Pork producers across the state are invited to attend the 2017 Pork/Corn/Soy Expo on February 2 & 3 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. Jim Magolski, Coleman Natural Foods, and Dr. Steve Larsen, National Pork Board, will lead the Changing Pork Quality to Improve Consumer Experiences seminar. During this session, they will provide detail on pork quality issues that can confuse consumers at the meat case and discuss efforts that are underway to update quality standards. Producers seeking information on the latest tactics to prevent exposure of your herd to PRRS will want to attend the PRRS-Tips to Reduce Farm Exposure seminar. In addition to prevention strategies, during this seminar Dr. Neil DeBuse will provide updates on the latest on-farm management tools to help shorten the impact if you do become positive. Please note both the Changing Pork Quality and PRRS seminars are free to attend.
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 2016 Taste of Elegance winner, Chef Michael Althen, will be hosting a Cooking with Pork session. Join him as he provides instructions on how to prepare a delicious stuffed pork loin 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 2017 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. Items up for auction this year include Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers memorabilia, a Steel Cow ‘Pig Paul’ print, collectible tractor replicas, meat and cheese boxes, gift baskets, and much more.
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 3 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.
