WORLD PORK EXPO 2012: United States

Des Moines, June 6, 2012. Time for another edition of World Pork Expo. Who are some of the key players this year?

Obviously, the pigs themselves. These two lucky animals are enjoying some time off waiting for the show during the Junior National purebred show.

Who else? There was Dallas Hockman, US National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). He commented on the development that some major US food companies are moving away from the idea of gestation stalls. NPPC continued to challenge the development, saying that the change is not market-driven.

Next: Ron Plain, professor of agricultural economics, University of Missouri. It was up to him to announce the results of a quick survey under 70 large US pig breeders. Nowadays 17% of all sows are kept in groups, the respondents said - and in two years they expect this to be 23%.

The major topic of antibiotics, was addressed by Liz Wagstrom, NPPC. The FDA asks pharmaceutical companies to voluntarily withdraw claims on growth promotion. "Voluntary is relative. I have no doubt that we will lose all antibiotic growth promoters that are also used in human medicine."

Dr Garth Boyd, together with the National Pork Board (NPB), had an interesting study to share - a new overview of 50 years of efficiency in pork production. It shows pork was produced a lot more efficiently in 2009 when compared to 1959.

Another very interesting issue, addressed by the NPB: What to do when animal activists break in into your farm and put films online? Producer Lynn Backer could tell from his own experience. "I know it is easy to sit there and think - it will never happen to me."

Last but not least of the main players - Dr Steve Meyer. Despite some problems at the demand side, he projected 2012 to be 'marginally profitable' with profits per hog sent to the market of about $5.60.

The World Pork Expo marked an important moment for Land O Lakes Purina Feed, which launched its Feeding to 30 programme earlier this spring. How to reach this - e.g. by getting higher birth weights, was addressed at their special panel session.

Zinpro Performance Minerals also supports the Feeding to 30 programme.

In total there are over 400 exhibitors. Among them AP Systems, which has a much larger booth than in previous issues of the World Pork Expo.

Looking for solutions in relation to group housing of sows? PigTek may have one or two.

Last May, Novartis even withdrew the growth promoting claim of Tiamulin, although it is not used in human medicine.

Alltech presented a complete lay-out of an ideal, sustainable farm with surrounding industries.

For drinks, the tents outside, like this one from Hog-Slat, offer as always a good opportunity.

And after all the hard work, there's time for some relaxation. What about a game at the Wheel of Fortune, at the Novus tent? Well - actually it's for kids... And they can win a prize too!

But for those who saw too much on the first day, perhaps the second can be best done from an armchair with a mobile phone and the barbecue right at hand...

The second day of World Pork Expo 2012 kicked off with a strong statement of the NPPC (Audrey Adamson) being against any federal involvement when it comes down to enforcing a ban of battery cages in poultry production. The NPPC feels there should be no role for the federal administration here - who is next, the pig industry?

Equipment supplier Osborne Industries proudly presented a change of style - towards offering turn-key projects.

And what is this? The world's largest pork burger?

Look, there it is - in preparation. Half of it is eaten at the Expo...

...and half will be given to a Des Moines food shelter. Bon appetit!