Live from Des Moines... It's the World Pork Expo!

Greetings from Des Moines! The 2012 edition of the World Pork Expo is officially under way. With a record number of entries in the World Pork Expo Junior National, a great lineup of judges and, of course, great hogs, we're very excited to get the shows started tomorrow. Below are some "candids" from the barn as exhibitors began unloading and registering their entries today.

National Swine Registry CEO Mike Paul chats with Eastern Region Fieldman Ralph Doak about the hogs they've seen in the barn so far.

Members of National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred check-in junior exhibitors in the swine barn.

A family unloads their gilt. This year's World Pork Expo Junior National features a record-breaking number of entries!

The show ring is set for tomorrow's shows.

Courtney Smith and Kaylee Miller took a break from check-in to pose for a photo.

This Yorkshire hog was curious to see our camera.

Not making it to Expo this year? No problem! The NSR Marketing & Communications team will be providing live updates through this week's shows. Check the NSR Shows & Sales blog or our Twitter feed (@NationalSwine) for results. Feel feel to tweet using the hashtag #NPPCWPX all week. Good luck to all exhibitors and safe travels to those still en route to Des Moines!