Nearly 20,000 pork producers and related professionals from 32 countries will attend World Pork Expo, June 4-6, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, Expo features the world's largest pork-specific trade show with some 375 commercial exhibits in more than 310,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space.

"World Pork Expo is a showcase of pork production; it's where producers get together and share ideas," says Howard Hill, NPPC president. "It offers a great opportunity for pork producers to get a crash course in what's new."

BIG CROWDS EXPECTED: With hog prices at record levels, organizers anticipate a large number of people will attend the 26th annual World Pork Expo, scheduled for June 4-6 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

The trade show will display the latest products, services and technologies available to pork producers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 5, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7.

New this year is the World Pork Expo Universe Passport — a program that offers a daily chance to win $500. Expo-goers can pick up a passport in the registration area, located in the Animal Learning Center.

"As attendees travel around World Pork Expo, they can get their passports stamped at the booths of participating companies," says Alicia Newman, World Pork Expo general manager. "Then they can bring their completed passports to the NPPC booth in the Agriculture Building, get a prize and be entered into the daily drawing."

Throughout Wednesday and Thursday, attendees can listen in on more than 15 free educational seminars in the Varied Industries Building.

Swine shows eclipse all records
Youth education programs, judging contests and pig shows are part of the World Pork Expo Junior National, which set another record this year with 2,947 entries from across the nation.

To accommodate this growing event, the Junior National starts earlier this year — on Tuesday, June 3, with competitions taking place in the Swine Barn each day of Expo.

The open shows will take place on Friday, June 6, with more than 1,000 entries representing some of the country's best genetics. A sale will follow on Saturday, June 8, beginning at 8 a.m.

While Expo's days are filled with business activities, MusicFest is a time to relax and have some fun. MusicFest will kick off Thursday at 4:30 p.m. with singer/songwriter, and Iowa native, Jake McVey and country act Restless Heart.

Also on Thursday, NPPC, Hog Slat and Vinny's BBQ will collaborate to set another record for the world's largest pork burger (previously set at the 2012 World Pork Expo). Expo-goers can watch the assembly of this mammoth burger at 5 p.m. and try a sample. A significant portion of the burger will be donated to Youth Emergency Services & Shelter in Des Moines.

Mouth-watering pork is a vital part of Expo, including the ever-popular Big Grill. Located next to the Agriculture Building, attendees can enjoy a free pork lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. all three days of Expo.

"World Pork Expo is not just for primary owners of pork operations," says Hill. "Everyone should encourage their staff to attend. Whether they are breeding technicians, farm managers, supervisors or people who work in the environmental area — there's a lot of information at Expo for anyone who works in pork production."

For more information download the official app by searching for "World Pork" in the Apple Store, Android Market or Blackberry's App World.