If you’re interested in pork production, you won’t want to miss the 2018 Iowa Pork Congress Jan. 24-25 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. It’s North America’s largest winter swine trade show and conference. This year’s edition will feature nine new seminars, a keynote address, 300 exhibitors, training sessions, social events and youth activities.

“The Iowa Pork Congress has something for everyone and it’s our hope that attendees will join us and take advantage of the available opportunities,” says IPPA President Curtis Meier, a pig farmer from Clarinda in southwest Iowa.

Valuable information offered
A strong lineup of free business seminars on issues of importance to pork producers and the industry will be offered. “Using Livestock Manure in a Cover Crop Program” will be presented by ag engineering professors Dan Anderson and Matt Helmers from Iowa State University. Economist Steve Meyer will look to the future of prices and profitability, and Erik Potter from ISU will explain how not to fail an audit.

Matt Rush is the former New Mexico Farm Bureau CEO and an award-winning speaker and author. He’ll present “There’s a snake in my bumper,” as the 2018 Iowa Pork Congress keynote speaker. Rush will explain why it’s important for farmers to tell the agriculture story and why farmers must be viable, valuable and visible to remain successful. The keynote speech will be 2:15 p.m. Jan. 24.

Earn or renew certification
Hog farmers can obtain or renew their PQA Plus and TQA certifications, and a certification session for confinement site manure applicators is being offered.

Companies from Iowa, the U.S. and around the world that serve the pork industry will fill the Hy-Vee Hall trade show floor to offer solutions that help pig farmers become more efficient, profitable and successful. IPPA will once again have its booth and the Pork Information Plaza in Hall A and be joined by the National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Iowa State University Extension, other affiliated organizations and commercial exhibitors.

Number of activities offered
Many other activities and events will be held in association with Pork Congress during the week. Events begin Jan. 22 with IPPA’s annual Taste of Elegance contest and reception at the Iowa Events Center. The IPPA annual meeting will be held Jan. 23, followed by the Kickoff Reception and Auction. The Pork Congress Banquet will be Jan. 24.

The 10th annual Youth Swine Judging contest will be Jan. 25 at the Iowa state fairgrounds. All 4-H and FFA members from around the state are invited to attend to learn more about the industry and to compete for valuable scholarships.

“The IPPA board and staff have worked hard over the last several months to produce another good show and we hope to see many producers from Iowa and the Midwest,” says Meier. The 2018 Pork Congress will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 25.

Registration costs $10. For more information contact IPPA at 800-372-7675 or visit iowaporkcongress.org.

Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association