The numbers were up at the 2024 Illinois Pork Expo in Springfield, Ill., this week. Nearly 600 pork producers and pork enthusiasts gathered for the one-day event that included the Illinois Pork Producers Association’s annual meeting, keynote speakers, a trade show and legislative reception. Producers were honored and recognized for their contributions, ideas were exchanged and relationships were strengthened throughout the event.
Here is a quick look at some of the great things Farm Journal’s PORK heard throughout the day.
“I think it’s as important today, as any other time in the industry’s history, that we engage with our elected officials and have some conversations.”
– Cody McKinley, NPPC vice president of state and national relations
“It’s a good time to play defense.”
– Steve Meyer, Ever.Ag chief livestock economist
“I come from a family of very hard workers. I see how hard they have worked to make our businesses as successful as they are. But we are in a time period where you can’t just sit back and work. You have to be involved in the industry that helps feed you. You have to help be a voice for that industry so that you can make sure that your lawmakers and policymakers are doing the right things.”
– Cheryl Cowser Walsh, pork producer and new president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association
“We can’t ignore. We have to respond. We have to be proactive.”
– Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Pork Producers Association executive director
“Connecting with fellow producers, allied industry representatives and legislators at the Illinois Pork Expo was a key opportunity for me as a pork producer. I think it’s also important to stay informed about what is happening at the national level. I appreciated the updates from Cody McKinley and David Newman.”
– Curt Zehr, Illinois pork producer
“The relevance of fresh pork is important as we think about how to target generations moving forward.”
– David Newman, National Pork Board senior vice president of market growth
“Going into the Illinois Pork Expo with a fairly negative outlook, I thought that Steve Meyer’s update had a few bright spots. It was nice to catch up with other producers. I also thought that the pork staff gave some great presentations. Learning some of the ways our Checkoff dollars are being reallocated right now hopefully will help bring numbers back to black soon.”
– Mike Haag, Illinois pork producer (pictured l to r are Jason Bunting, Illinois State Representative 106th District, Haag and Rodney Weinzierl, executive director of Illinois Corn)
Read More:
Helping Pork Producers Fight to See Another Day
Every Idea Matters: Here’s a Look at NPPC’s Top Priorities Now
Pork Outlook is Better, But Not Good, Meyer Says
Quoteworthy Thoughts from the Illinois Pork Expo
“The Pig Lady” Takes Over the Reins for Illinois Pork Industry
JoBeth Matli Named 2024 Illinois Pork Ambassador
Illinois Pork Producers Association Honors the 2024 Family of the Year
