National Pork Producers Council https://nppc.org/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 19:19:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Capital Update – For the Week Ending March 15, 2024 https://nppc.org/news/capital-update-03-15-24/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 19:35:00 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21939 USDA pork purchases; NPPC’s Carr at Codex Commission; President’s budget request; Final ‘Product of USA’ label; House Ag group on H-2A visas

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In this week’s National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Friday recap: NPPC applauds USDA purchase of more pork for food nutrition, assistance programs; NPPC’s Dr. Carr engages in Codex Commission; President’s budget requests funding for swine programs; USDA issues final ‘Product of USA’ labeling rule; and House Ag labor group recommends reforms to H-2A program. Take a deeper dive below.

NPPC Applauds USDA Purchase of More Pork for Food Nutrition, Assistance Programs

What happened: Using funds from its Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is purchasing an additional 33.5 million pounds of pork — worth more than $78.6 million — for distribution to various food nutrition and assistance programs. Earlier this year, USDA bought $25 million of pork under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, which authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make commodity purchases, entitlement purchases, and disaster assistance using funds appropriated annually from U.S. customs receipts.

NPPC’s take: NPPC applauded USDA’s purchase and will continue working with the agency to identify additional opportunities to find support for U.S. pork producers during challenging market conditions. More information on becoming a USDA-approved vendor is available here.

Why it matters: The U.S. pork industry has faced a challenging economic market over the past 18 months, with producers losing an average of $30 — sometimes $40 to $60 — on each hog marketed in 2023. These pork purchases provide much-needed support to the hog and wholesale pork markets and secure affordable, nutritious pork products for USDA recipient programs.

NPPC’s Dr. Carr Engages in Codex Commission

What happened: NPPC’s Dr. Trachelle Carr, senior director of international technical affairs, attended the 54th meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) in Nairobi, Kenya. Jointly hosted by the United States and Kenya, the meeting was a strong display of international partnership, focused on elevating food hygiene standards that promote the importance of safe and nutritious foods. CCFH is a part of Codex Alimentarius, the international food safety standards-setting body for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

NPPC’s take: Dr. Carr served as a lead representative for the U.S. pork industry, working to build international consensus around technical rules and regulations that may redefine how pork producers conduct business globally.

Among several proposed standards, CCFH delegates discussed the Guidelines for Food Hygiene Control Measure in Traditional Markets for Food. These guidelines for food businesses, consumers, market authorities, and stakeholders alike will provide guidance on issues from food handling to personnel health, and from environmental considerations to training and education. NPPC’s participation at Codex showcased trade associations’ vital role on the global stage.

Why it matters: Standards adopted by Codex have wide-ranging implications, as they are used throughout international trade negotiations as the baseline for text. This is why standards must be based on science. NPPC works closely with food and agriculture groups in several countries to gather consensus to support the work of CCFH, which, through its guidelines and standards on protecting consumer health, helps ensure that the food being traded is safe for consumers.

Codex provides the U.S. pork industry an opportunity to engage on a global stage on standards impacting the safety of our food, food production, and international trade.

President’s Budget Requests Funding for Swine Programs

What happened: President Biden’s fiscal 2025 budget proposes $29.2 billion in discretionary authority for USDA, a $2 billion increase from the 2023 level. It includes several funding requests beneficial to the pork industry, such as money for addressing African swine fever (ASF).

Among the funds for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are:

  • $4.7 million for swine health programs, including $4.25 million for establishing the Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), a national strategy for biosecurity, traceability, and surveillance of diseases, including ASF.
  • $6.5 million — a $20,000 increase over fiscal 2024 — for APHIS’s National Veterinary Stockpile, which consists of animal vaccines, antivirals, therapeutic products, supplies, and equipment to respond to animal disease outbreaks.
  • $3.99 million for APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services, which oversees the development and introduction of genetically engineered organisms.

The budget also provides nearly $3.8 billion for agricultural research, education, and outreach.

NPPC’s take: NPPC advocated for and supports increased funding for USDA programs that address animal disease prevention and preparedness and programs that support agricultural producers. NPPC appreciates the administration’s acknowledgment and willingness to address the pork industry’s concerns for keeping the U.S. swine herd healthy and keeping food safe.

Why it matters: While budgets from the White House typically are not approved as-is by congressional lawmakers, the fiscal plans serve as blueprints for program funding levels.

USDA Issues Final ‘Product of USA’ Labeling Rule

What happened: USDA issued a final rule on labeling meat “Product of USA,” allowing that claim only for meat from animals born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. Meat from live animals imported into the United States for feeding, harvesting, and processing could no longer make such a claim. Minimally processed products could use a qualified U.S.-origin claim, such as “sliced and packaged in the United States using imported pork.” Companies have until Jan. 1, 2026, to comply with the new rule.

Meatpackers would not be required to label their product, but if they voluntarily use “Product of USA” or “Made in USA” or an American flag, they must be able to provide proof of the claim. USDA will generically approve labels — no special process verification programs or additional approval steps are needed.

The rule only applies to domestic U.S. sales; all exports will continue to follow the labeling rules of the country of destination. If a product includes multiple ingredients, all must comply with the rule’s criteria, except for spices and flavorings in processed products. For example, a beef and pork sausage would have to source products from cattle and pigs that were born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States to use “Product of USA.” The regulation also allows for state or locality-based claims — “Product of Iowa,” for example — as long as the claim follows the same born, raised, slaughtered, and processed criteria.

NPPC’s take: NPPC is concerned that the regulation will strain the relationships between the United States and its trading partners, particularly Canada and Mexico, and could result in disputes being filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO) or under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) against the United States, with a likelihood of tariff retaliation against U.S. goods, particularly agricultural products. In June 2023, NPPC submitted comments on the draft regulations, highlighting concerns about disruptions of the integrated supply chain between the three countries.

Why it matters: Under USMCA (previously NAFTA), supply chain integration between the US, Canada and Mexico has been highly encouraged. The U.S. exported pork and pork products worth over $2.3 billion to Mexico and over $875 million to Canada in 2023. The U.S. imports pork, pork products, and live swine from USMCA partners.

House Ag Labor Group Recommends Reforms to H-2A Program

What happened: The House Agriculture Committee’s Agriculture Labor Working Group (ALWG) released a final report on the H-2A visa program, which includes recommendations to streamline and expand program access to help ensure agricultural producers, particularly livestock producers, have a reliable workforce.

The H-2A visa program currently allows a limited number of foreign workers entry into the United States for temporary seasonal agricultural work. It does not allow for year-round workers, making it largely inaccessible for livestock producers who need a year-round workforce.

Among its 20 recommendations, the ALWG called for:

  • Expanding the H-2A program to allow year-round workers.
  • Establishing one new, streamlined H-2A application processing system through the creation of an Internet-based electronic portal.
  • Requiring the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to consult with USDA prior to making changes or updates to the H-2A program.
  • Reforming wage calculation standards to provide stability in farmworker pay rates.
  • Providing DOL the authority to exempt farms under a certain size from the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. (DOL sets the AEWR annually to prevent adverse employment effects for U.S. workers.) DOL could waive the AEWR requirement for H-2A workers for farms with a gross cash farm income of less than $350,000.

NPPC’s take: NPPC supports expanding access to the H-2A visa program to year-round agricultural workers without setting numerical caps. It also backs reforming the visa system to address complexity, backlogs, predictability, and costs. NPPC welcomes the proposals, as the organization worked closely with the ALWG as it prepared these recommendations. NPPC encourages Congress to advance these critical reforms to the H-2A program.

Why it matters: As ALWG members pointed out in their report, “The agricultural sector is currently facing urgent challenges caused by producers’ lack of access to an adequate workforce … U.S. farmers are already reeling from record-high production costs that have translated into thin and negative margins. The inability to find and hire workers is only exacerbating this negative trend. The time to act is now.”

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Capital Update – For the Week Ending March 8, 2024 https://nppc.org/news/capital-update-03-08-2/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:45:37 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21928 In this week’s National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Friday recap: Producers approve traceability resolution at annual meeting; SEC climate rule victory a relief for agriculture producers; USDA issues final Packers & Stockyards Act rule; NPPC’s Formica says EPA’s WOTUS rule still problematic for farmers; NPPC installs new officers, elects board; and pork industry leaders recognized at Pork Industry Forum.

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In this week’s National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Friday recap: Producers approve traceability resolution at annual meeting; SEC climate rule victory a relief for agriculture producers; USDA issues final Packers & Stockyards Act rule; NPPC’s Formica says EPA’s WOTUS rule still problematic for farmers; NPPC installs new officers, elects board; and pork industry leaders recognized at Pork Industry Forum. Take a deeper dive below.

Pork Producers Approve Traceability Resolution at Annual Meeting

What happened: Delegates at NPPC’s 2024 annual business meeting — the National Pork Industry Forum — in Chicago approved a resolution to enhance the pork industry’s live swine traceability system.

In 2022, a producer-led task force brought together stakeholders throughout the pork supply chain to identify and address current gaps in the system. The task force offered a series of comment periods for producers to provide input on enhanced standards.

The approved standards will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for inclusion in the regulations mandating pre-harvest swine traceability. To view the enhanced standards or learn more, click here.

Why it matters: International meat markets would close immediately if a foreign animal disease, such as African swine fever, was detected in the United States. Strengthening live swine traceability will better assure animal health officials have quick access to comprehensive movement data, show trading partners that the United States knows where disease-free animals are, and support resumption of U.S. pork exports, which last year were more than $8.2 billion.

SEC Climate Rule Victory a Relief for Agriculture Producers

What happened: In a huge win for agricultural producers, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped a controversial provision from its final greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting rule that would have mandated publicly traded companies to gather GHG data from their customers, suppliers, and distributors. Publicly traded companies will still need to report climate-related information to the SEC but will be allowed to determine whether their investors need the information to make decisions.

NPPC’s take: NPPC helped lead agriculture’s fight against the SEC’s application of “burdensome and unnecessary” climate disclosure requirements under Scope 3 of the proposed rule. That provision could have required a large meatpacking company, for example, to report, among other things, climate-related information from every farm supplying it with livestock, adding burdensome paperwork for producers.

In comments submitted in June 2022, NPPC and other agricultural organizations asked the SEC to remove or substantially revise the Scope 3 emissions disclosure requirement and ensure any final rule aligned with GHG emissions disclosures required under existing federal emissions reporting programs and federal law protecting livestock farmers from costly, inaccurate, and unduly burdensome GHG emissions reporting.

Why it’s important: Had the SEC rule been adopted as initially proposed in March 2022, it would have driven further consolidation in the agriculture industry as larger publicly traded companies sought complete control of their entire supply chains to avoid the risk of shareholder and activist litigation. It would also have forced independent producers out of business, exposed all producers to lawsuits, and created new avenues for activist groups to attack the agriculture industry, according to NPPC.

USDA Issues Final Packers & Stockyards Act Rule

What happened: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) this week issued a final rule amending Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) regulations to prohibit “undue prejudice” and “unjust discrimination” by regulated entities, including packers and swine contractors, against individuals based on specific characteristics. It also identifies prohibited retaliatory and deceptive practices and increases recordkeeping requirements to comply with the rule. The final rule is set to take effect May 6, 2024.

The regulation, known as the “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act,” prohibits actions that would inhibit market access or are “materially adverse” against producers on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, age, or because of a producer’s status as a cooperative. That list replaces AMS’s original proposal of protecting a broad and undefined group of “market vulnerable individuals.”

The rule prohibits regulated entities from retaliating or taking adverse action against covered producers for communicating with government officials or businesses and choosing to form or join an association. It also prohibits the use of “false or misleading statements or omissions of material information” during contract formation, performance, termination, as well as in situations where regulated entities refuse to form a contract.

While the PSA already prohibits unjust discrimination and undue prejudices or preferences that have an anticompetitive effect, the new rule implies that for actions prohibited under the rule, AMS does not believe proof of anticompetitive harm is necessary to establish a violation of the PSA.

NPPC’s take: In comments submitted to AMS in January 2023, NPPC said the Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity rule “does not appear to address any specific existing issue” and “the definitions and regulations … are vague and overbroad, creating unnecessary uncertainty that would make it difficult for regulated entities to demonstrate compliance and result in burdensome and costly litigation.”

NPPC also noted that the primary components of the rule already are prohibited under existing laws, including the PSA, and pointed out that many of the new rule’s provisions “fall outside the scope of the PSA.”

Most significantly, AMS removed the broad “market vulnerable individual” language and adopted a specific list of prohibited bases for discrimination based in part on NPPC’s comments.

Why it matters: Pork producers rely on enforcement of the PSA, which was enacted to protect competition in the meat and poultry industries, ensuring fair markets and competitive pricing opportunities. Because regulated entities include packers and swine contractors, independent producers utilizing production contracts may also be subject to increased risk of litigation under the new regulations.

NPPC’s Formica: EPA’s WOTUS Rule Still Problematic for Farmers

What happened: In a recent public hearing addressing the implementation of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule by the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NPPC chief legal strategist Michael Formica expressed ongoing concerns about the rule’s implications for producers.

During the Obama and Biden administrations, these agencies sought to expand its authority to include waters with even a tenuous connection to covered waters, such as drains, ditches, stock ponds, and low spots on farmlands. This expansion could have required CWA permits for routine agricultural activities near those features, subjecting producers to civil and criminal penalties.

But the U.S. Supreme Court in May 2023 limited their authority, holding that CWA waters “refers only to geographical features that are described in ordinary parlance as streams, oceans, rivers and lakes and to adjacent wetlands that are indistinguishable from those bodies of water due to a continuous surface connection.”

NPPC’s take: In his remarks, Formica pointed out that EPA’s rule and its implementation, purportedly conforming with the high court’s 2023 decision, continues to lack clarity and consistency.

In particular, while farmers struggle to understand what it requires, Formica noted that it isn’t practical for farmers to seek guidance from EPA on whether an activity is legal every time they need to move dirt, plow a field, or erect a fence. Additionally, Formica raised serious concerns over EPA’s use of “internal” guidance, which has not been shared with the public, to implement and enforce its new WOTUS rule, a prospect he called “outrageous” for an already confusing law.

Formica said he continues to hear reports from farmers in multiple states that, despite the Supreme Court ruling, EPA is asserting jurisdiction over ephemeral streams that are far removed from navigable waters, including streams that weren’t even covered under the earlier expansive WOTUS rule.

NPPC Installs New Officers, Elects Board of Directors

What happened: NPPC installed new officers and elected members to its board of directors at the National Pork Industry Forum.

The 2024-2025 NPPC board officers are:

  • President – Lori Stevermer, Easton, Minnesota.
  • President-Elect – Duane Stateler, McComb, Ohio
  • Vice President – Rob Brenneman, Washington, Iowa
  • Immediate Past President – Scott Hays, Monroe City, Missouri.

The 2024-2025 board of directors are:

  • Craig Edsill, Hatfield, Pennsylvania, Packer Processor Industry Council representative.
  • Francis Forst, Lamar, Missouri.
  • Pat Hord, Bucyrus, Ohio.
  • Bob Ivey, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
  • Steve Malakowsky, Mankato, Minnesota, Alliance representative
  • Todd Marotz, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
  • Dwight Mogler, Lester, Iowa.
  • Jeremy Pittman, Waverly, Virginia.
  • Edward Reed, Three Rivers, Michigan.
  • Jeb Stevens, Osgood, Indiana.
  • Russ Vering, Howells, Nebraska.
  • Neill Westerbeek, Clinton, North Carolina.

Elected to NPPC’s nominating committee for a two-year term were:

  • William Knapke, Fort Recovery, Ohio.
  • Jason Propst, Toledo, Illinois.

Why it matters: The NPPC board of directors is a critical part of NPPC’s success, collaborating closely with the existing leadership team to steer NPPC toward achieving its strategic goals and enhancing membership value.

2024-2025 NPPC board of directors and CEO Bryan Humphreys (far right)

2024-2025 NPPC board of directors and CEO Bryan Humphreys (far right).

Pork Industry Leaders Recognized, Scholarship Winners Announced at Pork Industry Forum

What happened: Prestigious honors were bestowed at the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum.

Bill Prestage, co-founder and president of Prestage Farms and Prestage Foods, was inducted into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum. The award recognizes individuals who devoted their lives to advancing the pork industry.

Prestage, who passed away in October 2022, revolutionized pork production with an emphasis on quality, sustainability, and animal welfare. Under his guidance, Prestage Farms became a leader in pork production and a model for corporate responsibility and community engagement.

Anne Miller, who served as executive director of the Montana Pork Producers Council from 2004-2022, was honored with the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award during the National Pork Industry Forum. This award recognizes exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment by state executives within the pork industry.

Hailing from Jordan, Montana, Miller’s impact extended beyond state borders when she also became the state executive for the Wyoming Pork Producers Council in 2009. Her leadership encompassed disaster relief, emergency services, and innovative biosecurity enhancements for health facilities. Miller’s strategic efforts made her a deserving recipient of the award.

Emphasizing the continued need to invest in the next generation of pork industry leaders, NPPC also announced recipients of the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship and the Neil Dierks Scholarship. Scholarship applications for 2025 will open in September 2024. To learn more about the application process, click here.

Prestage family accepts Hall of Fame recognition for Bill Prestage

Marsha Prestage (center) accepts late husband Bill Prestage’s plaque for the NPPC Hall of Fame.

Anne Miller accepts the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award.

Anne Miller receives Paulson-Whitmore Award

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Meet Lori Stevermer, 2024-2025 NPPC President https://nppc.org/news/meet-lori-stevermer-2024-2025-nppc-president/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:37:37 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21913 Introducing Lori Stevermer of Easton, Minnesota as 2024-2025 president of the National Pork Producers Council.

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Introducing Lori Stevermer of Easton, Minnesota as 2024-2025 president of the National Pork Producers Council.

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Outgoing 2023-2024 NPPC President Scott Hays https://nppc.org/videos/outgoing-2023-2024-nppc-president-scott-hays/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:37:07 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21911 Thank you to Scott Hays of Monroe City, Missouri, for serving as of the National Pork Producers Council in 2023-2024.

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Thank you to Scott Hays of Monroe City, Missouri, for serving as of the National Pork Producers Council in 2023-2024.

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NPPC Elects New Officers and Board Members to Spearhead Advocacy Efforts https://nppc.org/news/nppc-elects-new-officers-and-board-members-to-spearhead-advocacy-efforts/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:34:40 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21921 CHICAGO, Illinois, March 7, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announces the induction of new officers and the election of members to its board of directors.  “We are thrilled to welcome these accomplished individuals to NPPC’s board of directors,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. “Their diverse backgrounds and proven track records will provide […]

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CHICAGO, Illinois, March 7, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announces the induction of new officers and the election of members to its board of directors. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these accomplished individuals to NPPC’s board of directors,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. “Their diverse backgrounds and proven track records will provide valuable perspectives and strategic insights as the pork industry navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

The 2024-2025 NPPC board officers are as follows [Read full bios here]:

  • Lori Stevermer of Easton, Minnesota, was elected NPPC president.
    Stevermer, co-owner of Trail’s End Farm, has a rich history of advocating for the pork industry at local, state and national levels, previously serving on the executive board of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association. During her year serving as NPPC president-elect, she exemplified her leadership and unwavering commitment to the industry by testifying before Congress, driving a legislative solution on California Proposition 12 and represented the industry at international trade conferences.
  • Duane Stateler of McComb, Ohio, was elected as president-elect.
    Stateler, a fifth-generation pork producer, co-operates Stateler Family Farms with his son Anthony, overseeing a comprehensive operation that manages 15,600 head annually and oversees 1,600 acres of crop production of corn, soybeans and wheat. Duane actively represents producers on national committees and engages in various agricultural associations in Ohio.
  • Rob Brenneman of Washington, Iowa has been selected as the new vice president.
    Brenneman owns and operates Brenneman Pork with operations that include approximately 50,000 sows and markets around 1.5 million pigs annually. Elected to the NPPC board of directors in 2021, Brenneman has served numerous organizations, including the National Pork Board, Iowa Pork Producers Association and Washington County Pork Producers.
  • Scott Hays of Monroe City, Missouri, will serve as NPPC immediate past president.
    Hays is a fifth-generation pork producer and has been involved in many aspects of production. Hays also represents producers on various state and national committees, most recently it was announced he will serve as executive director of the Missouri Pork Association.

With gratitude and appreciation, the NPPC thanks two esteemed departing board members, Terry Wolters and Craig Anderson. Their unwavering commitment, strategic insights and invaluable contributions have significantly shaped and advanced NPPC’s mission.

Newly elected NPPC board members, serving up to two consecutive three-year terms:

  • Edward Reed, Three Rivers, Michigan
  • Neill Westerbeek, Clinton, North Carolina

Current NPPC board of directors:

  • Francis Forst, Lamar, Missouri
  • Pat Hord, Bucyrus, Ohio
  • Bob Ivey, Goldsboro, North Carolina
  • Todd Marotz, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
  • Dwight Mogler, Lester, Iowa
  • Jeremy Pittman, Waverly, Virginia
  • Jeb Stevens, Osgood, Indiana
  • Russ Vering, Howells, Nebraska
  • Craig Edsill, Hatfield, Pennsylvania, Packer Processor Industry Council representative
  • Steve Malakowsky, Mankato, Minnesota, Alliance representative

NPPC’s nominating committee for a two-year term:

  • William Knapke, Fort Recovery, Ohio
  • Jason Propst, Toledo, Illinois

Elected at the pork industry’s annual business meeting, the National Pork Industry Forum, the board members will collaborate closely with the existing leadership team to steer NPPC toward achieving its strategic goals and enhancing membership value.

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NPPC Unveils Annual Scholarship Winners at National Pork Industry Forum https://nppc.org/news/nppc-unveils-annual-scholarship-winners-at-national-pork-industry-forum/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:48:16 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21916 CHICAGO, Illinois, March 7, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announced 12 scholarship winners today at the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum. The Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry and the Neil Dierks scholarships recognize outstanding university students pursuing careers within the U.S. pork industry. “Highlighting the remarkable dedication of these scholars to the […]

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CHICAGO, Illinois, March 7, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announced 12 scholarship winners today at the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum. The Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry and the Neil Dierks scholarships recognize outstanding university students pursuing careers within the U.S. pork industry.

“Highlighting the remarkable dedication of these scholars to the U.S. pork industry is significant,” said Scott Hays, outgoing NPPC president. “By offering awards such as the Lois Britt and Neil Dierks scholarships, we’re paving the way for the next generation of industry leaders and visionaries.”

“We want to congratulate and commend this year’s scholarship winners for their hard work and commitment to the U.S. pork industry, which plays a key role in the global food system,” said Derek Sammann, senior managing director and global head of commodities, options and international markets at CME Group. “CME Group is so pleased to support these scholarships as part of our long-standing partnership with the NPPC to help advance future food production leaders.”

The 2024 winners of a $2,500 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship are:

  • Ethan Baldwin, Purdue University
  • Chloe Calhoun, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Kirby Cook, Iowa State University
  • Jenna DeRouchey, Iowa State University
  • Halle Evans, Iowa State University
  • Lydia Johnson, Iowa State University
  • Kaley Pieper, Texas A&M University
  • Addison Randall, Iowa State University
  • Jackson Sterle, Iowa State University
  • Joshua Wiley, Iowa State University

The Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship program, sponsored by CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), is awarded to undergraduates in a two-year swine program or a four-year college of agriculture program. The scholarship program was introduced in 1990 and later renamed in 2006 in honor of Lois Britt, a former NPPC board director. A lifetime supporter of agriculture, Britt spent 34 years with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and finished her career after 15 years with Murphy-Brown LLC (now Smithfield) doing public and government relations. She was inducted into the NPPC Pork Industry Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Pork Council Hall of Fame and was awarded the North Carolina 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other achievements.

The 2024 winners of a $5,000 Neil Dierks Scholarship are:

  • Abigail Jenkins, Kansas State University
  • Jeremy Perez, Iowa State University

The Neil Dierks Scholarship, founded in 2021 and sponsored by NPIF, is awarded to current or applied-for-acceptance graduate students in a swine program. Dierks served as the NPPC’s CEO for 20 years. Retiring in December 2021 after 31 years with the NPPC, Dierks made countless lasting contributions to the U.S. pork industry and established the NPPC as a top-tier advocacy organization and the global voice of the U.S. pork industry. He was inducted into the NPPC Pork Industry Hall of Fame in 2022.

Scholarship applications for 2025 will open in September 2024. To learn more about the application process, please visit: https://nppc.org/get-involved/education-programs/.

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Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution Adopted at National Pork Industry Forum https://nppc.org/news/enhanced-swine-traceability-resolution-adopted-at-national-pork-industry-forum/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:13:05 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21909 CHICAGO, Illinois, March 7, 2024 — Today, U.S. pork producers approved a resolution to enhance the country’s live swine traceability system during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). “Traceability is a priority for the industry and has been for decades,” said Lori Stevermer, incoming NPPC president and […]

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CHICAGO, Illinois, March 7, 2024 — Today, U.S. pork producers approved a resolution to enhance the country’s live swine traceability system during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

“Traceability is a priority for the industry and has been for decades,” said Lori Stevermer, incoming NPPC president and Minnesota pork producer. “These standards will improve our ability to control the spread of a foreign animal disease and lessen the economic impact of an outbreak should one occur.”

In 2022, a producer-led task force brought together stakeholders throughout the pork supply chain to identify and address current gaps in the live swine traceability system. This task force offered a series of comment periods for producers to provide input on the enhanced standards. That process resulted in the following recommendations: All swine owners would need to register for a premises identification number (PIN). High-risk swine (from a traceability perspective), including cull breeding stock and show/exhibition stock, would be required to be tagged with an AIN (animal identification number) RFID (radio frequency) tag. Producers would be asked to record consistent data points, including PIN of origin, PIN of destination, date of movement, animal type, and any official identification that is present. Producers would be asked to record this data electronically within three business days. Movement data would be reported to a centralized database following the detection of a trade-limiting disease. Semen would require a label with the PIN of the source herd. Cull markets and packing plants would use tattoo numbers unique to each facility.

“Industry delegates at Pork Forum took a proactive step to protect animal health and producers’ livelihoods. An outbreak of a foreign animal disease in the United States, such as African swine fever or foot-and-mouth disease, would result in the immediate suspension of pork exports from the U.S., which totaled over $8.2 billion in pork and pork products last year,” said Scott Hays, NPPC president.

The approved standards will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for inclusion in the regulations mandating live swine traceability. To view the enhanced standards or learn more, visit nppc.org/trace.

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NPPC Year In Review 2023 https://nppc.org/videos/nppc-year-in-review-2023/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 22:01:12 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21894 NPPC 2023 Year In Review for pork producer advocacy.

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NPPC 2023 Year In Review for pork producer advocacy.

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NPPC Hall of Fame Award Honors Bill Prestage for a Lifetime of Outstanding Contributions to the Pork Industry https://nppc.org/news/nppc-hall-of-fame-award-honors-bill-prestage-for-a-lifetime-of-outstanding-contributions-to-the-pork-industry/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:16:14 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21892 CHICAGO, Illinois, March 6, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announces the induction of Bill Prestage into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who devoted their lives to advancing the pork industry. “Bill Prestage, a visionary whose legacy transcends the boundaries […]

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CHICAGO, Illinois, March 6, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announces the induction of Bill Prestage into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who devoted their lives to advancing the pork industry.

“Bill Prestage, a visionary whose legacy transcends the boundaries of the pork industry, fundamentally reshaped agricultural practices with his innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO. “His legacy serves as a testament to the power of innovation, integrity, and community that continues to drive Prestage Farms today.”

Prestage’s pioneering work revolutionized pork production with an emphasis on quality, sustainability, and animal welfare. Under his guidance, Prestage Farms became a leader in pork production and a model for corporate responsibility and community engagement. His vision for a more sustainable and ethical agricultural industry left an indelible mark, making him a revered figure in the pork industry and beyond.

“Bill’s induction into the NPPC Hall of Fame is a testament to his profound impact on the pork industry. It reflects a lifetime of achievements that have significantly advanced agricultural practices and established new benchmarks for success for the entire industry,” said Scott Hays, NPPC president and Missouri pork producer. “Bill’s commitment to family and community, coupled with his business acumen, extended his influence beyond farm operations, shaping industry practices from coast to coast.”

Prestage’s lifetime efforts serving in leadership roles on various agricultural boards and active participation in community development underscored his belief in a holistic approach to industry growth, including fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.

NPPC honors Hall of Fame inductees each year at the National Pork Industry Forum, recognizing individuals who have devoted their lives to positively shaping the pork industry. These honorees focus on critical aspects of pork production and related issues while playing a significant role in advancing NPPC’s mission to advocate for the social, environmental, and economic sustainability of U.S. pork producers and their partners.

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The Paulson-Whitmore Award Recognizes Anne Miller as Outstanding State Executive in the Pork Industry https://nppc.org/news/the-paulson-whitmore-award-recognizes-anne-miller-as-outstanding-state-executive-in-the-pork-industry/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:15:21 +0000 https://nppc.org/?p=21888 CHICAGO, Illinois, March 6, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announces Anne Miller as the winner of the prestigious Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award. This award, jointly developed by NPPC and the National Pork Board (NPB), honors exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment by state executives within the pork industry. Miller served as the […]

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CHICAGO, Illinois, March 6, 2024 — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) proudly announces Anne Miller as the winner of the prestigious Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award. This award, jointly developed by NPPC and the National Pork Board (NPB), honors exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment by state executives within the pork industry. Miller served as the Montana Pork Producers Council executive director from 2004-2022.

“Anne Miller defied expectations with her extraordinary journey – from a 23-year-old with no prior experience in pigs or the industry – to becoming one of the youngest state pork association executives,” said Scott Hays, NPPC president. “Receiving the distinguished Paulson-Whitmore Award exemplifies her positive impact on Montana’s growth and involvement during her tenure and stands as a testament to the profound influence of leadership and encouragement in overcoming challenges.”

Hailing from Jordan, Montana, Miller’s impact extended beyond state borders when she took on the role of dual state executive, supporting the Wyoming Pork Producers Council in 2009. Notable achievements include chauffeuring members of the Hutterite colony — who needed a cultural exception — to Washington, D.C., to speak with legislators, contributing to the We Care® Ethical Principles development, serving on the committee to hire NPB CEOs, and advocating for pork quality with state meat processors.

Mastering crisis management and leveraging industry insights, Miller emerged as a driving force behind impactful initiatives spanning Montana and the entire nation. Her leadership took center stage, particularly during the unprecedented challenges of 2020, as she adeptly navigated disruptions in the supply chain triggered by plant shutdowns.

From spearheading collaborative calls with industry peers to strategically coordinating food bank donations, Miller’s contributions to disaster relief and emergency services seamlessly intertwined with her state executive role. She led biosecurity enhancements for a remote health facility and skillfully applied concepts from the Secure Pork Supply Plan programming to explain and evaluate facility maps within health and human services buildings.

Miller’s leadership, characterized by discretion and humility, left an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape. Her unassuming, yet powerful, influence garnered widespread respect, solidifying her position as a quiet, formidable presence in the industry.

The annual Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award, presented at the National Pork Industry Forum, recognizes individuals’ dedication to strengthening their state’s pork industry and positive contributions to NPPC and NPB. Named after notable past state executives Don Paulson of Minnesota and Rex Whitmore of Wisconsin, the award underscores the vital role state organizations play in the success of the pork industry.

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