Pork Academy

Join Pork Checkoff for Pork Academy sessions where you can gain insight into valuable information for your farm and learn more about how the industry can build a bigger appetite for pork.  For the latest schedule and details, please follow the Pork Checkoff on Facebook (@ThePorkCheckoff), Instagram (@nationalporkboard) and LinkedIn (National Pork Board).

Get the most up-to-date schedule and information on Pork Academy by visiting www.porkcheckoff.org. We look forward to seeing you at the sessions!

Wednesday, June 5

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

An Economic Outlook for the Pork Industry

What does demand look like for pork internationally and here in the U.S.? How are prices impacting corn, soybean and pork markets and pork consumption? Join Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns for an interactive session providing an economic outlook for the pork industry.

Speakers: Dr. Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns, Ever.Ag

Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Upper Meeting Room

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Building Public Trust in Pork

How do we best help the public understand what happens on the farm when they are increasingly removed from the farm? Hear from leading academics of the Real Pork Trust Consortium and learn how to build trust with consumers to protect your freedom to operate.

Speakers: Nicholas Gabler, Iowa State University; Pedro Urriola, University of Minnesota; Katie Sanders, North Carolina State University, Alexa Lamm, University of Georgia

Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

How Pork Powers Your Plate and the Industry

Nutrition concerns can be a significant barrier to consumers selecting pork for their plate. However, recent research and partnerships with influential voices in the nutrition space can turn this challenge into opportunity. Join us for an insightful panel session sharing the most recent groundbreaking pork nutrition research and how working with dieticians, nutritionists and chefs are building a bigger appetite for U.S. pork.

Speakers: TBD

Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C

Thursday, June 6

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Endemic Diseases, Biosecurity and Other Hot Topics in Swine Health

What keeps you up at night? PRRS, influenza, PEDv or other swine health challenges? Bring your questions and concerns to the table with leading swine health experts from industry and academia.

Moderator: Dr. Brent Pepin, National Pork Board

Speakers: Deb Murray, New Fashion Pork; Lisa Becton, Swine Health Improvement Center (SHIC), Guilherme Cezar, Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine, Laura Dalquist, Swine Vet Center

Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Positioning Pork For Success: Meeting Consumers Where They Are

A smart strategy for the future of pork starts with people – those who make protein choices at the grocery store and restaurant table. We need to understand the consumers’ needs, feelings and behaviors to grow the pork category. This session will dive deeper into the NPB Consumer Connect insights, which will help pork reach its peak relevance, build trust, add value, and generate long-term, sustainable demand.

Speakers: TBD

Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

The Future of Everything Pork

What will the future of pig farming look like? Join experts in varying technologies, including gene editing, animal health sensor technology, in-barn advancements, artificial intelligence and more to explore and discuss futuristic opportunities and challenges.

Speakers: TBD

Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Carbon Markets, CSAs, ROI and More

More than a year since the USDA announced millions of dollars in Climate Smart Grants, opportunities for farmers to receive assistance and credit for their on-farm practices continue to grow and evolve. Hear the latest information and funding opportunities related to sustainability.

Moderator: Jill Brokaw, National Pork Board.

Speakers: TBD

Sponsored by: National Pork Board
Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B