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World Pork Expo just completed its 27th year, drawing approximately 20,000 pork producers and other professionals from 41 countries to Des Moines, Iowa, June 3-5. Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this year’s Expo featured the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, while its Junior National again set records for youth participation. The Big Grill served up 10,000 free pork lunches, a range of seminars attracted abundant crowds, and meaningful discussions about global issues, from trade agreements to the future of antibiotics, occurred throughout the week.
“This year’s Expo was the best I have ever attended,” says Ron Prestage, D.V.M., NPPC president and South Carolina pork producer. “There was a lot of important information regarding challenges facing pork producers, and how hard NPPC and the National Pork Board are working on their behalf. Many attendees told me how informative the educational seminars were, and the exhibitors were very happy with the crowd. The unanimous consensus was that Expo was a smashing success.”
Producers reflect a positive outlook
At the heart of World Pork Expo is the trade show, which features hundreds of commercial exhibits from companies based in North America, Asia and Europe. As the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, it offers producers a one-stop opportunity to review the latest products, services and technologies for their businesses. Exhibitors reported that producers’ attitudes are upbeat and focused on the future.
“Expo is a great place to come and talk to the different exhibitors; it’s really the only time producers typically have access to this variety of companies and products,” says Wilbert Johnston with JBS United, based in Illinois. “The people who are really serious about pork production are likely going to be at Expo.”
Although margins have narrowed considerably from last year’s record levels, 2015 is projected to be profitable for most pork producers, according to exhibitors. Hog numbers are up, and some facility renovation and expansion are reported to be underway.
“Everybody is positive,” says Gary Wyse, with Nedap Identification Systems, which is headquartered in The Netherlands. “We had a lot of people interested in our equipment. They may not be looking for something to put in place immediately, but they are looking down the road and exploring what possibilities are available.”
June 12, 2015 - World Pork Expo
