Pork producers across the state are invited to attend the 2016 Pork/Corn/Soy Expo on February 4 & 5 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.
During the Expo, WPA will be hosting several programs designed to provide the latest details on pork industry issues. Dr. Art Mueller will provide updates on the keys to successful breeding on pig farms during his Managing Swine Reproduction and Antibiotic Changes seminar. He will also discuss what will be required with the new FDA Veterinary Feed Directive and other on-farm changes as a result of Guidance 213. Andrew Tasker, Vice President of Markets at Rabobank and Rob Wold, Risk Management Consultant with Market Financial Group, will conduct a Risk Management 101 session which will include important information for both crop and livestock farmers. Key highlights include information on commodity and interest rate risk management, as well as details on property, casualty, and federal livestock insurance coverages.
The UW-Extension Swine Team will also be conducting training sessions for producers to become certified, or recertify, in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus® and Transport Quality Assurance® for Livestock Haulers programs. These certification programs help bring the latest knowledge and practices to the farm, including the development of comprehensive on-farm programs to ensure food safety and animal well-being, as well as understanding how to handle, move, and transport pigs in ways that promote pig well-being. Expo registration is not required to participate in PQA or TQA only, however, producers must RSVP to WPA by calling 800-822-7675.
For those with an appetite, the 2015 Taste of Elegance winner, Chef Mitchel Weber, will be hosting a Cooking with Pork session. Join him as he provides tips and tricks to making a delicious pork recipe and provides samples to those in attendance. Later that evening, all Expo attendees will have the opportunity to sample the pork entrees entered in the 2016 Taste of Elegance competition and vote for their favorite to determine the People’s Choice winner. During the Taste of Elegance, attendees may also bid on a variety of silent auction items and take part in the live pie auction. All funds raised during the Silent Auction and Pie Auction go towards WPA’s scholarships and youth programs.
Lastly, WPA invites pork producers and industry members to attend the WPA Annual Meeting. The annual meeting gives WPA members an opportunity to provide input on policies and the future direction of the organization. WPA scholarship and distinguished service award recipients will also be recognized during the meeting. On the morning of Friday, February 5 producers will have another opportunity to provide feedback on WPA programs and have round-table discussions on industry issues during the Breakfast with the WPA Board. If you would like to attend the Breakfast with the WPA Board, please RSVP by calling 800-822-7675.
A complete Expo program and registration form are available to download from the WPA website at www.wppa.org/expo or you may register online at www.cornsoyexpo.org.
