The 2025 Iowa Pork Congress is set for Jan. 22 and 23 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. This year will mark the 52nd annual event for North America’s largest winter swine trade show with thousands of attendees, hundreds of vendors and multiple educational sessions.
“This event presents an exceptional opportunity for producers from across the Midwest to connect, collaborate, and discover cutting-edge solutions that can elevate their production capabilities,” the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) said in a release.
Highlighting this year’s event is Iowa Hawkeye football legend and former Minnesota Vikings star Chad Greenway who will serve as the keynote speaker. His presentation, “Hunt Greatness,” will inspire audiences to pursue excellence in their personal and professional lives by staying true to their values, working hard, and embracing accountability and teamwork, IPPA said.
Here’s a look at some of the eduational opportunities for producers:
- Coffee Chat with Eldon: Livestock Issues, Environmental Regulations, and Court Cases
Eldon McAfee – Brick Gentry Law Firm
Eldon McAffee, who represents the Iowa Pork Producers Association and other livestock farmers, will discuss Iowa DNR and EPA regulations for producers, various court cases he’s following, and other manure management issues. Farmers vs. Foodies in 2025
Ray Starling, former Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and current Executive Advisor for Directions, Inc.
Ray Starling, an Executive Advisor for Directions, Inc. and the General Counsel for the North Carolina Chamber, will share many of the thoughts laid out in his Amazon Best Seller “Farmers versus Foodies,” which largely explains how outsiders are influencing the future of our farming and food systems - sometimes negatively.American producers do a phenomenal job on the farm but are susceptible to a growing cadre of “foodies” who are shaping public policy and the law around agriculture. Ray will keep you laughing, but his serious message will also call you into action.
- National Pork Board’s Domestic and International Demand Strategy
David Newman, Senior Vice President of Market Growth, and Courtney Knupp, Vice President of International Market Development
For many in the pork industry, product demand has been a top priority. David Newman, Senior Vice President of Market Growth, and Courtney Knupp, Vice President of International Market Development, will discuss the latest marketing demand efforts by the National Pork Board. - Economic and Livestock Market Outlook
Joe Kerns and Dr. Lee Schulz, Ever Ag
Hear from Dr. Lee Schulz and Joe Kerns of Ever Ag as they take a look at what may impact producer profitability in the coming year, including livestock prices, exports, domestic demand, crop supplies and prices, and more. - Swine Health Panel: Market Haul Sanitation and PEDV Mitigation Strategies
Dr. Pete Thomas (Iowa Select), Dr. Tyler Bauman (The Maschhoffs), and Dr. Edison Magalhaes (Iowa State)
Pete Thomas will present data from Iowa Select’s recent change in market haul sanitation and its impact on PEDV break rates, mortality, and production efficiency. Tyler Bauman will discuss Maschhoff’s relationship with various contract haulers and truck washes. Edison Magalhaes will
share his research results from testing truck wash methods, PEDV viral load, and the transfer rate of the virus to the farm. - Strategic Hog Margin Management
Eli Hohbach, Account Executive with CIH
The keys to a successful Producer/Risk Manager Partnership will focus on the “how to’s” of risk management and the best uses of technology to maximize the effectiveness of a hog producer’s risk management partnership with their advisor.
A full list of events and more information is available at IowaPorkCongress.org.
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