Iowa Pork Congress to provide seminars, trade show, networking

The 2017 Iowa Pork Congress will convene Wednesday and Thursday at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The event is presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and will feature seminars, a trade show and networking opportunities for farmers across the state.

Iowa Pork Producers Association Communications Director Ron Birkenholz said Pork Congress is an opportunity for the industry to come together to learn about the latest pork production practices.

“Attendees can visit with the 283 different exhibiting companies, hear from industry experts on key issues impacting pig farmers in the seminars and to network to find ways to be more efficient and successful,” Birkenholz said.

The event is in its 45th year and has an average attendance of 5,000, Birkenholz said.

In a Pork Congress welcome letter, Iowa Pork Producers Association President Al Wulfekuhle thanked the companies that exhibit at the show every year and said he was pleased to bring in new companies. He said the seminars are extremely popular, and this year’s list of impressive speakers will deliver timely and informative sessions.

“Margin management, the Veterinary Feed Directive and swine health trends are just a few of the topics being covered in the 10 seminars scheduled,” Wulfekuhle said. “Dr. Chris Rademacher, Pat Von Tersch and Dr. Rdoger Main are among the expert presenters. Several producers also will provide personal perspective in some of the seminars.”

According to Birkenholz, Pork Congress is about continued improvement for the industry. The pork industry prides itself in the improvement it has made over the decades and is continually looking at how to become more efficient, more sustainable and more environmentally friendly, Birkenholz said.

Wulfekuhle said he is excited about this year’s event, and he invites pork producers to take advantage of as many of the activities as possible.

“Pork Congress is a great place to learn and share ideas, and it’s our hope that you gain new insights and knowledge of pork production that will enable you to become even more successful in the industry,” he said.

Contact Justin Jagler at
641-792-3121 ext 6532 or
jjagler@newtondailynews.com