The World Pork Expo is the single largest event for the North American pork industry and it starts this week, June 9 – 11. The Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines play host to this annual event, which features everything related to pork and pork production. Here are the Top Ten Reasons why I love the World Pork Expo (and you should too):
10. A Chance to Weather the Elements – You never know what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. I’ve seen rain, snow (yes, really) and hail, but it’s usually beautiful in Iowa in early June. And we all know pork producers can handle any kind of weather so it’s never a deterrent.
9. Pig Races – Pigs are trained to respond to a bell for the reward of a cookie after racing around a short track. And who knows, they may develop that competitive edge and just enjoy winning. Pavlov would be proud.
8. Farm Toy Show and Sale – There’s a new commemorative scale tractor every year, and lots of other toys to look at and buy. Be sure to take something home for the kids, old or young.
7. Big Grill – Eat some of the best pork barbeque in the world! My will power suffers but it is well worth the sacrifice. Somebody’s got to do it.
6. Seminars – There is always something interesting and informative to learn, and it’s a great opportunity to listen to pork industry leaders share their knowledge. I also enjoy interviewing the officers and staff of the national organizations to hear their take on current issues and concerns.
5. Trade Show – The vast array of products and services that are available to help producers never ceases to amaze me. It’s great to visit with our allied industry partners and find out what’s new.
4. Breed Shows and National Junior Show – It’s gratifying to see all the young people who’ve taken an interest in the pork business through their youth projects. What a great way for them to learn responsibility and the economics of the business while enjoying friendly competition and a chance to win some significant cash.
3. Farms.com Exhibit – I enjoy working side-by-side with my co-workers at the Farms.com booth, number 575, in the Varied Industries Building. The PigCHAMP, AgCareers, and Farms.com Media and Farms.com Risk Management divisions will be represented. PigCHAMP will be introducing its new grow-finish product – an exciting development in and of itself.
2. Reconnect with Friends – I grew up in this industry and have friends throughout the country, some of whom I see just once a year at World Pork Expo. The time and distance melts away as we share work and family updates.
1. See You! – I love meeting our readers in person, and hope you’ll stop by the Farms.com booth to say “hello!”
Look for our live reports from World Pork Expo over the next few days.
This commentary is for informational purposes only. The opinions and comments expressed herein represent the opinions of the author--they do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Farms.com. This commentary is not intended to provide individual advice to anyone. Farms.com will not be liable for any errors or omissions in the information, or for any damages or losses in any way related to this commentary.