Pork producers from around the globe are convening in Des Moines for the next three days to attend the 27th annual World Pork Expo. The event features what’s billed as the world’s largest pork industry trade show and exhibition. Dave Warner, spokesman for the National Pork Producers Council, says this year’s show includes more than 400 industry trade exhibitors and international visitors from more than 40 countries, which is up from previous years.
Warner says, “This is a place for people throughout the globe to come and talk about pork issues, to look at the latest technologies and get up-to-date information on research into raising, caring for, feeding of pigs, all kinds of things.” While pork producer will gain knowledge at the World Pork Expo, he says the pork exhibition also offers plenty of opportunities for the consumer, including samples of cooked pork and some 20 free presentations.
“We’ll roll out new cuts of pork or new uses for pork,” Warner says. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy from the pig show, pig races and the latest from a lot of the different meat companies.” Governor Terry Branstad is scheduled to address pork producers at a noon luncheon scheduled for today.
(Reporting by Dennis Morrice, KLEM, Le Mars)