When Indiana pork producers gathered in Lebanon, Indiana for the 2023 Midwest Pork Conference last month, they had the opportunity to interact with representatives of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Held at the Boone County Fairgrounds, the one day conference on Tuesday, December 5, included an annual economic update, educational sessions on issues important to pork producers, a swine specific trade show, and industry networking opportunities.
The Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Purdue University Farm Animal Hospital were showcased at a booth that was part of the conference trade show, which featured more than 50 vendors and was a hub of activity involving pork producers, veterinarians, legislators, and industry leaders. ADDL Director Kenitra Hendrix and Assistant Director Craig Bowen helped staff the PVM booth. Dr. Bowen also provided an ADDL update at a related session with Indiana swine veterinarians. “The Midwest Pork Conference always provides a great opportunity for the ADDL to connect with the swine veterinarians and pork producers of Indiana,” Dr. Bowen said.
Conference sessions covered a variety of topics and included a keynote panel of pork producers and industry members sharing experiences and strategies related to challenging dynamics in the pork industry. Other sessions covered topics that included labor shortages, pork demand domestically and internationally, and mandatory traceability.
The annual Midwest Pork Conference is hosted by the Indiana Pork Producers Association, known as Indiana Pork, which represents and supports the 3,000 pork producers in the state. Indiana Pork is an affiliate of the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council and is supported by a board of directors made up of industry members and producers.