Attendees also viewed business seminars, Pork Academy, the record-setting Junior National swine show and GRAMMY®-caliber musical entertainment while enjoying free pork. Brought to the industry by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), World Pork Expo attracted producers and exhibitors from Maine to Hawaii, and a total of 39 countries.

"We heard optimism about marketing prospects along with healthy concern regarding the availability of affordable feed from the producers at World Pork Expo this year," said Doug Wolf, NPPC president. "In fact, the forward-thinking nature of NPPC members was evident everywhere — from candid conversations over a pork sandwich to the standing ovation given to Korean Ambassador Han Duk-soo as he commented on the pending free- trade agreement. The interaction at Expo has never been better."

World’s largest pork-specific trade show

The trade-show floor and outside exhibits were crowded throughout the Expo as attendees viewed displays from more than 400 exhibitors from 11 different countries. Expo exhibitors commented on the brisk activity, and the interest in learning about new products and services.

"World Pork Expo is our highlight event of the year," said Tom Stuthman, vice president of Automated Production Systems, headquartered in Assumption, Illinois. "It gives international companies like us the ability to make contacts with customers and meet pork producers from throughout the world."

Bill Shields, regional sales manager for PigTek, based in Milford, Indiana, also talked about how Expo enables pork producers and companies to connect.

"World Pork Expo provides face-to-face contact with existing and potential customers," said Mr Shields. "We are able to talk about long-range project planning with people from all over the world."

Record-setting junior show

The World Pork Expo Junior National Show, the world’s largest junior pedigreed barrow and gilt show hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, set a record with more than 1,750 hogs competing. Junior exhibitors came from 26 US states.

After heavy rains subsided on Thursday, MusicFest again served as the social highlight of World Pork Expo with 4 1/2 hours of entertainment, food and fun. Expo participants mingled and enjoyed free pork while listening to live performances by GRAMMY nominees Highway 101 and Papa Doo Run Run, and a local favorite, Tony Valdez & the Retro Rockets.

During Expo, exhibitors, producers and other pork-industry enthusiasts discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Many returned home with new ideas and innovations, and look forward to returning to World Pork Expo next year — 6-8 June 2012.