Pork Expo starts Tuesday

Pork producers from throughout the state will have the chance to gather with fellow producers and those involved with the industry during the 2020 Illinois Pork Expo planned for Tuesday and Wednesday in Springfield.

The event from the Illinois Pork Producers Association also gives farmers a chance to show state legislators what they do during a legislative reception. More events have been added in recent years but the expo is condensed into a couple of days.

“We are trying to get a lot more done and make better use of the producer’s time and hopefully get more information to them in a timely fashion,” said IPPA past president Mike Haag.

Activities kick off Tuesday Feb. 4 with the annual meeting 9-11:30 a.m. and the trade show 12-9 p.m. Ron Hanson will have a presentation on passing on the farm with the legislative reception and awards from 5-7:30 p.m. and the live pork auction 7-9 p.m. On Wednesday Feb. 5, an NPPC update will be given followed by the trade show 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and a certified livestock manager training from 12:15-7 p.m.

Haag’s time on the IPPA board comes to a close after Pork Expo. He lives near Emington in Livingston County and has a family corn and soy operation and raises pigs. Haag’s brother-in-law and wife are involved in the operation along with a couple of employees.

Haag shares thoughts on trade:

When it comes to trade, Haag called the recent signing of USMCA by President Trump “nothing but positive” for the ag industry.

“That’s great news for us,” he said.

Many in agriculture have been trying to push USMCA through to the president’s desk for over a year. Haag also considers this good for manufacturing.

With plenty of supply, Haag hopes demand takes care of the situation with the China agreement. He would like to see more exports in the next few months.

The Central Illinois Farm Network visited with Haag at this week’s Midwest Ag Expo near Gifford.