Pork producers and exhibitors from around the country and from more than 50 nations crowded the Iowa State Fairgrounds June 7-9, sampling pork barbeque, visiting the 1,000 exhibit booths of the 450 companies in attendance, learning about new products and participating in educational seminars. The number of international visitors is estimated at 2,300, traveling from some 50 different countries around the globe.

"This World Pork Expo was a huge success," said NPPC President Jill Appell, a pork producer from Altona, Ill. "We had pork producers and swine industry representatives from across the country and visitors from Canada, Brazil, Japan and dozens of other countries. As the premier showcase for pork producers and industry experts, Expo was able to showcase our industry and let producers know what NPPC is doing to keep our industry competitive."

USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Bruce Knight spoke to NPPC Strategic Investment Program members at a lunch and addressed farm reporters at press conference. Knight took the latter opportunity to discuss U.S. beef trade with South Korea; the USDA's effort to re-tool the national animal ID system (NAIS); and how the agency is moving forward on re-opening the U.S. border to older Canadian cattle.

In other news, the Boys of Barbecue & Patty (Craig Kidwell, cook) from Odessa, Mo., earned Grand Champion honors in the Pork Checkoff's 20th annual Great Pork BarbeQlossal™ contest. This is the second time the Kidwell's have won BarbeQlossal.

Results from various shows held at the 2007 World Pork Expo will be released later this week, including results from the Junior National Breed Show & Sale and other events. Results will then be posted to the NPPC website.