The Livestock Publications Council (LPC) honored two pork industry leaders on Tuesday at the Ag Media Summit in Kansas City.
Ernie Barnes Named LPC Headline Award Winner
Ernie Barnes, former director of producer and industry services at the National Pork Board, was honored with the LPC Headliner Award.
“The Headliner Award is given to people who have made a difference in the livestock industry,” explained his nominator Jennifer Carrico, senior livestock editor at DTN/Progressive Farmer and former LPC president. “Anyone who knows Ernie Barnes has been impacted by his knowledge of the industry, the people in it, and how he has made everyone feel. His influence has affected everyone who has had the chance to know him. He is the true meaning of what the LPC Headliner Award is all about.”
Although Barnes may have worked for the National Pork Board for 37 years, he has served the pork industry for more than 50 years. Upon graduation from Mississippi State University, he began his career as a hog buyer for Bryan Foods and then as a sales representative for the Upjohn Company. His passion for pork production led him to serve as a field representative for the Yorkshire Association and later become the executive Secretary for the Landrace Breed Association. In 1986 he began working for the National Pork Producers Council and stayed on with the National Pork Board after the two organizations had an agreement to split.
Barnes retired in 2023, but continues to serve the industry as the swine superintendent at the Iowa State Fair and as a ringman at sales across the country.
“Ernie is known by many and is always willing to have a conversation with anyone, no matter the age,” Carrico wrote. “His passion for the pork industry has led him to work with many of the nation’s youth exhibitors over the years, mentoring them to become professionals and future leaders in the industry. That would be through working with judging teams and youth showmen. His presence in the swine barn during the World Pork Expo and Iowa State Fair is welcomed and he generally knows the answer to any question or will find someone who does.”
Cindy Cunningham Wins Ed Bible Distinguished Service Award
Cindy Cunningham, public relations managing supervisor at Woodruff, was honored with the Ed Bible Distinguished Service Award. This award, named after long-time LPC supporter and past president, Ed Bible, is presented to someone who exhibits dedication and support to LPC. Chosen by the LPC executive committee, this award honors an individual who goes above and beyond routine participation.
“For as long as I can remember, Cindy has served as a role model, mentor and an icon in the agricultural media industry to me and so many others. A polished professional, an innovative thought leader, a girl boss, Cindy may seem intimidating from afar. But once you meet Cindy, you’ll quickly learn she’s incredibly thoughtful and kind-hearted. She’s always putting others first and has this way of reminding you of your worth,” said Jennifer Shike, editor of Farm Journal’s PORK and vice president of LPC.
Cunningham served on the LPC Board of Directors for many years. She led the organization as president from 2017 to 2018.
“Her leadership in LPC – the time and energy she has poured into making it better – make her incredibly deserving of this award. Not only has she served faithfully in leadership roles, but even more importantly, she has mentored, supported and encouraged so many in their roles within LPC,” Shike said.
LPC past president Katrina Huffstutler said Cunningham comes to mind quickly when she thinks back on her early involvement in LPC.
“She was always so kind and welcoming. She’s poured so much time and dedication into the organization, serving in many capacities over the years and culminating with her term as president. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Distinguished Service Award,” Huffstutler said.
