PORK EXPO COMING UP FEB 16-17

Tricia Braid

Feb 09, 2016  |  Today's News

Registration is open for the 2016 Illinois Pork Producers Association Pork Expo. As you know, the swine industry is our number one livestock customer of corn in Illinois. The Expo is February 16 and 17 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.

The Illinois Pork Expo, sponsored by the IL Pork Producers Association, features numerous attractions for pork producers of all sizes and types of operations. There truly is something on the agenda for anyone involved in the pork industry. All producers are encouraged to make plans to attend this year's expo. This event is guaranteed to be worth your time to attend.

Trade Show

Stop by and visit with reps from companies from across the U.S. & Canada. This year’s IL Pork Expo will feature the largest number of exhibitors in many years with 162 booths representing 132 companies. Trade Show hours are: Tues, Feb. 16 from 3:00 – 9:00 PM and Weds, Feb. 17 from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Legislative Reception – Opportunity to Tell Your Story to Your Elected Officials

Legislation and regulations continue to impact pork producers. Here is an opportunity to talk one-on-one with state legislators about issues important to you and your farm/business. This will be the FIRST time that the Legislative Reception will be held on the tradeshow floor during the IL Pork Expo - Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 5:00 – 7:30 PM. A delicious pork dinner with beer, wine & soda will be served to all registered Expo attendees FOR NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE! Abe Lincoln will also be making an appearance!

Educational breakout sessions on Weds, Feb. 17th from 9:30 – 11:00 AM focused on:

  • Juggling Farm and Family Life – hear from busy farm moms who constantly take care of their family & farms and see cooking demos for Food Ideas for On-The-Go Lifestyles
  • Barn Management – targeted to contract growers & employees on ventilation management, new pig care for Wean-to-Finish barns and animal handling techniques
  • Manure Management – learn how to maximize the value of manure, new manure application technologies and complying with new manure regulations
  • Contract Production Opportunities – panel discussion of companies and farmers looking for contract growers, farmers who recently built barns, lending requirements & value of manure

See the attached listing of all seminar presentations, times & locations.

Market Update & Outlook by Steve Meyer – Weds, Feb. 17th – 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Well-known market analyst Steve Meyer will give an update and outlook for the hog & grain markets. Rob Brenneman will also share a producer’s perspective on marketing strategies.

Purebred/ShowPig/Swine Youth Exhibitors – Weds, Feb. 17 - 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Special symposium for this segment of the pork industry including sessions on: Updates for Showing at IL State Fair; IL Club Pig Association; IL Purebred Breeders Association; Seneca Valley Virus; Future of Antibiotics; and Changes in the Types & Kinds of Showpigs.

FREE admission for IPPA Members

All IPPA members will receive free admission to the trade show, legislative reception & meal & all seminars. IPPA members must present their Expo admission coupon that was included in the January ChopTalk newsletter for their free admission. Expo attendees may register on-line at www.ilpork.com until Feb. 8th as well as on-site during the show. Registration fees on-site are $15 for adults and $10 for youth (ages 10-18).

For more information about the 2016 Illinois Pork Expo visit www.ilpork.com or contact the IPPA office at (217) 529-3100.