Focusing on producer priorities is a cornerstone of the National Pork Board (NPB). Six producer-led advisory committees were recently established to align with the NPB strategic plan. Through a rigorous selection process, more than 120 leaders from 33 states will lend their voice, offer their experience and perspective, and provide direction as part of their committee member role. These insights will help board members and staff deliver meaningful progress on behalf of America’s 60,000 pig farmers.
“When people across the pork industry come together to tackle difficult issues, we can strengthen demand, protect herd health and build a more resilient future,” said David Newman, NPB CEO. “These advisory committees put producer voices at the center of our work, and that shared knowledge translates into meaningful action to drive our industry forward.”
NPB Board Members will chair the quarterly advisory committee meetings that focus on:
- Domestic Marketing helps strategize domestic marketing and Taste What Pork Can Do® campaign to strengthen demand for pork in the U.S. The committee shares perspectives that help connect marketing efforts with broader U.S. pork industry priorities and challenges.
Chairs: Terry Wolters, South Dakota and Jesse Heimer, Missouri - Human Nutrition supports the advancement of science that positions fresh and processed pork as a nutrient-dense, whole-food protein. The committee helps ensure research insights are translated into practical value for producers and stakeholders throughout the pork value chain.
Chairs: John Rauser, Montana and Alayne Johnson, Indiana - Innovation and Pork Quality integrates innovation and pork quality to create value across the pork industry. The committee supports efforts to develop new products, applications, merchandising strategies, and market opportunities while ensuring pork quality remains consistent, credible, and satisfying for consumers.
Chair: Emily Arkfeld, Missouri - International Marketing provides insight and strategic counsel on Pork Checkoff investments, international market development, and demand-building efforts. The committee helps advance opportunities to grow global demand for U.S. pork while delivering measurable return on investment.
Chair: Jessica Stevens, Ohio - Swine Health focuses on the National Swine Health Strategy and offers input on investments in swine health research, industry education and producer resources. The committee advances initiatives that strengthen herd health and enhance disease preparedness across the U.S. pork industry.
Chair: Paul Ayers, Illinois - We Care® advises the pork industry’s sustainability strategy, grounded in the six We Care® ethical principles. The committee provides direction on Pork Checkoff investments that help protect the industry’s freedom to operate, ensuring a strong and sustainable future for pork producers.
Chairs: Chad Herring, North Carolina and Kevin Rasmussen, Iowa
A mix of producers, allied industry and state pork associations will serve on each advisory committee with the first-year term beginning Oct. 1. Careful consideration and selection by National Pork Board’s leadership took into account geographic diversity, producer representation and variety of operational practices.
