The 2025 Bacon Expo will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hansen Agricultural Learning Center.
The Bacon Expo is an annual student-led philanthropy event that is part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). By combining food and education, guests are able to learn about Iowa’s pork industry, raise funds for a non-profit organization and taste-test bacon.
This year’s event, the 12th annual, will feature over 400 pounds of bacon, which will be distributed among local restaurants and CALS student clubs and from there will be used in a variety of bacon dishes.
Several groups will be competing for the title, which Patrick Frazer, entertainment officer of Bacon Expo, said highlights the ambition surrounding the event. Guests will be able to sample the bacon and vote for the Best Bacon Dish.
“The theme this year is ‘Bacon 500,’” Frazer said. “It’s a great theme to highlight the competitive spirit of this year’s Bacon Expo.”
According to a press release, the 17-member executive team has been preparing for the event since January, with logistical help from a group of student volunteers called the Bacon Brigade.
Tri-chairs for the event are Emily Bray, a junior in agriculture and rural policy, Carson Dircks and Dylan Brader, seniors in agricultural studies.
“I’m excited to see this event come to life,” Bray said. “Watching attendees try new bacon dishes while also learning where their pork comes from is what makes the Bacon Expo so special.”
Breanna Selsor, a senior in agricultural communication, said several student clubs will be at the event, including Sigma Alpha, Alpha Gamma Rho, Dairy Science Club and Block and Bridle.
“They each have their own bacon dish,” Selsor said. “They have the freedom to make whatever type of dish they want.”
In addition to the food, there will be pedal pull tractors and a hog calling contest.
Cash and cards will be accepted at the event. Tickets will be $5 for students and $10 for adults, and all proceeds will support the non-profit Farm Rescue, which is dedicated to helping farm families in crisis.
“We’re proud to support the incredible mission of Farm Rescue and the impact it has in helping farm families in need,” Bray said.
