World Pork Expo draws 10,000 with innovation and optimism
Global crowd gathers in Iowa for tech, talks and tasty pork
16 June 2025
4 minute read
By: The 2025 World Pork Expo, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), marked its 37th year on June 4-5, with more than 10,000 producers and industry professionals from 32 countries in attendance. Featuring the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, Expo also presented two days of free seminars, networking and hospitality opportunities, and plenty of tasty pork.
“World Pork Expo always showcases new ideas and innovations, but it’s also a time for producers to compare notes and recharge,” said Duane Stateler, NPPC president and Ohio pork producer. “Between the seminars, the conversations and interacting with industry youth, there is tremendous energy and positivity as we look to the future of pork production.”
An abundant crowd and a busy show
Exhibitors had a busy couple of days at Expo, citing the abundant crowd and the continued return of international visitors as positives. “It was a very diverse crowd,” noted Kelly Sheets, livestock feeding consultant with Furst-McNess. “Wednesday was one of the busier days at Expo that I’ve seen in many years, and there were a lot of decision makers from farms in attendance.”
Herd health and biosecurity were top of mind as disease pressures have shifted. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), for example, is breaking out of its seasonal pattern. “There’s always something to learn with herd health, and just when you think you have all the bases covered, something new opens your eyes,” Sheets said.
It's important to keep swine health issues in the forefront to ensure U.S. producers continue to provide safe, healthful, and nutritious pork products, he added. “There are new innovations every year, and Expo is a great place to network and find answers to improve your operation.”
A time of change
Producers presented an upbeat attitude at Expo, according to Mark Hulsebus, general manager for Alltech U.S. pork business. “Right now, profitability is pretty good and that created some great conversations,” he noted. “Producers understand that they have an opportunity to make changes when times are good as opposed to being forced to change when times are tough.”
As for Expo, he views it as a type of family reunion. “At the end of the day, the pork industry is a small family of people,” Hulsebus added. “Even with all of the learning opportunities and exposure to new technology, Expo is about food, friends and fun.”
Highlighting the next generation
The Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet, sponsored by Novus and Nutra Blend, marked its second year at Expo. Open to industry youth from 18 to 22 years old, the two-day competition involves interactive discussions on industry issues. This year’s 15 contestants from across the U.S. presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges for consideration.
“We want to engage more young people and provide a link to future involvement in the pork industry,” Stateler said. “This program provides that opportunity and I encourage industry youth to consider participating next year.”
Four finalists received scholarships to advance their education. The 2025 winner is Karla Branch from North Carolina, who received a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the NPPC Legislative Action Conference in September. The other finalists include Drew Mickey, Illinois, $2,000; Mason Springer, Kansas, $1,500; and Mary Lanoue, Minnesota, $1,000.
Branch attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and is currently enrolled in their graduate school to research swine health and genetics.
Exhibitor innovations and educational opportunities
The trade show featured 700 booths and more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, while 60 Hospitality Tents provided an opportunity for one-on-one conversations. Both areas were buzzing as producers and allied industry representatives discussed products, services and innovations that could help advance pork production efficiencies today and in the future.
Free seminars continued throughout Expo with Pork Academy, presented by the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff, and company-sponsored Business Seminars. Producers and employees could select from topics that addressed global and domestic marketing, management practices and emerging technologies.
Iowa’s Tama County Pork Producers Association and friends returned to the ever-popular Big Grill to serve more than 5,000 free pork lunches during Expo’s two days. The Big Grill is sponsored by Pork Checkoff.
NPPC has announced that the 2026 World Pork Expo will take place June 3-4, 2026 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Mark your calendars today and plan to attend!
