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Pork Producers Invited to Attend Pork/Corn/Soy Expo

Pork producers across the state are invited to attend the 2013 Pork/Corn/Soy Expo on January 31 and February 1 at the Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells.  The Wisconsin Pork Association is excited to again be hosting this event in conjunction with Wisconsin Corn and Soybean growers and the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association.

WPA has joined together in this collaborative agriculture effort to offer pork producers a one-stop opportunity for educational seminars and information.  It also provides producers an opportunity to mix business with family time at a popular Wisconsin winter destination.

The full program brochure and registration details are posted on the WPA website http://www.wppa.org/FileLibrary/States/WI/Brochureforweb.pdf, or a copy can be mailed to you by contacting Wisconsin Pork Association at 1-800-822-7675.  Two-day, advance registration for the expo is $110 for those holding current membership in the Wisconsin Pork Association.  Non-member registration is $160 for the 2-day event package. Single day registration and spouse packages also are available and all registrations include lunch, coffee breaks, trade show access and admission to the “Taste of Elegance”.   Registration fees increase after January 5.

WPA will be hosting several programs designed to provide the latest details on pork industry issues.  Pork producers will also be able to take advantage of the vast trade show, featuring seed, chemical, machinery and other industry partners, as well as corn/soybean industry seminars.

Pork Industry Seminars
WPA will be offering a number of educational sessions for pork producers, which are open to the public and paid for with Pork Checkoff.  Sessions include certification training for pork producers in the Transport Quality Assurance? (TQA) and Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus® programs during the two-day Expo.  TQA certification will be held at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31.  The PQA Plus® certification session will also take place on Jan. 31, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Anyone wishing to participate in the TQA or PQA Plus® certification only does not need to register for the Expo, but should contact the WPA office at 1-800-822-7675 to reserve a space in the training.

Also available at the expo will be a discussion on production practices within the industry – In Defense of Producers.  Chris Novak, CEO of the National Pork Board, will give an update on what they are doing to reach out and educate members of the food chain on production practices. In addition, Janeen Salak‐Johnson, an associate animal science professor at the University of Illinois, will talk about how the train needs to get back to the station on this issue, and be re‐boarded by experts like pork producers and animal scientists to determine optimal housing and husbandry for sows.

Another session, Balancing Rations with Available Feedstuffs, will feature a discussion of what is currently going on with feed costs, ingredient substitutions, and considerations for producers to take a look at before the 2013 planting season begins. Speakers include Jessica Boehm, Vita Plus; and Bob Spurley, Big Gain.

Finally, pork producers will have the opportunity to have a round table discussion with the Wisconsin Pork Association leadership.  Board members will be available to answer questions on the long range plan that is being implemented, talk more about the Wisconsin PRRS control project, and address other issues or concerns from members.  This Coffee with the Board session will take place on February 1 at 7:30 a.m.

Women’s Sessions

Special sessions have been scheduled with women and children in mind for Thursday, Jan. 31.  Starting at 1:30, Chef Miles Breed will present a demonstration and samples featuring Wisconsin commodities.  Other sessions of interest to spouses include farm succession planning, apps for agriculture, and CommonGround Communication.

WPA Annual Meeting

The Wisconsin Pork Association Annual Meeting will be held on Jan. 31, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Items on the agenda include setting polices for the upcoming year, selecting producers to represent the industry on the WPA Board, and voting on National Pork Board delegates.  In addition, updates will be provided by representatives from the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council.  Industry awards will be presented for the WPA Distinguished Service – Industry and Producer, Friend of the Industry, and Agri-Communicator.  Youth participating in the 2012 WPA Scholarship program will also be honored.

Taste of Elegance and Youth Pie Auction
The 25th Annual Taste of Elegance contest will be held on Jan. 31.  Eight chefs will showcase their creative new pork entrees during a reception beginning at 6:15 p.m.  Those attending will be able to sample the chefs’ creations, and vote on their favorite for the People’s Choice award.  Over $1500 in prizes will be awarded to these chefs for their original dishes. The winning chef will receive $750 and an opportunity to attend a national session at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, CA, hosted by the National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff.

Following the Taste of Elegance, WPA will host its’ annual Pie Auction.  Industry organizations and individuals are invited to bid on the delicious pies, with all funds going to youth education programs and scholarships for the pork industry.  A Silent Auction will also be held throughout the night, which raises funds for the Gunderson Memorial Scholarship.

Strategic Investment Program Lunch

Pork producers who are enrolled in the National Pork Producers Council Strategic Investment Program are invited to take part in a special luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 31.  Investors will be updated on legislative activities supported with their contribution to the SIP.  Updates will include issues to watch for in the upcoming legislative session, updates from the NPPC Washington D.C. office, and in-depth review of Wisconsin legislative efforts.  Neil Dierks, NPPC CEO, will be available to visit with pork producers.

The Strategic Investment Program (SIP) is the primary source of funds for the National Pork Producers Council. As Investors, pork producers and contractors help NPPC: fight for reasonable legislation and regulation; develop revenue and market opportunities; and protect pork producers’ livelihood.  The program was started to ensure that adequate funding is available for critical programs focused on public policy, including legislative and regulatory issues management, as well as trade issues. As an investor, pork producers have a voice in NPPC policy development.

Hotel Reservations
To make your hotel reservation for the Pork/Corn/Soy Expo, contact the Kalahari Resort at 1-877-253-5466, and ask for the Pork//Corn/Soy room block, which offers a $109.00 room rate.

For more details or with questions, contact the Wisconsin Pork Association at 1-800-822-7675 (in state), 608-723-7551, or go to their web site at www.wppa.org.  WPA would like to thank the following sponsors of the event: Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales, Elanco Animal Health, Hanor, Johnsonville, Pork Checkoff, National Pork Producers Council, and Vita Plus Corporation.

The Wisconsin Pork Association’s mission is to insure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry.  WPA represents the interests of the pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.

Source: Wisconsin Pork Association


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