The world's largest trade show for the pork industry will open at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Thursday. The 20th annual World Pork Expo lasts June 5-7, and organizers of the event expect more than 30,000 visitors, exhibitors and pork producers to attend.

The trade show at the expo will feature more than 1,000 booths, with some 450 companies showcasing their products and technology for the pork industry. Other events planned for the expo include an environmental information center, breed shows and sales, daily lunch at the big grill and a long list of educational seminars featuring top experts from around the country.

On Saturday the Great Pork BarbeQlossal will be held, where some of the best barbecue cooks in the nation will compete for a share of more than $37,500 in cash prizes. Contestants will use their own custom barbecue equipment and homemade sauces to compete in the categories of ribs, loin and shoulder, whole hog and showmanship.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Connors will attend the expo on Thursday, speaking to an invitation-only luncheon hosted by the National Pork Producers Council.

Iowa Independent will be reporting from the expo, so check back later in the week for more.