care and safe animal handling.

• Special information for show pig and youth exhibitors, including Illinois State Fair updates, Seneca Valley virus, showpig types and more.

• Biosecurity, antibiotic standards, marketing strategies and more.

IPPA Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m. Delegates from across Illinois will debate and approve policy issues related to pork production, organizational issues, and elect IPPA board members. A recognition luncheon will follow at noon, where IPPA will present a variety of awards and industry updates.

Register online or on site before January 27 for a discounted rate. All IPPA members receive free admission.