For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Maiers
(217) 529-3100 or (217) 656-3981
2009 Illinois Pork Expo Feb. 3 - 4
A jam-packed agenda with something for everyone involved in the pork industry
SPRINGFIELD - The 2009 Illinois Pork Expo will be held Feb. 3-4 at the Peoria Civic
Center. The Pork Expo will again offer a jam-packed agenda with something for
everyone involved in the pork industry – producers, contract growers, employees, allied
industry, and youth. It is sponsored by the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA).
“There continue to be many challenges facing the future of the pork industry – economic
conditions, animal welfare, environmental regulations, just to name a few,” said Jim
Kaitschuk, IPPA Executive Director. “We have again focused the IL Pork Expo to
address many of these issues and help pork producers better manage these issues in 2009
and beyond. We have a very impressive line-up of seminars that will offer insight and
information that producers can take home and put to use in their operations.”
There are numerous well-known speakers from across the country who will be addressing
many current topics and issues for pork producers. Seminars were developed for several
specific audiences: Feb. 3rd - owners and operators; Feb. 4th contract growers, owners and
operators, as well as special sessions for show pig, purebred breeders, & youth. A
complete seminar schedule listing seminar topics, speakers, and times is available at
www.ilpork.com.
The largest swine-specific trade show in Illinois, featuring numerous exhibitors
showcasing the latest in pork production products, services, and technologies, will be
open on Feb. 3 from 8:30AM - 4:00PM and on Feb. 4 from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM.
Also new this year will be a Neighbor to Neighbor training offered from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
on Feb. 3 and from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Feb. 4. Neighbor to Neighbor is a condensed,
more interactive version of the Pork Checkoff’s popular Operation Main Street (OMS)
program. The training course provides an update on current pork industry issues
including animal welfare, environment, and public health. Producers will walk away
with gained knowledge and answers regarding some of the key issues in pork production
today.
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The IPPA Annual meeting will be held on February 2. During that evening, registered
attendees will have an opportunity to enjoy a Casino Night, which will include casino
games along with Wii video games. Attendees will have an opportunity to win some nice
prizes including a flat screen TV and two Wii video game systems. Also that evening, the
IL Pork PAC auction will be held featuring unique items donated by county pork
producer organizations and allied industry.
The Pork Production Auction will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 4:30 – 6:00 PM.
Allied industry companies have donated quality products and services to be auctioned off
at this event. Pork producers can purchase items to be used in their operations such as
feed, pharmaceuticals, equipment, and much more. The proceeds from this auction
support IPPA’s legislative activities at the state and national level.
On Tuesday evening, Feb. 3rd, the "Generations of Commitment" Awards Banquet will be
held. IPPA will honor retiring board members, youth ambassadors, and award winners
followed by a banquet celebrating Illinois Pork Producers. Generations of Commitment.
Expo attendees may register on-site. Registration fees on-site are $10 for adults and $5
for youth (ages 10-18). Registration will be open from 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM on Feb. 3 and
from 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM on Feb. 4. Additional fees are required for the Tuesday night
Awards Banquet.
All IPPA members will receive free admission to the trade show. IPPA members must
present their Expo admission coupon that was included in the January ChopTalk
newsletter for their free admission.
“The Illinois Pork Expo features numerous attractions for pork producers of all sizes and
types of operations,” said David Conrady, a pork producer from Elkhart and Chair of the
2009 IL Pork Expo. “There truly is something on the agenda for anyone involved in the
pork industry. All producers are encouraged to make plans to attend this year's expo. This
event is guaranteed to be worth their time to attend,” said Conrady.
For more information about the Illinois Pork Expo visit www.ilpork.com or contact the
IPPA office at (217) 529-3100.
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