As one of the youngest executive directors of a state swine organization, Seth Mitchell’s path is one that’s turning heads. The first person selected for the Pork Industry Immersion Program, a two-year deep dive into organizational leadership in the swine industry, Mitchell is blazing trails and reminding the younger generation of the important role they play in the future of the U.S. pork industry.
Although other agricultural industries are finding it challenging to engage Generation Z, the pork industry has a different story to tell.
“I’m a firm believer that the pork industry’s greatest asset is its people,” Mitchell says. “I applaud the industry leaders across the country, both at the state and national level, who have recognized that and put together some of these programs to help develop the next generation of leaders to come back and fill industry roles.”
In 2023, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) organized the Pork Industry Immersion Program to help develop future CEOs and association leaders. This program complements state pork ambassador programs, the Pork Leadership Institute, the National Junior Swine Association, Team Purebred, Showpig.com’s ambassador program and more designed to create pathways for young people and early-career swine enthusiasts to find opportunities in the pork industry.
“There are more ways than ever for young people to engage in the pork industry, both on the commercial side as well as the show pig side,” Mitchell says. “I am encouraged to see how young people can step up to the plate.”
Contagious Energy
He says the idea to develop a pipeline of leaders to come back into the industry is brilliant.
“Some of our tremendous leaders in the industry are starting to age out and we need a bench of good folks to come in and fill those potential vacancies coming down the road,” Mitchell explains. “Where do we find those people who are familiar with our industry, understand our issues, and can jump into these opportunities to hit the ground running? That’s really the idea behind this program.”
Ultimately, whether or not these people come back to work for pork associations or not, Mitchell says the program is building advocates for the pork industry.
“It is good to have friends in lots of places,” he adds. “The more we can develop those folks and plant them in appropriate opportunities, the better. I think it’s a tremendous win and very innovative on behalf of both the national organizations to see that and do something I don’t think many of our peers in other industries have done.”
Upon completion of the immersion program, Mitchell was hired to lead the Nebraska Pork Producers Association on April 1.
“We have a very young, energized board in Nebraska,” he says. “We have some producers who are transitioning into ownership from their parents’ multi-generational operations, and they’re always the first to raise their hand when they’re called on to go to National Pork Industry Forum in Orlando or out to Washington, DC to advocate for the industry.”
Unforgettable Lessons
For Mitchell, the immersion experience helped him learn valuable industry, organizational and personal lessons. Here are three he won’t forget.
1. Stop pointing fingers.
“We’ve got enough finger pointing coming at us from outside actors,” Mitchell says. “We need to stop doing that amongst ourselves trying to prove who’s at fault for something or who needs to do a better job of something. We need to be united as an industry -- that’s when our voice is the strongest.”
2. Listen more than you speak.
“When you understand that producers drive most of what we do as state and national pork organizations, you understand the value of sitting across the table and listening to what they have to say,” he says. “I believe there is more value in listening than speaking in those circumstances. I like to use the adage, ‘be interested, not interesting.’ Producers want to be heard and it’s our responsibility to hear them out and work on their behalf.’
3. Feedback is a gift.
“One thing I’ve tried to be cognizant of is welcoming feedback,” Mitchell says. “Lean into it. Be curious and ask good questions. There are a lot of things I can’t fix unless someone makes me aware of it, so being receptive to feedback is helpful.”
Calm in the Chaos
Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO, says he’s already hearing from Nebraska producers who appreciate how Mitchell has hit the ground running. And he’s not surprised.
“Among Seth’s many strengths, what stands out most to me is his unique ability to project calm in any situation,” Humphreys says. “This goes beyond simply staying composed himself—he creates a sense of steadiness that influences those around him. No matter the level of pressure or uncertainty, Seth’s calming presence helps teams stay focused, grounded, and ready to tackle both challenges and opportunities.”
Although Mitchell is quick to admit he has a fairly calm demeanor and doesn’t get upset easily, he believes being a “wonder and idea guy” causes him to ask a lot of questions first.
“Receptivity and the ability to listen to other people’s perspectives is important,” Mitchell says. “Being open to conversation and understanding there are various perspectives on every issue has been critical for me.”
The need to hear more viewpoints isn’t going away anytime soon, he adds.
“Get involved,” Mitchell urges the next generation of pork producers. “Your voice deserves to be at the table. And if not you, then who? The number of folks aging out of our industry is climbing. We need a younger generation willing and able to step up to the plate to accept those challenges of leadership that can help amplify the voice of the pork industry and the prosperity of our farms for the future.”
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