What Iowa Pork Congress Is
Iowa Pork Congress is the Iowa Pork Producers Association's winter convention and trade show in downtown Des Moines. It is billed as North America's largest winter swine trade show and has run for more than 50 years. It combines a trade show, seminars, achievement recognition and social events for people in pork production. The next edition is listed for January 20-21, 2027, at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
What the Most Recent Program Looked Like
The 2026 edition, held January 21-22, drew more than 225 exhibitors. The 2026 line-up shows the format.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Trade show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the Student Research Poster Contest on display.
- Seminar: "Coffee Chat with Eldon" on DNR rules, court cases and animal welfare laws, with Eldon McAfee.
- Keynote: "Cultivating a Mindset of Growth and Grit in Agriculture," with retired Brigadier General Mike Oster.
- Seminar: "Pork, Policy, Politics, and Populism," with Al Tank.
- Seminar: "Economic and Livestock Market Outlook," with Dr. Lee Schulz.
- Evening banquet with the Master Pork Awards Program, the 2026 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team winners and the crowning of the new Iowa Pork Queen.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
- Trade show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; convention ends at 2 p.m.
- Seminar on artificial intelligence, data and emerging technologies for Iowa pork producers.
- "The Many Moments of a Hog," a pork fabrication and discussion session with Kari Underly of Range Meat Academy.
- New in 2026: Spanish-language technical training sessions for pork production employees, including sessions on sudden death in sows and individual care of sows.
The week also included the Iowa Pork Producers Association annual meeting and awards luncheon, a kickoff reception with the Dollars for Swine Scholars auction (open to all), the Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team contest speeches, and a producer recognition reception.
Who It Is For
Pork producers, employees, suppliers and students. The student poster contest and the Youth Leadership Team contest make room for young people, and the Spanish-language sessions are aimed at farm workers.
Key Dates
| Edition | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025 | January 22-23 |
| 2026 | January 21-22 |
| 2027 | January 20-21 (listed) |
Where
The trade show is at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, with the banquet and receptions in the nearby convention center. The Iowa Events Center phone is 515-564-8000.
Questions
Is there a youth component?
Yes. The Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team contest and the Student Research Poster Contest run during the convention, and winners are announced at the banquet.
How long is the trade show open?
In 2026 it ran 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.
Where do I register?
IowaPorkCongress.org, run by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Official Links
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Iowa Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and County Leadership Conference
Iowa Farm Bureau members meet for the annual meeting and county leadership conference at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines, December 8-9, 2026.
Des Moines, IA Official event details - Polk County 4-H & FFA Fair
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- Iowa Cattle Industry Convention
Iowa Cattlemen and beef industry members meet at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona for the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention. Held each year; the most recent date was December 16, 2025.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.