World Pork Expo Plans Underway After Two Years of Cancellation
After two years of cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global African swine fever (ASF) concerns, the 2021 World Pork Expo is set to take place on June 9-11 in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
In 2019, the World Pork Expo was canceled by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) “out of an abundance of caution” as ASF continued to spread throughout China and other parts of Asia.
A year later, the event was canceled again, but this time due to COVID-19 human health concerns.
Prior to that, the World Pork Expo had also been canceled in 2001 in an effort to protect the well-being of the U.S. swine herd after Europe suffered an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, recalls Barb Determan, former NPPC president.
"I’m very happy we are having World Pork Expo this year. One of the strengths of our industry is our people and the opportunity to learn and exchange ideas. Expo definitely provides a platform for that. After a year of Zoom meetings, people are ready for this interaction," Determan says.
Officials say professionals in the pork industry can expect three days of networking, education and innovation.
“We’re more than thrilled to be hosting world Pork Expo this year,” says NPPC president Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “We look forward to connecting with our fellow producers, business partners and others who contribute to our nation’s essential pork production system.”
NPPC says they will continue to monitor developments in COVID-19 guidelines for the event to ensure the health and safety of those attending.
“A safe event is our number one priority,” Sorenson adds. “We will implement appropriate precautionary measures to ensure a great experience for all World Pork Expo participants.”
Stay tuned for more details about registration.
Read more:
Sometimes the Right Calls Aren’t the Easy Ones
NPPC Past President Reflects on Decision to Cancel 2001 World Pork Expo
“Proactive Approach” to Cancel WPX Protects U.S. Herd, Pork Editor Say
