5 Things People Were Talking About at the Iowa Pork Congress Trade Show

Jan 30, 2023

From new technology to improved feed products and from cupcakes to phone chargers, the Iowa Pork Congress trade show is always a must-see event. This year was no different and included a celebration “station” recognizing 50 years of the Iowa Pork Congress as well as the Pig Podium, a new opportunity for companies to share about their products. Between excellent educational sessions on the first floor to the eye-catching and informative displays on the second floor, I couldn’t see and do it all. But here are a few new products announced and messages shared in the thriving trade show.

HOG SLAT CUSTOMERS DISCUSS RETROFITTING FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE
Remodeling existing production sites requires careful planning. Rob Brenneman of Brenneman Pork, P.J. Corns of JBS Pork and Alex Anderson of Seaboard Foods met on the Pig Podium stage on Wednesday to discuss their experience with large-scale remodeling projects.

The panelists stressed the need to design flexibility into any new project to allow for future unforeseen welfare changes. For example, constructing facilities with total slatted flooring makes it easy to change pen layouts. In addition, they expressed interest in technology that allows for remote monitoring of the building environment, especially that feature environmental controls linked to a cell phone. Anderson noted that this allows him to help inexperienced farm staff troubleshoot a problem even if he has to be several hours away from the site.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.