A buzz filled the air at the 2025 Illinois Pork Expo in Springfield, Ill., this week. 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 many networking opportunities. 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.
“President Trump has made clear that he is interested in making sure that any trade agreements and trade relationships are fair and beneficial to Americans, producers and farmers. The way that we accomplish that is still to be determined, but he is clearly using the threat of tariffs to spur those conversations. We are exporting about 25% of production currently, so the pork industry is susceptible to any sort of disruptions with Canada, Mexico and China, which were the first countries highlighted by the President.” – Matt Grill, senior director of congressional relations for the National Pork Producers Council
“What we do in the pork industry doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lot of small steps every day that lead to big results.” – Jennifer Tirey, executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association
“Hog market fundamentals look very good, but headline risk is very high and poignant. Global corn balance sheet tightens so that is something to be mindful of. Projected 1-year margins are the highest in 10 years. Protect forward margins while still allow for some upside participation now.” – Tim Hughes, senior vice president of hog client services for CIH
“Pork is not the only industry being impacted by the increased rate of denials on TN visas. The pork industry has seen a little improvement on this compared to some other industries. Why are we seeing some relief? We’ve worked hard to get information to folks who needed it to empower them to be strong allies for us. We are pleased with that and must work hard to protect that. We’ve seen the relationships and work put in by producers separate us from other groups.” – Matt Grill, senior director of congressional relations for the National Pork Producers Council
“A lot of us raised on pork maybe didn’t have it cooked the right way. I want to show the versatility of pork. I love being able to show what’s possible with pork.” – Maciek Zurawski, Grillin With Dad
“Sow mortality is an outcome. A sow dying is the result of all the things we’ve done with that sow — how we fed her, vaccinated her, the pathogens we exposed her to, etc. If we don’t change the inputs, we won’t change the outcome.” – Clayton Johnson, DVM, with Carthage Veterinary Service
“A retailer told me, ‘If you help me sell more ribs, I’ll sell more of the category.’ If ribs are in the cart, more items go into the cart.” – Neal Hull, director domestic market development at the National Pork Board
“Weaned pig pricing is through the roof right now. That is very high – there’s a good reason people are talking about it. But I caution you to take that metric and make it a bullish argument for the rest of the year.” – Tim Hughes, senior vice president of hog client services for CIH
“Trade is a bit of a roller coaster now. NPPC is continuing to fight for fair market access in South Africa and pushing for enforcement language in African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) renewal. We are working to make sure there are enforcement mechanisms so our producers get true access to their market.” – Matt Grill, senior director of congressional relations for the National Pork Producers Council
“The prolific nature of the sows that we have today is fantastic. The litter sizes are ridiculous and the sows are so hardy with incredible milking capabilities. Think about the pounds of pork that a sow produces in a farrowing crate in three weeks. They’re an unbelievable race car. And just like an unbelievable race car, if we put the wrong fuel in and we don’t take good care of the engine, it can blow up and it’s going to blow up at high speeds when that happens.” – Clayton Johnson, DVM, with Carthage Veterinary Service
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