When you mention "congress" and "pork" in the same sentence, the story is usually about government waste — unless the subject is the Iowa Pork Congress, which will be held this week in Des Moines. John Vossberg is chairman of the 36th annual event which will draw thousands of people involved in the hog industry from across the Midwest and Canada.
Vossberg, a pork producer from Janesville, says it’s the largest winter trade show in the United States. It’s for all producers, feeders, employees, owners and others. Iowa pork producers can pre-register at the website "www.iowaporkcongress.org". Producers will be able to meet with representatives from equipment manufacturers, feed suppliers, animal health companies, manure hauling and storage businesses. He says the two-day event will include many opportunities for attendees to further their educations.
Vossberg says the seminar topics include: an update on Iowa environmental regulations, managing input costs, sow housing, employee relationships, and small herd niche marketing. There’s also estate planning, producer health protection, reproduction, animal well-being, odor mitigation and record keeping.
Vossberg says there will be 525 booths with some 300-plus exhibitors and it usually attracts five-thousand visitors, perhaps more. The Pork Congress will be held Wednesday and Thursday at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.