Pork Producers Invited to Attend Pork/Corn/Soy Expo
Pork producers across the state are invited to attend the 2015 Pork/Corn/Soy Expo on January 29 & 30 at the Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells. The Wisconsin Pork Association is excited to again be hosting this event in conjunction with Wisconsin Corn and Soybean growers.
WPA has joined together in this collaborative agriculture effort to offer pork producers a one-stop opportunity for educational programs, trade show and networking. It also provides producers a chance to mix business with family time at a popular Wisconsin winter destination.
The full program brochure and registration details are posted on the WPA website at www.wppa.org. Members of the Wisconsin Pork Association save $50 on registration to the 2-day event. Single day registration and spouse packages also are available and all registrations include lunches, coffee breaks, trade show access and admission to the “Taste of Elegance”. Registration fees increase after January 15. Additional Taste of Elegance and lunch tickets can be purchased for unregistered family members at a reduced rate.
To make your hotel reservation at the Kalahari Resort for the Pork/Corn/Soy Expo, call them at 1-877-253-5466, and ask for the Pork/Corn/Soy room block, which offers a $112.00 room rate. All overnight stays include free waterpark passes for every registered guest and discounted rates for the Kalahari Theme Park.
WPA will be hosting several programs designed to provide the latest details on pork industry issues. Pork producers will also be able to take advantage of the vast trade show featuring over 100 agricultural exhibits.
Pork Industry Seminars
WPA will be offering a number of educational sessions for pork producers, which are open to the public and paid for with Pork Checkoff. Sessions include certification training for pork producers in the Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) programs during the two-day Expo. The PQA Plus® certification session will be held on Thursday, January 29, beginning at 8:00 a.m. TQA certification will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 30. Anyone wishing to participate in the TQA or PQA Plus certification only does not need to register for the Expo, but should contact the WPA office at 1-800-822-7675 to reserve a space in the training.
Another session, The Value of Hog Manure – $avings for Your Farm will feature MI State Extension Educator Jerry May and nutrient management planner Nikki Wagner, Frontier-Servco FS. Pork producers and crop growers will learn how to determine the value of manure and cost savings that can be realized with efficiently using this resource. Farmers can also learn about nutrient management planning to help effectively use manure.
Additionally, Dr. Lisa Becton with the National Pork Board will give an update on PEDv cases across the country and review research they have conducted on feed, manure, and other areas during the PEDV: Where are we Now, and What’s Next? session. Dr. Julie McGwin with the WI Dept. of Agriculture will also talk about the current status of PEDv in Wisconsin and any possible implications for the 2015 show season.
Other sessions of interest include a general session featuring agriculture economist David Kohl, a Farm Bill workshop, and a panel with national commodity organizations discussing industry issues. In addition, Chef Matt Baier with Dream Dance Steak will present a cooking demonstration featuring Wisconsin Commodities and the Farmland video will be shown on Thursday afternoon.
Finally, pork producers will have the opportunity to have a round table discussion with Wisconsin Pork Association leadership. Board members will be available to answer questions on current issues in the industry and address other issues or concerns from members. This Coffee with the Board session will take place on January 30 at 7:30 a.m.
WPA Annual Meeting
The Wisconsin Pork Association Annual Meeting will be held on Jan. 29, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Items on the agenda include setting polices for the upcoming year, selecting producers to represent the industry on the WPA Board, and voting on delegates to attend the 2016 National Pork Board annual meeting. In addition, updates will be provided by representatives from the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council. Industry awards will be presented for the WPA Distinguished Service – Industry, Legislator, and Producer, as well as the Agri-Communicator. Youth receiving scholarships will also be honored.
Taste of Elegance and Youth Pie Auction
The 26th Annual Taste of Elegance contest will be held on Jan. 29. Eight chefs will showcase their creative new pork entrees during a reception beginning at 6:15 p.m. Those attending will be able to sample the chefs’ creations, and vote on their favorite for the People’s Choice award. Over $2000 in prizes will be awarded to these chefs for their original dishes. The winning chef will receive $750 and an opportunity to attend an all-expense paid trip to the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, CA, hosted by the National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff.
Following the Taste of Elegance, WPA will host its’ annual Pie Auction. Industry organizations and individuals are invited to bid on the delicious pies, with funds going to youth education programs and scholarships for the pork industry. A Silent Auction will also be held throughout the night, which raises funds for the Gunderson Memorial Scholarship.
Strategic Investment Program Lunch
Pork producers who are enrolled in the National Pork Producers Council Strategic Investment Program are invited to take part in a special luncheon on Thursday, January 29. Investors will be updated on legislative activities supported with their contribution to the SIP. Updates will include issues to watch for in the upcoming legislative session, updates from the NPPC Washington D.C. office, and in-depth review of Wisconsin legislative efforts.
The Strategic Investment Program (SIP) is the primary source of funds for the National Pork Producers Council. As Investors, pork producers and contractors help NPPC: fight for reasonable legislation and regulation; develop revenue and market opportunities; and protect pork producers’ livelihood. The program was started to ensure adequate funding is available for critical programs focused on public policy, including legislative and regulatory issues management, as well as trade issues. As an investor, pork producers have a voice in NPPC policy development.
WPA is seeking sponsors for Pork/Corn/Soy Expo. Multiple sponsorship levels are available and include recognition during Pork/Corn/Soy Expo, advertising throughout 2015 in WPA publications and on the WPA website, and more. For more details or questions on sponsorship opportunities or Pork/Corn/Soy Expo, contact the Wisconsin Pork Association at 1-800-822-7675 (in state), 608-723-7551, or go to their web site at www.wppa.org.
The Wisconsin Pork Association’s mission is to insure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry. WPA represents the interests of the pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.
