2026 Pork Academy Line Up
Join your Pork Checkoff for Pork Academy at World Pork Expo, June 3–4, 2026, in Des Moines for expert-led sessions focused on what matters most to pork producers. Explore topics impacting profitability, including a global protein update, swine health, U.S. ag economics, consumer demand and pork nutrition—while engaging directly with industry experts.
Wednesday, June 3
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Global to Local: Trade, Tariffs and Economics Impacting U.S. Pork
Get a global-to-local look at the forces shaping pork markets and an update on checkoff investments in overseas markets.
Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Upper Meeting Room
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
National Swine Health Strategy: Turning Research into Action
Learn more about the National Swine Health Strategy and discover how pork checkoff research can deliver slat-level solutions for your farm.
Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
U.S. Pork Economic Outlook
From feed costs to consumer demand, the economic forces shaping today's pork industry are complex and ever-changing. This session explores markets and trends influencing pork production costs and profitability.
Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
Thursday, June 4
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
The Long-term Playbook for Growing Pork Demand
The pork consumer is evolving — and the pork industry needs to evolve to keep up. This session unpacks why demand is a long game through the Taste What Pork Can Do® campaign and beyond.
Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Protein, Quality & Opportunity: What Today’s Consumers Want from Pork
Protein demand continues to rise and pork is well-positioned to benefit. This session explores how consumer behavior, innovation and pork quality are shaping the category.
Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
What the Dietary Guidelines Mean for the Future of Pork
Nutrition science, consumer behavior and policy are intersecting in ways that shape the future of pork consumption. This panel explores the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and what they mean for the pork industry.
Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C