Big shows attract a lot of new products and ideas for visitors to check out. The World Pork Expo, which lays claim to being the largest pork-only trade show in the world, offers attendees the full range of information on products, services and issues impacting the industry. It’s a vital gathering of key experts serving the pork industry today.

Yet not everyone can make the trip to Des Moines to check out the latest tools available. That’s where the National Hog Farmer New Product Tour comes in. For 33 years, this project has worked to be the eyes and ears of producers, finding new products that have merit for your operation. The New Product Tour works with a panel of experts, who serve as the on-site observers of a range of new technologies. Their job is to scope out what’s new, and what’s coming, for your operation.

This year’s team New Product Review Panel included:

Dale Stevermer, a swine producer from Easton, Minn., who has worked with a range of technologies for several years in his operation.

Joseph Zulovich, University of Missouri, Extension agricultural engineer, who has worked extensively with swine building design and ventilation systems. He has conducted a range of studies on manure nutrient systems management and he conducts the statewide Livestock Housing System Program.

Larry Coleman, DVM, owner, Veterinary Care and Consultation, Broken Bow, Neb. He works closely with clients on swine care, and management, and has been practicing since 1987.

Tom Miller, Iowa State University, Extension swine specialist, who works with farmers in southeast Iowa and is involved in a wide range of programs from financial analysis to breeding and genetics.

There were more than 30 products nominated by their companies for consideration, and the panel narrowed the field after serious debate over the value of each innovation. At the end of those deliberations, eight products were deemed “most promising,” and from there the team hit the show floor to talk with each exhibitor about the product, its attributes and benefits for producers.

Touring each booth offered the New Product Review Panel the chance to dig in to the specific aspects of each product. They came away with solid impressions on each product. 

Though it did not make the top eight products reviewed by the panel judges, Sulfi-Doxx Black Magic from Direct Biologicals was the favorite as voted on by those attending the World Pork Expo.

Now, here are the eight products (in no particular order) as reviewed by the judges panel.