National Hog Farmer is running its 2026 New Product Tour to highlight innovations aimed at U.S. pork producers. 2026 New Product Tour gives companies a forum to show products and services that target cost savings and operational efficiency on hog farms. The program emphasizes practical benefits for producers rather than promotional talk, with materials and presentations judged against their usefulness to the industry.
A panel of experienced pork industry experts reviews submitted documentation before any live presentations take place. Expert judging panel evaluates how each entry would affect producer expenses, labor, biosecurity and overall herd productivity based on the paperwork provided. Judges use that review to shape questions and to compare products on comparable criteria.
Companies selected for the tour are invited to present directly to the panel and to the audience, explaining features and expected outcomes for producers. Companies present live and respond to questions from both the judges and attendees, creating a session that focuses on measurable producer value and product clarity.
How presentations proceed
Submitted materials guide the judges' assessments, so documentation must clearly state intended benefits and supporting evidence. Presenting companies walk through their product’s features, expected on-farm impacts and any implementation needs while the panel probes for specifics that matter to producers, such as cost per head, labor changes or compatibility with existing facilities.
Presentations during the tour are structured to allow time for audience questions and follow-up clarification from the presenting team and the panel. Producers and other attendees can use those exchanges to evaluate whether a product fits their operation and to identify any additional information they will need before adoption.
About the author
Ann Hess is Content Producer for the Livestock Team at Farm Progress, which includes National Hog Farmer, BEEF Magazine and Feedstuffs. A native of South Dakota, Hess has more than 21 years of experience in agriculture marketing and communications and previously worked for South Dakota State University Extension, AGDAILY and Alltech. Hess holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from South Dakota State University.
Photo - eu-images.contentstack.com
