Pork producers and allied industries across the value chain gathered at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisc., for the 28th annual National Pork Industry Conference (NPIC).
More than 900 attendees participated in various seminars covering biosecurity, sow and nursery production, animal traceability, industry financial health, and policy topics. NPPC is a lead sponsor of the event, which is produced and hosted by 21st Century Strategic Forums, L.L.C.
NPPC Vice President and Iowa producer Rob Brenneman, as well as NPPC board member and Ohio producer Pat Hord, provided attendees with insights on sustainability and animal housing. NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys discussed animal health, workforce issues, trade, and industry advocacy efforts, while underscoring NPPC’s 2024 policy wins to date.
Humphreys, Vice President of Government Affairs Maria C. Zieba, Senior Director of Congressional Relations Matt Grill, Director of Animal Health Dr. Anna Forseth, and Director of State Policy Drew Beardslee participated in a Q and A session on policy priorities for the pork industry, including the 2024 Farm Bill, California Proposition 12 and Massachusetts Question 3, international trade issues, and foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness.
During the meeting, former NPPC CEO Neil Dierks was honored with the NPIC Larry Graham Pork Legacy Award for his more than 20 years of service to the pork industry. (Read about Dierks’ contributions here.) The award is named after NPIC founder Larry Graham, who, along with his wife Jean, started the conference in 1996.
Why does it matter? Industry conferences such as NPIC serve as a platform for NPPC to raise awareness and educate pork industry stakeholders about the current public policy issues and challenges facing pork producers and how they can get involved.
