DES MOINES, IOWA — The 37th annual World Pork Expo, held June 4-5 in Des Moines, attracted more than 10,000 producers and industry professionals from 32 different countries. The event, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), featured the world's largest pork-specific trade show, according to the group.
The 2025 World Pork Expo included two days of seminars addressing topical pork issues as well as an abundance of networking opportunities for attendees while tasting flavorful pork.
“World Pork Expo always showcases new ideas and innovations, but it’s also a time for producers to compare notes and recharge,” said Duane Stateler, NPPC president and Ohio pork producer. “Between the seminars, the conversations and interacting with industry youth, there is tremendous energy and positivity as we look to the future of pork production.”
Expansive trade show
This year’s trade show spanned 300,000 square feet of exhibit space with 700 booths, in addition to 60 outdoor hospitality tents. Both areas buzzed with conversations around products, services and innovations focused on advancing pork production efficiencies.
Exhibitors had a busy couple of days at the expo, citing the abundant crowd and the continued return of international visitors among the positives.
“It was a very diverse crowd,” noted Kelly Sheets, livestock feeding consultant with Furst-McNess. “Wednesday was one of the busier days at expo that I’ve seen in many years, and there were a lot of decision makers from farms in attendance.”
Source: NPPC/World Pork ExpoGetting ahead of industry issues
Swine health was top of mind among industry stakeholders as animal disease threats have shifted. For example, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is showing signs of breaking out of its seasonal pattern.
“There’s always something to learn with herd health, and just when you think you have all the bases covered, something new opens your eyes,” Sheets said.
Despite animal health concerns and the uncertainty caused by recent geopolitical tensions, the overall attitude at the expo was remarkably upbeat.
“Right now, profitability is pretty good, and that created some great conversations,” explained Mark Hulsebus, general manager for Alltech US pork business. “Producers understand that they have an opportunity to make changes when times are good as opposed to being forced to change when times are tough.”
Sharing that perspective, the National Pork Board (NPB) presented during the Pork Academy sessions what the industry is doing now to get ahead of challenges that may arise in the future.
Stephanie Wetter, director of animal welfare at NPB, detailed the organization’s 5-year farrowing housing research plan that aims to address a current issue faced by Europe’s pork industry that will likely make an appearance in the United States in the coming years.
The initiative is budgeted at $250,000 annually for the next five years.
The research will look at a wide range of topics, such as sow mortality, sow behavior, production metrics, economics, facility infrastructure, labor efficiency, worker safety, worker flow and environmental impact.
The goal is to have a side-by-side comparison of different housing options so that by the time farrowing housing questions come into play, producers can be backed by extensive research, Wetter explained.
NPPC officials also discussed current measures the pork industry is taking to meet ongoing challenges and pave the way for a better future.
During a policy update, NPPC noted exciting developments in Washington while emphasizing the importance of the ag community to continually advocate for key initiatives.
“Wins take time, and there is a lot of important work that happens behind the scenes,” said Bryan Humphreys, chief executive officer of NPPC. “Staying at the table — across administrations and political divides — is how we make lasting change.”
One of those wins includes the House of Representatives’ passage of a reconciliation bill that included all NPPC’s priorities. Meanwhile, NPPC is still fighting for a legislative solution to California’s Proposition 12 and other state animal confinement laws like it.
Source: NPPC/World Pork ExpoSpotlighting the next generation
Returning for the second year, the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet — sponsored by Novus and Nutra Blend — provided a platform for industry youth between 18 and 22 years old to compete in discussions on industry topics.
This year’s 15 contestants from across the nation presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges for consideration.
“We want to engage more young people and provide a link to future involvement in the pork industry,” Stateler said. “This program provides that opportunity, and I encourage industry youth to consider participating next year.”
Four finalists received scholarships to advance their education. The 2025 winner was Karla Branch from North Carolina, who received a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the NPPC Legislative Action Conference in September. The other finalists included Drew Mickey, Illinois, $2,000; Mason Springer, Kansas, $1,500; and Mary Lanoue, Minnesota, $1,000.
A big hit for pork advocates of all ages was the ever-popular Big Grill, sponsored by Pork Checkoff, which served more than 5,000 complimentary pork lunches, including burgers and pork ribs.
NPPC announced that the 2026 World Pork Expo will take place June 3-4, 2026, once again at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
