CLIVE — The 2020 Iowa Pork Congress will be held Jan. 22 and 23 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. This event, organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), is North America’s largest winter swine trade show and conference.
A keynote address will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 22, by Andy Curliss, the chief executive officer of the North Carolina Pork Council. Curliss will provide a deep and broad look at how a significant, coordinated effort is threatening animal agriculture, not only in his state, but across the country. His presentation will include insights on how these attacks are being implemented.
The Iowa Pork Congress will include 10 other educational seminars, training sessions on quality assurance and manure application, social events, and youth activities.
“The seminars and presenters lined up for Pork Congress will provide producers with practical information that can be put in place immediately, as well as outlooks and ideas that can help guide future decision-making for both pig farmers and pork stakeholders,” said IPPA President Trent Thiele, a pig farmer from Elma.
The trade show includes more than 300 exhibitors. “This is always a major draw,” Thiele said. “Every year, attendees have the opportunity to visit with representatives from companies that serve the pork industry. These companies come from Iowa, the U.S. and around the world to offer solutions that help our pork producers become more efficient, profitable and successful.”
There is also a strong lineup of business seminars. They include a discussion about Iowa nuisance cases by attorney Eldon McAfee; a look at economics for prices and supplies of both pigs and crops presented by Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns of Kerns and Associates; and panels of speakers who will address building ventilation, antibiotic alternatives, using manure in cover crops, prolonging the longevity of buildings, the use of risk management and insurance, as well as two sessions with the latest updates on African swine fever.
For youth, the annual Youth Swine Judging contest will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There, registered 4-H and FFA members can learn more about the industry and compete for valuable scholarships.
Other activities and events will be held in association with the Iowa Pork Congress. The association’s annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, followed by a reception and auction for the IPPA Scholarship Foundation. The Pork Congress Banquet where Master Pork Producers are announced is on Wednesday evening.
“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,” said Thiele.
Registration
Pre-registration to attend the Iowa Pork Congress is available through Jan. 9, 2020. IPPA members can attend the trade show and conference at no cost by registering by that deadline at www.IowaPorkCongress.org, or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine, or by calling (800) 372-7675.
Non-IPPA members can save $5 off the normal $10 admission cost by registering by the Jan. 9 deadline.
Registrations will be accepted after the deadline, including through each day of the show, but the cost will be $10.
For more information about events and registration, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.IowaPorkCongress.org.