Indiana pork producers will have an opportunity to sharpen their management strategies, hear the latest industry updates and connect with fellow farmers and agricultural professionals when the 2026 Midwest Pork Conference returns to Muncie Dec. 14-15.
Hosted by Indiana Pork, the conference and Indiana Pork Annual Meeting will take place at the Horizon Convention Center, bringing together producers, veterinarians, industry experts and agribusiness representatives for two days of networking, education and discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the pork industry.
This year’s conference will feature 12 educational sessions, a trade show and updates from national pork organizations. Spanish translation will be available during several educational sessions, expanding access to information for producers and their employees.
The event will begin Monday, Dec. 14, with a welcome reception from 6 to 8 p.m. in Delaware 1 and 2. Sponsored by United Animal Health, the reception will offer attendees an opportunity to network, enjoy food and drinks, and reconnect with others across the industry before Tuesday’s full conference schedule.
Tuesday’s program will begin with a trade show and light breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by a full day of presentations addressing animal health, barn management, manure management, farm financing and the economic outlook for pork producers.
National Industry Updates and Practical Farm Management
National pork industry developments will take center stage during the opening session from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Dr. Heather Fowler, director of producer and public health for the National Pork Board, and Michael Formica, chief legal strategist for the National Pork Producers Council, will provide updates from their respective organizations.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear directly from National Pork Board CEO Dr. David Newman during a question-and-answer session scheduled for 10:25 a.m.
Other sessions will focus on practical management decisions that can affect farm performance and profitability.
Dr. Eduardo Beltranena, an assistant professor and extension specialist in animal sciences at North Carolina State University, will lead a session on managing and leading in the barn. The presentation is scheduled for 9:35 a.m., with Spanish translation available.
Other concurrent sessions will examine financing options and insuring aging barns, nitrogen availability in manured fields and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs for manure management.
Ben Wicker, executive director of the Indiana Ag Nutrient Alliance, and Hans Schmitz, a technical assistance specialist with the organization, will lead the manure management session.
At 10:25 a.m., producers can choose between a session on individual sow care, presented by Jorge Cajamarca, a technical services senior specialist with PIC, and a presentation on barn renovations and energy efficiency by Fritz Richards, head of sales for Hog Slat Inc.
The schedule is designed to address both day-to-day production decisions and longer-term investments in farm infrastructure, animal care and operational efficiency.
Farmers Take Center Stage
One of the conference’s featured sessions will bring producers together for a farmer perspectives panel from 11:05 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
The discussion will give farmers an opportunity to share experiences managing emerging technologies, finding manure applicators, adjusting market weights and addressing other challenges and opportunities on their operations.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring questions and participate in the conversation. The panel is sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council.
The producer-focused discussion will be followed by lunch and additional time to visit the trade show from 12:05 to 1 p.m.
Indiana Pork Annual Meeting Includes Leadership Votes
The Indiana Pork Annual Business Meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Interurban Hall, with check-in starting at 12:45 p.m.
The annual meeting of the Indiana Pork Board of Directors is open to all conference attendees. However, checkoff-paying members must sign in to participate in voting for Indiana Pork Board of Director seats and delegates to the National Pork Forum.
Resolutions for consideration at the National Pork Forum will also be addressed during the meeting.
The annual meeting provides an opportunity for eligible members to participate in organizational decisions and help shape Indiana Pork’s representation and priorities at the national level.
Animal Health and the Economic Outlook
The afternoon program will return to production management with sessions beginning at 1:40 p.m.
Dr. Kelli Werling, assistant state veterinarian and director of swine health for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, will discuss biosecurity practices at work and home. Spanish translation will be available for the session.
Producers can also attend a presentation on reducing finisher mortalities by Dr. Lauren Nagel, a veterinarian with AMVC Swine Health Services, or a session focused on nutrition.
The conference will conclude with an economic update from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Dr. Lee Schulz, chief economist with EA Risk, will discuss the economic outlook for the pork industry. Farm Credit Mid-America is sponsoring the session.
The trade show will remain open through 3:30 p.m., when the conference is scheduled to adjourn.
Registration and Conference Details
General conference registration is $55 per person through Thursday, Nov. 12. The fee increases to $70 after that date. Exhibitor registration and early-bird registration also end Nov. 12.
Exhibitor booths are available for $500, while general conference sponsorships are $650. Additional options include booth electricity for $25 and a hospitality room for $300. Registration and listed additional fees are nonrefundable.
The conference will be held at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Indiana. The welcome reception is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, followed by the main conference and Indiana Pork Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
For Indiana pork producers navigating changing markets, rising operational demands and ongoing decisions about animal health, facilities and farm management, the conference will provide an opportunity to gain practical information, exchange ideas and engage with fellow members of the state’s pork industry.
Additional registration information and conference details are available through Indiana Pork by contacting Stacy Herr at sherr@inpork.org.
CLICK HERE to register.
