World Pork Expo, the world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show, will come together once again this year at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, June 7-9.
Thousands of U.S. and global pork producers, industry professionals and industry experts attend this event each year. World Pork Expo brings together pork producers and industry professionals from around the world for three days of education, innovation and networking. There’s something for everyone — an expansive trade show, educational seminars, industry updates and networking.
Swine shows
The event also features two swine shows, Junior National and WPX Open Show.
Presented by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, more than 1,000 exhibitors 21 years of age or younger representing over 30 states participate in the WPX Junior National each year. The WPX Junior National also facilitates youth events, including a skillathon, swine judging contest and certification programs. Exhibitors of all ages from across the U.S. participate in the WPX Open Show each year.
Schedule of events
Monday, June 5
Junior National Swine Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Passionate exhibitors 21 years of age or younger from across the U.S. will participate in the WPX Junior National Swine Show and other contests.
Midwest Agriculture Tour, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Featuring a broad agricultural overview — including crop and pork production, farm equipment, and commodity shipping — this two-day tour starts Monday and ends Tuesday.
Open Swine Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Exhibitors of all ages from across the U.S. will participate in the WPX Open Show.
Tuesday, June 6
Iowa Agribusiness Tour, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- This one-day tour will highlight agribusiness in central Iowa.
Wednesday, June 7
Trade Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- See what’s new in the industry at the expansive trade show. Hundreds of commercial exhibitors will display the latest pork-production technologies, products and services.
Junior National Swine Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
World Pork Open Golf Tournament, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Take part in the World Pork Open and compete for special prizes while cultivating new and existing industry relationships.
PORK Academy and Business Seminars, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Big Grill, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- A delicious, free pork lunch is served each day, grilled by local pork producer volunteers.
Thursday, June 8
Trade Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Junior National Swine Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
PORK Academy and Business Seminars, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Big Grill, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Friday, June 9
Trade Show, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Junior National Judging Contest, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open Swine Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
PORK Academy and Business Seminars, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Big Grill, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, June 10
Open Swine Sale, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
By the numbers
- More than 20,000 pork producers and ag professionals from throughout the world attend WPX each year. Attendance tallied 23,085 in 2016.
- Approximately 1,100 international guests from 48 countries attended WPX in 2016.
- More than 350 companies from around the world are on-site, displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents.
- The exhibit space, which presents the latest pork production products, services and technologies, spans over 310,000 square feet.
- There are 10 PORK Academy Seminars where pork producers and their employees can learn about new auditing programs, animal well-being research, herd management and much more.
- Attendees can shop the approximately 900 booths that make up the world’s largest pork-specific trade show.
- 10,000 pork lunches are served at the Big Grill during WPX.
- 3,200 live hogs were on display in the swine barn in 2015, a 33 percent increase from 2014. This year, around 3,800 pigs are expected to be on display during the various shows at WPX.
- Nationwide, more than 68,000 pork producers marketed more than 115 million hogs in 2015.
- Approximately 30 million pigs are raised in Iowa annually, making it the No. 1 pork-producing state in the nation.
- About 547,800 U.S. jobs are supported by various aspects of the pork industry, from local businesses to national and international brands.
- U.S. pork production contributes over $5 billion to the nation’s economy each year.
When and where
Trade show: June 7-9, 2017
Swine shows: June 5-10, 2017
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Des Moines, Iowa
www.worldpork.org
