As the dust settles on the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum in Chicago held March 5-7, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) CEO Bryan Humphreys says it was a fantastic week for the pork industry.
“We have struggled as an industry for almost two years now, in one of the worst financial situations we have seen,” Humphreys says. “But these meetings are always fantastic to come together to hear the resilience of American pork producers and their optimism while recognizing their drive to create change for the industry.”
He says it’s motivating to hear pork producers bring resolutions forward and discuss topics and issues, both on the floor and over dinner and social gatherings. Knowing producers can have an impact on the future direction of this industry – not only for their farms, but for the generations to come – is inspiring, he adds.
The passage of the traceability standards is a prime example of something the U.S. pork industry has worked on for a couple of years.
“This is the partway point as we send those traceability standards off to USDA to say, ‘As the U.S. pork industry, we take this seriously. We want to participate. Here is our thought on a traceability program. We hope we never see a foreign animal disease, but we are prepared for today and tomorrow if it were to come.’”
Humphreys values that long-term thought process of the industry. Although traceability was one of the major priorities, it didn’t stop conversations about labor challenges and how that’s continuing to impact not only farms, but also rural America.
“Are we able to bring in new talent to these farms and operations to help keep rural America alive, from grocery stores to gas stations to everything else? We look forward to continuing those conversations and adding that pressure to DC,” he says.
Discussion continued by delegates around California Proposition 12 and the impact it has across the entire industry. Delegates made their voice clear that this issue remains top of mind, and they want to make sure to stay on top of these conversations.
“We haven’t backed off yet,” Humphreys says. “Everybody knows the best – not the only – vehicle is for the farm bill.”
Read More from Pork Forum:
Pork Producers Adopt Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution at National Pork Industry Forum
Stay United to Move Pork Industry Forward, Hays Urges
NPPC Honors Bill Prestage for Lifetime Contributions to Pork Industry
Change in the Pork Industry Starts with Your Voice, Ruth Says
For the Love of Pork: Influencers Eddie Zamora and Ashley Sampson Help Cooks Avoid Dry Pork Chops
Remember You Will Get Better: Chris Norton Inspires Crowd at National Pork Industry Forum
Pig Farmers Honor Paul Sundberg at National Pork Industry Forum
Anne Miller Named Outstanding State Executive in the U.S. Pork Industry
