Optimism for the future was the prevailing theme of World Pork Expo 2021.
The World Pork Expo returned to the Iowa State Fairgrounds after a two-year hiatus. It was good to be back, in-person connecting with leaders throughout the value chain, almost all of whom had a positive perspective on the future of the pork industry.
What is driving their optimist outlook? Demand for pork products remains high and prices are favorable. Both of which are creating a strong market. Indications are that the pork industry can sustain this favorable market for some time.
Industry leadership shared much of their optimistic outlook is driven by the limited ability to expand. Several factors are holding back production:
It will take innovative approaches to address the demand for pork. It will also take innovative leaders and the right strategy to bring them to the industry, and to the organizations in need.
Globally, Kincannon & Reed works with a number of clients across all livestock sectors. Competition for quality leaders is aggressive and businesses are having to balance various factors to identify and recruit executive talent.
It will take innovative approaches to address the demand for pork. It will also take innovative leaders and the right strategy to bring them to the industry, and to the organizations in need.
As we talk with prospective candidates, for organizations across the pork industry, relocation is the single biggest issue right now for recruiting executive talent. Candidates are reluctant to move, in part because of the very tight housing market. I advise my clients to develop options that will allow high-potential candidates to work remotely. As business travel resumes, executives are much more open to traveling than they have been in the last year and a half. Strong talent is receptive to situations where they can travel as necessary without having to permanently relocate.
With the right strategy, we are optimistic for the business and hiring outlook in the pork industry.
