If pigs are your livelihood, you can’t miss the World Pork Expo, says Jesse Heimer, owner of Heimer Hampshires in Taylor, Mo. Not only is it the largest pork producer event in the U.S., but the attitude and energy surrounding it always make you leave a little more inspired.
“It is a great driver heading into the summer months and a strong reminder of the positive things the pork industry has to offer,” adds Tyler Bettin, assistant vice president of producer services for the National Pork Producers Council.
Bettin says there are many reasons to attend World Pork Expo, but one of the most valuable is the opportunity to connect with producers from around the country and network and learn from each other.
“We are all part of an industry that is bigger than ourselves,” Bettin says. “World Pork Expo reminds us of that and is aligned to achieving the same goals.”
One of the biggest questions of the week will be: What was everyone talking about at World Pork Expo? Bettin and Heimer join up with Trish Cook, co-owner of CBL Farms, Inc., and Cook Brothers Ltd. in Winthrop, Iowa, and Alex Wibholm, chief operating officer of the National Pork Board to make their predictions about the hot topics that will be trending under the tents, in the aisles of the trade shows and during the seminars at the 2026 World Pork Expo.
What topics do you expect to generate buzz in conversations at World Pork Expo?
Bettin: I expect continued questions around the status of the farm bill, the importance of accessible labor, and the ongoing need to improve and protect animal health and prevent foreign animal disease. Because this is an election year, I also expect interest in how the election may impact current priorities and timelines, as well as how potential shifts in the House, Senate or state elections could affect policy priorities.
Cook: Markets, pseudorabies (PRV) and the farm bill.
Heimer: I hope producers can rally around the National Swine Health Strategy – a genuine industry effort to challenge the status quo and work together for healthier pigs.
Click here to see more...