A novel approach to address heat stress in the pork industry has been voted the winner of National Hog Farmer’s 2024 New Product Tour. IHT Cooling Mats, a targeted and efficient solution to provide localized relief — which can be particularly beneficial during hot weather or in environments with inadequate ventilation — captured the most votes to take home the Producer’s Choice Award today from World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.

IHT Cooling Mats from IHT Group offer a targeted cooling approach that not only helps to reduce heat stress but also promotes sow performance, improves boar breeding success and enhances overall animal welfare. Additionally, the mats are designed with durability and ease of use in mind, making them a practical and effective solution for pork producers seeking to optimize their operations.

IHT Group President Chris Grant says by investing in IHT Cooling Mats, pork producers also demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare, which can enhance their brand reputation and market positioning, appealing to consumers increasingly concerned about the ethical treatment of animals in agriculture.

“Our innovative cooling mats will reduce heat stress to improve production and enhance animal welfare,” Grant said. “After rigorous tests, we have been able to manufacture a cooling mat that has shown incredible results for both sows and boars.”

The New Product Tour was presented during the Global Hog Industry Virtual Conference on May 22. A panel of pork industry experts reviewed products, keeping in mind how each would benefit producers and the industry. Respective company representatives then presented a two-minute video or sales pitch to the panel of judges, after which the judges asked questions about the product in the style of TV's "Shark Tank."

Online voting for Producers Choice took place on the National Hog Farmer site, as well as at the National Hog Farmer Booth at the 2024 World Pork Expo in Des Moines.

To view this year's New Product Tour entries and presentations, catch the competition here. To be part of the 2025 New Product Tour, contact Kristin Bakker via email.