If pigs are your livelihood, you can’t miss the World Pork Expo, says Jesse Heimer, owner of Heimer Hampshires in Taylor, Mo. Not only is it the largest pork producer event in the U.S., but the attitude and energy surrounding it always make you leave a little more inspired.
“It is a great driver heading into the summer months and a strong reminder of the positive things the pork industry has to offer,” adds Tyler Bettin, assistant vice president of producer services for the National Pork Producers Council.
Bettin says there are many reasons to attend World Pork Expo, but one of the most valuable is the opportunity to connect with producers from around the country and network and learn from each other.
“We are all part of an industry that is bigger than ourselves,” Bettin says. “World Pork Expo reminds us of that and is aligned to achieving the same goals.”
One of the biggest questions of the week will be: What was everyone talking about at World Pork Expo? Bettin and Heimer join up with Trish Cook, co-owner of CBL Farms, Inc., and Cook Brothers Ltd. in Winthrop, Iowa, and Alex Wibholm, chief operating officer of the National Pork Board to make their predictions about the hot topics that will be trending under the tents, in the aisles of the trade shows and during the seminars at the 2026 World Pork Expo.
What topics do you expect to generate buzz in conversations at World Pork Expo?
Bettin: I expect continued questions around the status of the farm bill, the importance of accessible labor, and the ongoing need to improve and protect animal health and prevent foreign animal disease. Because this is an election year, I also expect interest in how the election may impact current priorities and timelines, as well as how potential shifts in the House, Senate or state elections could affect policy priorities.
Cook: Markets, pseudorabies (PRV) and the farm bill.
Heimer: I hope producers can rally around the National Swine Health Strategy – a genuine industry effort to challenge the status quo and work together for healthier pigs.
Wibholm: I expect the National Swine Health Strategy to generate a lot of conversation, and for good reasons. Herd health is foundational to the future of pork, and this strategy gives the industry a shared path forward on both everyday disease challenges and foreign animal disease preparedness. I think producers will be talking about what it means in practical terms, turning strategy into action to reduce the impact of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), biosecurity, traceability and emerging disease monitoring. The exciting part is that this is producer-led, and it is focused on shared responsibility, stronger collaboration and measurable progress toward a healthier U.S. swine herd.
What is something the industry needs to spend more time talking about this week?
Bettin: It may sound cliché, but we need to keep educating people about the important work we do — whether that is with legislators, neighbors or anyone who will listen. Pork producers are tremendous people, and we need more people across the country and around the world to recognize and see that. We also need to continue helping producers understand how to advocate effectively.
Cook: The ability of the next generation to join agriculture due to expense of entering the industry. This is going to be a challenge with the aging of farmers and we need younger folks to enter agriculture.
Heimer: I wonder if we should be paying more attention to the red meat consumers we’re losing because of ‘Alpha-gal Syndrome.’
Wibholm: I think we need to spend more time talking about the consumer. Not just what consumers buy, but what they believe, what they value and what they need from us. Pork has a tremendous opportunity because it is flavorful, versatile, affordable and culturally relevant in so many kitchens. But we must keep earning our place on the plate by understanding people as much as we understand production.
World Pork Expo brings forward important questions from producers and allied industry. What do you anticipate those might be?
Bettin: With the election cycle and expected turnover, I think there will be a lot of interest in the policy outlook. Beyond that, labor continues to be a challenge for producers, so I expect continued interest in technology, data and AI-driven solutions. Those tools are becoming a heightened area of interest for the industry, and stakeholders will want to continue hearing more about them.
Cook: Discussion about the PRRS resistant pig (PRP) will continue to be a hot topic.
Heimer: I expect producers to ask about the ’Taste What Pork Can Do’ campaign (that was launched ahead of WPX in 2025) and talk about the trends and opportunities ahead for pork.
Wibholm: How can the industry create value in a changing marketplace? What is next for demand? What is next in technology? What is next in animal health preparedness? How should we tell our story? Producers are always looking ahead, and Expo is where those forward-looking conversations really come to life.
What issues in the pork industry keep you up at night?
Bettin: What keeps me up at night is the reality of fewer and fewer people involved in the pork industry, yet we continue to face issues that impact us both on and off the farm. I spend a lot of time thinking about how we get more producers to take the time to stand up and advocate for the industry. How do we grow grassroots advocacy so we can continue to punch above our weight with the numbers and voices we have?
Cook: State ballot measures like California Prop 12 and Massachusetts Q3 creating a patchwork of rules state by state, in addition to herd health and the risk of foreign animal disease.
Heimer: I worry about foreign animal disease and the continued challenges to keep pigs healthy.
Wibholm: Pork being positioned for the future keeps me up at night, including with consumers and the next generation of producers and industry leaders. We have an incredible story to tell, but we cannot assume people already understand the care, science and commitment behind modern pork production. Earning trust every day is hard work, and it is work we must keep doing together.
And just for fun, what is one thing you are looking forward to doing this week?
Bettin: I am looking forward to the concert Thursday evening with Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys. I hope people stick around for it. Beyond that, of course, there is always the great food. But my favorite part of Expo is still the chance to see so many friendly faces and experience the positive energy around the show.
Cook: Hospitality tents!
Heimer: Finding the best ribs on the fairgrounds!
Wibholm: I am looking forward to listening. World Pork Expo is a great place to hear what is really on people’s minds: what producers are excited about, what is challenging them and where they see opportunity. And, of course, I am also looking forward to eating delicious pork, having good conversations and running into someone I know about every 15 feet.
