Southern Farm Show starts next week
The Southern Farm Show starts Wednesday, January 30 and runs through Friday, February 1 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. This is the largest agricultural exhibition in the Carolinas and Virginias, so don't miss out.

The N.C. Pork Council will be there, so be sure to visit us if you are attending.
We'll be in Booth #4033 in the Equipment Tent near the Expo Center.

Don't miss out on the Agricultural Development Forum on Thursday, where N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will deliver his annual State of Agriculture address. This takes place in the Holshouser Building. Parking and admission is free.
Annual Conference and Bacon Bash coming up
Smithfield Vendor Expo returns in February
Smithfield Hog Production & MB Grain will co-host the 2019 Smithfield Hog Production Vendor Expo on February 26th, 2019, at the Duplin Events Center in Kenansville.

This event will feature multiple vendors from all over the United States and World. Expo admission is free, and includes a complimentary lunch. Educational classes will also be held throughout the day. Check the website for updates on educational opportunities.

This Expo will offer tremendous opportunities for interaction between swine growers, grain producers, and vendors. The vendors will be displaying the latest equipment and technology used for swine and grain production, as well as being available to answer questions.
Nominate a deserving colleague!
Nominations are now being accepted for annual awards to recognize excellence in our industry. The lineup includes three new awards that aim to recognize young leaders, industry employees and industry innovation. For criteria and an application, click on the name of the award below:

The NC Pork Council Hall of Fame recognizes those persons with long and outstanding service to North Carolina’s pork industry and the North Carolina Pork Council. Entry to the North Carolina Pork Council Hall of Fame is the highest honor the organization bestows.

Outstanding Pork Producer of the Year recognizes and honors a pork producer or family who has made significant contributions to the pork industry in North Carolina.

Emerging Leader Award   recognizes and honors a pork producer aged 40 or younger who has contributed to the pork industry in North Carolina and exhibits potential for leadership. In previous years, this award was known as the Pork All-American.

Lois G. Britt Service Award recognizes individuals for whom service to the pork industry and North Carolina agriculture is a passion.

Award for Excellence in Innovation recognizes and honors individuals or institutions for advancing the pork industry through innovative techniques, applications and/or action that include -- but are not limited to -- environmental stewardship, sustainability, research, science and other related advancements in the pork industry.

W.W. Shay Award for Industry Distinction recognizes and honors an individual who has exhibited outstanding service to the pork industry as an employee of a pork industry company. For purpose of this award, a company may be a farming company, an integrator, a processor, an allied company or other related entity. This award is named for William Warden Shay, who as the first swine extension officer in North Carolina instituted methods and techniques with the singular goal of securing and/or increasing profit for farmers from pork production in the state.

Awards winners will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon at the Annual Conference on March 21.
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