The Iowa Pork Producers Association invites you to attend the annual Iowa Pork Congress January 25-26, 2012 at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines. The annual gathering of pork producers and industry representatives is the nation's largest winter swine trade show and conference.

It will be held in Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center as well as the Polk County Convention Complex. Pork Congress hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 25 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 26. The Iowa Pork Foundation's annual kick off reception and auction will be held January 24 and the IPPA youth swine judging contest will take place at the Polk County Convention Complex January 26.

Feed, swine genetics, building construction, equipment and animal health products are among the many products and services marketed by the nearly 300 companies participating at the Iowa Pork Congress 2012 trade show. The IPPA will again welcome attendees to the Pork Information Plaza, where guests can visit with IPPA producer leaders and representatives from the National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and other affiliated organizations.

Educational seminars will present information you can take home and use

Seminars and educational opportunities are another popular draw for attendees. Topics of the one dozen sessions at this year's event include an update on PRRS disease, doing a better job of balancing swine diets, what's new with animal well-being, an update on regulations pertaining to swine operations and an explanation of nuisance laws and how they can affect hog producers.

The keynote address will be delivered by Wes Jamison, who will discuss the latest developments in the animal welfare movement.

Interested persons can register at www.iowporkcongress.org or by using the form in November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine. IPPA members can attend at no charge by registering online or by completing and submitting the form. Registrations will be accepted after the Jan. 16 early registration deadline and at the door each day of the show, but the cost will be $10 per person.