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Pork Industry's Largest Winter Event Coming to Des Moines

The pork industry’s largest winter gathering returns to Des Moines in January. The Iowa Pork Producers Association invites pork producers and allied industry professionals to attend the 2026 Iowa Pork Congress, January 21–22 at the Iowa Events Center.

The annual event features 225+ exhibitors, a strong educational program, and two days of networking and recognition for Iowa’s pork industry.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the trade show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. alongside the Student Research Poster Contest. The educational lineup includes:

  • “Coffee Chat with Eldon: DNR Rules, Court Cases, and Animal Welfare Laws” with Eldon McAfee
  • Keynote: “Cultivating a Mindset of Growth and Grit in Agriculture” with retired Brigadier General Mike Oster
  • “Pork, Policy, Politics, and Populism” with entrepreneur and investor Al Tank
  • “Economic and Livestock Market Outlook” with Dr. Lee Schulz, Ever.Ag
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Trending Video

How Data Predicts Swine Outbreaks - Swaminathan Jayaraman

Video: How Data Predicts Swine Outbreaks - Swaminathan Jayaraman


In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Swaminathan Jayaraman, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, explains how integrated data systems can improve disease surveillance in swine production. He discusses combining diagnostics, animal movement data, production records, and spatial analytics to identify risks earlier and support proactive decision-making for PRRS, PED, and swine influenza. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Disease surveillance remains largely reactive because outbreaks are often confirmed only after transmission has already occurred across multiple connected production sites."

Meet the guest: Swaminathan Jayaraman / swamjay is a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. With academic training in management information systems and engineering, he focuses on integrating diagnostic, production, and movement data to improve disease surveillance and decision support in swine production systems. Listen to Swaminathan Jayaraman on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.