State pork organizations serve as a vital bridge between pig farmers, national organizations, state regulators and consumers. From education to advocacy, they play an important role in promoting pork. One way the Ohio Pork Council recently engaged with consumers and producers was by hosting the Pork Rib-Off Contest at the Ohio State Fair.
“As pig farmers, our freedom to operate begins with earning the public’s trust, and grassroots events like the Rib-Off help us build that trust one conversation and one plate of great pork at a time,” says Nathan Schroeder, Ohio Pork Council past president and Ohio pig farmer. “People get to enjoy the product we work hard to raise and connect that experience with the farmers behind it. Many fairgoers tell us the Rib-Off samples alone are worth the price of admission. We hope they walk away thinking, ‘That pork was incredible,’ while also feeling confident about the care Ohio farmers put into raising it and inspired to serve more pork at home.”
Schroeder is passing over the reins of leadership of the Ohio Pork Council to Jarred Black of Canal Winchester. Black will be joined on the officer team by Brad Heimerl as president-elect and Nathan Isler as treasurer. In addition, three new members were elected to to the board, including Stacey Voight, Anthony Stateler and Tyler Logan.
“OPC’s strength comes from leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio pig farmers,” says Cheryl Day, executive vice president of OPC. “Stacey, Anthony and Tyler each bring valuable perspectives that will help guide the council’s work on behalf of producers, consumers and the future of our industry.”
Stacey Voight, Associate Member Director
Voight was elected to represent OPC associate members. She brings 29 years of experience across production and technical-service roles within the pork industry. Her career began with hands-on work at boar studs across Ohio, and she previously managed an 80-sow show-pig herd. She later provided technical service for two swine genetics companies, supporting pork producers around the world.
Today, Voight is product optimization manager at SwineTech, where she works directly with producers to translate herd and production data into practical benchmarks and tools that support performance, sustainability and animal care. Voight is a certified animal-welfare auditor and a PQA Plus and TQA trainer. She is participating in the 2026 Pork Leadership Institute and serves on the National Pork Producers Council Labor and Security Committee. Her commitment to the industry also includes investing in young people: she served as a 4-H advisor for 10 years and continues to visit Ohio schools to help FFA members learn about swine breeding and animal husbandry.
Anthony Stateler, Director-at-Large
Stateler, a sixth-generation farmer from McComb, was elected as a director-at-large. He is co-owner of Stateler Family Farms and oversees its operations. With more than 20 years of pork-production experience, Stateler manages a family operation that includes a 2,400-head nursery and two 2,400-head finishing barns. The farm is a contract grower for Hord Family Farms. Before entering contract production, the Stateler family operated its own farrow-to-finish farm.
Stateler Family Farms was selected as one of the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms, an opportunity that has allowed the family to host thousands of visitors and demonstrate how modern pork production and practical conservation can work together to protect water quality. In addition to his agricultural leadership, Stateler has served with his local fire department for 26 years. He previously served on the McComb Local Schools Board of Education, was appointed to the Hancock County ADAMHS Board and has coached junior high basketball.
Tyler Logan, District 2 Director
Logan was elected to represent District 2. He brings 13 years of pork-industry experience, blending practical production expertise with a background in livestock marketing. He manages a 2,500-head wean-to-finish barn for Terrill Farms. He also serves as regional sales manager for United Producers, Inc., working with pig farmers throughout Ohio to develop marketing strategies and navigate changing hog markets.
A graduate of OPC’s inaugural Ohio Pork Leadership Class, Logan continues to seek opportunities to serve fellow producers and strengthen the industry. He is active in his church and assists several county fairs with hog marketing.
