One of the pork industry’s largest and most influential events is heading back to Iowa.

In this Pork Industry News update, Rachel Fishback previews the 2026 Iowa Pork Congress, taking place January 21–22 in Des Moines. Hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Pork Congress has brought together pork producers and industry professionals for more than 50 years.

The event will be held throughout the Iowa Events Center, spanning the EMC Expo Center and the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, and will feature a full slate of trade show exhibits, educational seminars, producer meetings, and industry recognition events.

Highlights include the Iowa Pork Producers Association Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon presented by the Pork Checkoff, the Iowa Pork Congress Kickoff Reception, and the Iowa Pork Foundation Dollars for Swine Scholars Auction presented by Alltech.

Educational programming will focus on pork policy, economics, animal welfare regulations, environmental compliance, livestock markets, and on-farm execution, including multiple Spanish-language seminars. The trade show will run both days alongside student research poster displays and youth leadership contest speeches.

📍 While attending, be sure to stop by the AcresTV booth — Booth 1144 — to connect and learn more about agriculture storytelling and programming.

The Iowa Pork Congress wraps up with producer recognition events, including the Producer Recognition Reception presented by Zoetis, the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet, and the Dessert Social presented by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

📺 Stay tuned to Pork Industry News for continued coverage and updates from Iowa Pork.