Illinois Ag News Headlines New Format, Seminars Make 2010 IL Pork Expo a Success Illinois Ag Connection - 02/08/2010 Approximately 1,300 producers, exhibitors and guests attended the 2010 Illinois Pork Expo held this past week in Peoria. The Expo was sponsored by the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA). "The 2010 Pork Expo was another successful event thanks to the outstanding efforts of many of our volunteers and our staff," said David Conrady, 2010 IL Pork Expo Chair and a pork producer from Elkhart, Ill. "We made several changes to this year's expo to continue to improve the show and make it relevant to pork producers. It was a jam-packed two days, but everyone seemed to enjoy the new format," said Conrady. The Pork Expo consisted of a trade show with 147 exhibit booths (representing 124 companies), numerous educational seminars for producers, an awards banquet honoring dedicated volunteers, and auctions to support IPPA efforts. "We had a very impressive line-up of speakers, one of our best ever and was a highlight for many of the attendees,' said Jim Kaitschuk, IPPA Executive Director. "The seminars were very well attended and gave producers some insight to the many challenges continuing to face the pork industry." This year's seminars featured industry experts such as Phil Seng, CEO of USMEF talking about the growth of pork exports; Mark Greenwood of Ag Star Financial discussing the economic outlook for the pork industry; Dr. Bob Morrison from the University of Minnesota discussing greenhouse gases and carbon credits; and Chad Gregory Sr. VP of the United Egg Producers discussing the HSUS state ballot initiatives. Dr. Wes Jamison from Palm Beach Atlantic University was the keynote speaker and discussed HSUS campaign using animals, politics, and religion to attack animal agriculture. He challenged producers to get engaged in this fight. Seminars were also offered specifically for show pig, purebred breeders, & youth. "We continue to make the Pork Expo as relevant to a variety of pork producer audiences as possible," said Conrady. IPPA raised $34,000 at the annual Pork Production Auction. Businesses donated 47 pork production related items such as feed, pharmaceuticals, and equipment that were sold to the highest bidder. The money raised at the auction provides funds for IPPA non-checkoff programs, such as legislative representation. The IPPA honored retiring board members, the retiring IL Pork Ambassador, and IPPA award winners at the annual Awards Banquet. IPPA recognized individuals who have contributed time and effort improving the pork industry in Illinois. Recipients included the following: -- Distinguished Service Award- Jill Appell, a pork producer from Altona, IL. -- Illinois Pork Producer Family of the Year Award- Keller Grain and Livestock -- Art & Alice; Bob & Donna; and Jason and Anna Keller from Sainte Marie, IL -- Pork Promoter of the Year Award- Mollie Fesser from Farmersville, IL -- Environmental Steward Award- Kitley Farms -- Kent & Tracy Kitley from Clay County The Illinois Pork PAC held their annual PAC auction after the awards banquet. The IL Pork PAC benefited by more than 60 unique items that were donated by county pork producer groups and businesses. The auction raised nearly $8,500, which will be used by Illinois Pork PAC to support state and federal candidates who are supportive of the pork industry. "The IL Pork Expo is an excellent opportunity for IPPA to re-connect with our members and pork producers from across the state," said Kaitschuk. "We continue to strive to make the Pork Expo relevant to the many challenges facing the pork industry, while also helping Illinois Pork Producers continue their commitment to the environment, animal care, food safety, and ultimately producing a safe, nutritious, affordable protein source for consumers in this country and around the world." Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.