By Andi Anderson
Over 300 pork producers from Indiana attended the 2024 Midwest Pork Conference in Noblesville, Indiana, on December 3. Hosted at the Embassy Suites Conference Center, the event provided a platform for industry networking, education, and collaboration. Organized by the Indiana Pork Producers Association, the one-day conference included an economic update, a trade show, and multiple educational sessions tailored to the needs of pork producers.
The trade show, featuring over 50 vendors, served as a hub for interaction among producers, veterinarians, legislators, and industry leaders. Representatives from the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) and Purdue University Farm Animal Hospital were present to share insights and resources. ADDL Director Kenitra Hendrix and Assistant Director Craig Bowen, along with Dr. Darryl Ragland from Purdue Veterinary Hospital’s Swine Field Service and veterinary technologist Jessica Schneider, engaged with attendees. Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh also attended to connect with stakeholders.
During the conference, Dr. Bowen presented an update on ADDL’s activities at a meeting for Indiana swine veterinarians. “Connecting with the swine veterinarians and pork producers of Indiana is an important priority for the ADDL, and the Midwest Pork Conference provides a great opportunity for doing that,” said Dr. Bowen.
Educational sessions covered a wide range of topics, including barn technology and automation, risk management marketing tools, best practices for breeding barns, and strategies to address labor shortages. Keynote panels and discussions highlighted challenges in the pork industry and shared practical solutions, focusing on domestic and international pork demand and shifting industry dynamics.
The Midwest Pork Conference is an annual event organized by Indiana Pork, which represents more than 2,800 pork producers in the state. As an affiliate of the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council, Indiana Pork works to support the industry and its stakeholders.
This conference provided a platform for producers and industry members to share knowledge and tools to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in pork production.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Hogs