Appell, Isler Honored at National Pork Forum

Jill Appell, a pork producer from Altona, Ill., was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Pork Producers Council this week for her leadership of and dedication to the U.S. pork industry at the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, Mo. Also, Dick Isler, former Ohio Pork Council executive vice president received the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award.

Appell grew up near Chicago and developed an interest in agriculture at an early age. According to a news release from NPPC, her career in the pork industry began when she joined the Knox County (Ill.) Pork Producers Association, which eventually led to her role as president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association and ultimately, as president of NPPC

“Prior to becoming president of NPPC, Appell was appointed as Director of Rural Development for Illinois,” said the release. “She has continued her service to the pork industry through her role as vice chair on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation for the U.S. Trade Representative and has served on the Illinois Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and the Illinois Governor’s Advisory Committee.”

“As president of NPPC, Jill served as a tremendous leader to the organization, with a commitment fueled by her steadfast dedication to the U.S. pork industry,” said NPPC President Ken Maschhoff, a pork producer from Carlyle, Ill. “For her exceptional ability to serve the interests of America’s pork producers through her leadership and continued service in advocating for our industry, we are extremely pleased to induct Jill into the NPPC Hall of Fame.”

Isler Receives Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award
The Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award is named after Don Paulson, past Minnesota state pork executive, and Rex Whitmore, past Wisconsin state pork executive, recognizes the outstanding leadership and commitment of state pork organization executives, said a news release from NPPC.

“Beginning his role with Ohio Pork in 1973 as the organization’s first full-time employee, Dick Isler’s early career focused on promoting the nutritional value of pork to consumers and building support for the voluntary Pork Checkoff program. His tenure paralleled the industry’s changing structure and move toward increased efficiency,” the release said.

He helped establish the Ohio Pork Congress in the late 1970s, leading it to become the second largest swine trade show in the nation during the 1980s. In 2010, he led Ohio Pork’s efforts to stop draconian restrictions on producers’ production practices, securing an agreement with the Humane Society of the United States that stopped the organization from pursuing any ballot initiatives against the state’s pork industry through the year 2025.

“With more than 40 years of service to the industry, he has tirelessly illustrated his commitment to ensuring the prosperity of producers. NPPC is pleased, along with the National Pork Board, to present Dick with this well-deserved award,” said NPPC CEO Neil Dierks