As always, Des Moines, Iowa, was the venue for the annual World Pork Expo.

The Iowa State Fairgrounds were bathing in sunlight on the first day, Wednesday June 9 and were flooded in heavy showers during a large part of the day of Thursday, June 10.

As will be shown in this overview, the atmosphere was optimistic and could handle a bit of rain. Sam Carney, president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said after three years finally American producers face good circumstances again - reason to stay away from increasing amounts of regulations.

Economist Steve Meyer illustrated this in his market update by saying that US producers have only just started making money again, as from March. Retail pork prices are expected to rise above US$3, a record, he said.

The optimism could be confirmed inside the Varied Industries Building, where a pleasant buzz could be noted throughout the days.

Some genetics companies had gathetered in the American Best Genetics booth in the centre of the Cattle Barn.

The Swine Barn was traditionally the location for the annual pig contests, for young and old.

Back to some speakers: Nick Giordano, NPPC, explained about the most important Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has been waiting for over three years to be signed by US Congress: that with South Korea. Calling it 'probably the most important trade deal in the history for US pork producers', he warned that if the US does not ratify the FTA it could be out of the Korean pork market in ten years. He said Iowa State University research indicated 9,000 new jobs in the US pork industry would be created as a result of ratification.

To reinforce NPPC's statement, economic minister Jong-hyun Choi, South Korean embassy, Washington, addressed journalists with his view on the importance of the FTA. Korea is the sixth export market for the US at the moment. Chilean pork producers profited from an earlier FTA with Korea.

Moving one step further, Prof Dermot Hayes, Iowa State University, introduced his audience to the opportunities China has to offer: "Imported quantities will be enormous - take your best market and multiply by ten." Since there is not enough grain and soy, the Chinese will soon come to the conclusion importing meat is the way ahead, he said.

This will be good news for US pork producers and companies alike, of which a lot were present in Des Moines, like swine breeder PIC...

...Zinpro Performance Minerals, focusing on sow feet quality...

...Valco pig equipment...

...and the PigTek group, which nowadays is represented all over the world.

Animal Nutrition company Alltech helped its clients remember the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky are approaching - of which the company is the main sponsor.

Canadian pig breeder Genesus revealed the latest SMS performance data showing that the company's overall achievement figures have risen from 26.41 to 26.82 pigs weaned per sow per year.

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health introduced MaxiVac Excell 5.0, a reformulation of an existing product, an inactivated vaccine to control five strains of Swine Influenza Virus (SIV), including various varieties of H1N1 and H3N2.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition had a strong delegation present in Des Moines to present its products.

Austrian livestock equipment producer Schauer introduced its liquid feeding line on the American market for the first time.

Bayer Animal Health went into saloon style to gather visitors at its booth.

Back to the speakers once more - the antibiotics question. Whether or not should this banned is also fiercely discussed in Washington, DC. Dr Howard Hill, NPPC, repeated the US stand that there is no defending scientific proof linking antibiotic usage in livestock to having an effect on humans.

Don Butler, NPPC immediate past president, presented in a market update on exports to e.g. Russia and Brazil. For Russia, new veterinary export standards have been put in place; for Brazil's Santa Caterina state the principle of regionalisation is applied, as it is free of FMD.

Iowa agricultural minister, Bill Northey, gave a short introduction on his state to kick off the presentation for the German agricultural show EuroTier, to be held 16-19 November, 2010, in Hanover, Germany. Opportunities were offered for the American public to come to Europe.

Last but not least - the World Pork Expo wouldn't be complete with frivolities, making the show uncomparable to any other show in the world. What about bacon-flavoured ice-cream (here presented with vanilla and chocolate as well)? The icecream had little crunchy bits of bacon in it - presented by the Pork Checkoff. Surprisingly tasty!

For some joy and excitement, the pig races kept the visitors busy.

Portable evaporative cooling units were advertised by a regiment of fluffy polar bears wearing sunglasses - with outside temperatures rising up to 30 degrees Celsius.

An interesting number plate from visitors from the state of Indiana - 'suidae' is the biological family to which swine belong...

The show on Thursday was closed off with live music from Classic Rock All Stars, Bryan White (photo) and Toney Valdez & the Retro Rockers.

To close off - the reduction of the essence of commercial pig production to two slides: here the animal is being served...

...And here it's being cut up and eaten. Iowa has been enjoying its pork at the 2010 expo - and it was about time they did again!