Don’t Miss These Opportunities at Pork Industry Forum
Sunshine and bacon. Could there be anything better? As pork producers prepare to attend Pork Industry Forum in Orlando, Fla., on March 8-10, Farm Journal’s PORK went straight to the source to find tips and suggestions for first-time attendees (and reminders for pros) as they prepare for one of the industry’s most important and impactful meetings of the year.
“Pork Industry Forum provides a unique opportunity for producers to network with other producers from around the country,” says Janet Archer, a North Carolina pork producer and former National Pork Board president. “It is a time for our trade associations to showcase where these producer-led organizations have been spending their time, money and effort to support and defend our industry. It is where producers tell both the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council how they are doing and what their priorities should be. Pork Forum is where we see producers step up into leadership roles on both the state and national level.”
From state caucuses to industry updates on topics ranging from African swine fever to sustainability, there are countless opportunities to engage with industry experts, fellow producers and organization leaders. Here’s a look at the agenda: https://porkindustryforum.com/agenda.
“This year there will be a great panel of our retail and restaurant customers who will tell us what they see as our industry's sustainability focus now and how we need to position ourselves in the future,” Archer says. “We’ll have the opportunity to learn about the current worldwide status of ASF and how we as producers can contribute to preparing for an outbreak. We’ll also learn firsthand about the current state of our industry.”
Here are more suggestions and ways you can make the most of Pork Industry Forum this year.
“Trade associations play an important role in advocating for their industry and protecting the interests of their members. By getting involved and becoming engaged in the work of the association, you can help to ensure that our industry is well-represented and that your voice is heard. The National Pork Forum presents a good opportunity to build relationships with NPPC staff and leadership. They can be a valuable resource for information and advice, and building relationships with them can help you to become more effective in your advocacy efforts.”
– Jen Sorenson, communications director at Iowa Select Farms and former NPPC president
“As a 20+ year veteran of attending Pork Forum, six of which were as a member of the Pork Board, I am still just as excited as the first time I went. Rooms will be filled with diversity, but all of a mind to improve their farms, product and industry. My goal is to listen, toss around ideas and learn from industry experts. NPPC and NPB both use our money. It is very important that all have input into its use. If you are a stakeholder, try to attend these meetings. Get involved in your state association and be a delegate or take a run at a board position. The returns far outweigh the cost.”
– Steve Rommereim, National Pork Board past president and South Dakota pork producer
“Connect with people. I believe it’s a benefit any time producers have the opportunity to get together and discuss the issues that are important to them and our industry. Producers don’t get a lot of opportunities to get off the farm, so this is a great experience to take advantage of.”
– Heidi Flory, first-time attendee and Pennsylvania pork producer
“Our job as pork producers does not end at the gate. Pork Forum allows us to see the actual scope of the industry. Delegates are elected to not only steer the direction of the industry, but also to bring all they have learned back to their communities. Delegates inevitably return from Forum with a renewed appreciation for America’s pork industry. It provides a much-needed reminder that we are part of a large industry made up of creative, honorable, hardworking people who are creating a great product in a sustainable and ethical way.”
– Janet Archer, North Carolina pork producer and former National Pork Board president
“In addition to the necessary business, attendees will see long-serving producers honored with service awards, and get the chance to hear from our keynote speaker Jeff Henderson. He will be talking about transforming yourself to be 'best for the world.' But the most important part? Refreshing relationships with those that have decided to give of their time to make our industry better."
– Gene Noem, director of the North American supply chain for Genus PLC and former president of the National Pork Board
“I like to have the opportunity to help select the next leadership for the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council Board. These individuals will lead our national organizations and it is crucial to have the best people in those roles. Be sure to take the opportunity to sit down at a table where you don't know anyone. It is a great opportunity to talk shop with others who love what they do each day – produce an affordable, delicious protein source for consumers.”
– Trish Cook, Iowa pork producer and president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association
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