Posted Aug. 5, 2013

The Iowa Pork Producers Association will be selling thousands of pork chops and educating consumers on modern pork production practices during the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

IPPA staff is anticipating brisk business at the Iowa Pork Tent and Pork Chop on a Stick™ concessions. This is the 33nd year for the Pork Tent and while the menu hasn’t changed, fairgoers will notice slightly higher prices on all items except the Chop on a Stick.

The Pork Tent and Chop shops are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The farrowing display will return to the Animal Learning Center with eight sows giving birth during the fair. FFA students will be on hand to visit with consumers about pork production. A miniature model barn will be displayed and signage and messaging will be posted throughout the building.

In the Agriculture Building, IPPA will partner with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and other commodity groups to help educate fairgoers about modern farming and production practices. A new semi-tractor simulator will explain how food gets from the farm to the plate. Pork samples will be provided on select days and a cooler display will provide additional information.

A mini hog barn will again be part of the Little Hands on the Farm exhibit to show consumers how most hogs are raised today. Children’s activities also will be provided.

A miniature model barn and messaging will be set up in the swine barn this year and a totem pole depicting swine growth will be displayed.

IPPA will utilize the services of more than 1,000 volunteers from county pork groups, national pork organizations and allied businesses at its concessions and exhibits.

The state fair is being held Aug. 8-18 in Des Moines.