Ohio

From Farm to Families: Ohio Pig Farmers Deliver Protein to Ohio’s Three C’s

Fri, 01 May 2026 19:42:55 GMT

In Ohio, the “Three C’s” — Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus — represent more than population centers. They are also where food insecurity continues to impact thousands of families, increasing demand for one of the most sought-after items at food banks: high-quality protein.

That’s where Ohio’s pig farmers are stepping in. Through the Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Power initiative, recent donations totaling $11,000 to three major food banks are helping ensure pork reaches families who need it most. Collectively, the efforts underscore a simple but powerful connection that helps bridge the gap between farmers who produce nutritious food and the communities that rely on it.

Meeting urgent need in northeast Ohio

At the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a $5,000 contribution is helping serve a six-county region where demand remains high. In 2025 alone, the organization served more than 404,000 people.

“We’re grateful to the Ohio Pork Council to provide this much needed protein that will help meet the needs of so many families, seniors and children in the Greater Cleveland community,” said Karen Pozna. “I know our partner agencies and neighbors are thrilled to receive this nutritious product.”

For Ohio Pork Council President Nathan Schroeder from Leipsic, the impact is rooted in community. He said, “We know that there’s a real need in communities across the state. That’s a big reason why this long-standing partnership is one way we as Ohio pig farmers can step up for our neighbors and help make a difference for families who need it most.”

Providing center-of-the-plate protein in Cincinnati

In southwest Ohio, a $3,000 donation to the Freestore Foodbank is expected to provide about 9,000 meals. Just as importantly, it provides something many families are missing.

“Demand continues to rise, and support like this is critical to helping us meet the needs of families across our communities,” said CEO Kurt Reiber. “Being able to offer protein, especially pork at the center of the plate, goes a long way. It’s something families truly value.”

For Jess Stevens, a Waynesville pig farmer, and state and national pork leader, the connection between farm and family is personal.

“As farmers, we care deeply about making sure families have access to safe, nutritious food,” she said. “Pork is a versatile, high-quality protein, and we’re honored to help provide something families can put at the center of their table.”

Scaling impact in central Ohio and beyond

In Columbus and surrounding counties, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective distributes more than 193,000 meals each day, underscoring the scale of need across its 20-county region.

“One of the most requested, and difficult to secure items for food banks is protein, especially high-quality animal protein,” said CEO Matt Habash. “Donations like this from Ohio Pork play a critical role in helping us meet that need.”

Producers in Ohio understand. “Providing high-quality protein is one of the most meaningful ways we can support families facing hunger,” said OPC President-Elect Jarred Black, a producer from Canal Winchester. “It’s important to us that it reaches people who need it most right here in our communities.”

A unified effort across the “Three C’s”

Across Cincinnati and Columbus alone, recent donations are expected to provide more than 18,000 meals, with Cleveland adding a comparable impact. But beyond the numbers, the broader story is about connection.

From the shores of Lake Erie to the Ohio River Valley and to the state’s capital region, Ohio’s pig farmers are helping bridge the gap between food production and food access. Through the Pork Power initiative, begun in 2009, the focus remains on ensuring that pork raised in rural Ohio is available to nourish all communities across the state — a tradition of caring that is sure to endure.

Ohio Pork Council Presents Top Awards at 2026 Ohio Pork Congress

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:27:33 GMT

The Ohio Pork Council (OPC) proudly recognized the 2025 recipients of its annual awards during the Ohio Pork Congress on Feb. 4 in Lima. Presented during the OPC Awards Luncheon, the honors celebrate individuals, families and organizations whose leadership, accomplishments and dedication to Ohio’s pork industry set them apart from their peers.

“These awards are truly the highest our organization has to offer,” says Jarred Black, president-elect of the OPC from Canal Winchester. “This year’s recipients again represent the absolute best of what it means to be part of our Ohio Pork family. It’s about recognizing a lot of hard work and the ongoing commitment they have shown to make our industry better every day.”

Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award
The Hord Family — Hord Family Farms
The Ohio Pork Council’s most prestigious honor, the Pork Industry Excellence Award, was presented to the Hord Family of Hord Family Farms, headquartered in Bucyrus, Ohio. This award recognizes a pork farmer or farm family whose long-standing commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact at the state and national level.

Hord Family Farms is a multi-state pork production business guided by a hands-on leadership team that includes Pat, Janel, Duane, Colleen, and Phil Hord, all of whom remain actively involved in the daily operations of the family enterprise. Together, they have built a culture rooted in integrity, innovation, sustainability, and stewardship, which are values that continue to shape their business and influence the broader pork industry.

Under the Hord family’s leadership, the operation has grown while maintaining a strong focus on employee development, animal care, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. Their commitment to empowering people and preparing future leaders has helped set a high standard for modern pork production in Ohio and beyond.

Swine Managers of the Year
Chayo Rosario Salgado of Fine Swine & Alan Adam of Heimerl Farms
The Ohio Pork Council recognized two recipients with the Swine Manager of the Year Award for 2025, honoring individuals whose expertise and leadership elevate daily farm operations and animal care.

Chayo Rosario Salgado was recognized for her rapid advancement and measurable impact at farms operated by Fine Swine LLC. There, her leadership has improved sow care, reduced mortality rates, and strengthened farm performance across multiple sites. Her dedication to mentoring others and raising production standards reflects a deep commitment to both people and pigs.

Alan Adam, with more than 30 years of industry experience, was honored with this award for his steady leadership at Heimerl Farms, based in Johnstown, Ohio. Known for his reliability and problem-solving skills, Adam plays a critical role in herd health, pig marketing, and mentoring the next generation of farm leaders.

Pork Promoter of the Year
Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter
The Pork Promoter of the Year Award was presented to the Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter for its innovative and hands-on approach to educating students and the local community about pork production. Through its hands-on Pig Project curriculum and extensive outreach efforts, the chapter successfully connected classroom learning with real-world agriculture, generating enthusiasm and awareness well beyond Morrow County.

OPC Service Award
Andréia Arruda, DVM, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University
The OPC Service Award was presented to Andréia Arruda, DVM, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at The Ohio State University. She is widely respected for her tireless service to producers, applied research in swine health, and leadership in disease preparedness and biosecurity efforts that directly benefit Ohio’s pork industry. Arruda also serves on OPC’s Swine Health Committee and actively mentors the next generation of swine veterinarians and researchers.

Friend of Pork Award
Jeff Karshner, United Producers, Inc.
The Friend of Pork Award was presented to Jeff Karshner, vice president of United Producers’ Advanced Hog Marketing Division, in recognition of more than four decades of service supporting Ohio pork producers. His leadership in hog marketing and long-standing commitment to youth and industry service have made a lasting impact across the state.

Black adds, “Together, these honorees reflect the leadership, commitment, and work ethic that continue to strengthen Ohio’s pork industry. The Ohio Pork Council is proud to recognize their contributions and the example they set for farms, families, and communities across the state.”

Early Registration Now Open for Ohio Pork Congress

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:48:03 GMT

Pork producers in Ohio and beyond can now register for discounted tickets to attend the region’s premier pork industry event, the 2026 Ohio Pork Congress , set for Feb. 3-4 at the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, in Lima, Ohio. Beyond the latest innovations from the 60-plus trade show exhibitors, attendees — everyone from barn-level workers to top decision-makers — can get the latest information and insights on today’s most-important topics. Everything from swine health and production, on-farm leadership, policy and organization updates, today’s consumer buying behavior, and more.

With a record number of 18 breakout sessions, including seven in Spanish, Cheryl Day, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Pork Council, says the 2026 Ohio Pork Congress, which is now open for early discount registration at ohioporkcongress.org, will be the most expansive ever and truly offer something for everyone.

“Our producer-led committee helped us put together an outstanding line-up of key experts to create better slat-level learning opportunities for those working directly with pigs every day, including a major emphasis on Spanish-language offerings. Our goal is to make this year’s event even more useful and relevant as it challenges us all to take our industry to the next level.”

A true highlight of the event will be the keynote presentation by Leo Feler, Ph.D., Chief Economist at Numerator and Senior Economist with the UCLA Anderson Forecast. Known for his straight-talk economic insights, Feler is known for analyzing what consumers actually do rather than what they say, using real-world data on grocery shopping, price sensitivity, and meat-buying behavior. His keynote at the Ohio Pork Congress will bridge macro-economic trends with on-the-ground consumer reality, offering pork producers a clear look at where pork is winning, where it’s losing ground, and how consumer expectations are changing.

“Dr. Feler brings a powerful outside perspective grounded in data, not opinion,” Day said. “As someone who is very familiar with our industry, he can help pork producers see tomorrow’s customer more clearly. He’ll connect the dots between inflation, wages, interest rates, and what shoppers put in their grocery carts. His message will focus on what farmers can do to help keep pork relevant and sales moving.”

Swine Health Symposium

As usual, the first day of Ohio Pork Congress centers on industry-wide concerns in the annual Swine Health Symposium, where attendees will hear sessions about national swine health priorities, disease threats and preparedness, biosecurity, sow, and piglet care, PRRS, and more.

Additionally, there will be very practical, barn-level breakout sessions covering key topics such as ventilation, pit maintenance, using sustainability tools, manure management, safe animal handling, biosecurity, sow health, and more. Many of these sessions will be in Spanish, and for the first time the event will provide translation equipment for English‑based sessions for those who prefer them.

Industry Updates, Awards & Keynote

On Day 2, attendees can sit in on four general sessions where attendees will hear updates from the Ohio Pork Council, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), and the Pork Checkoff program via the National Pork Board. These sessions, anchored by the executive leaders of each organization, will cover state happenings, industry policy, Checkoff‑funded efforts, market trends, and regulatory outlooks. Meanwhile, participants can choose from nine English- or Spanish-language breakout sessions on a host of production and farm employee management topics.

The luncheon will feature the annual OPC Awards Ceremony, recognizing individuals and retiring producers, industry leaders and rising‑star operations in Ohio’s pork community. The afternoon includes more breakout sessions and then the capstone keynote address by economist Leo Feler of Chicago-based Numerator.

“I encourage everyone to mark their calendar now for the first week of February and to go ahead and register for the Ohio Pork Congress at ohioporkcongress.org,” said Nathan Schroeder, President of the Ohio Pork Council and farmer from Leipsic. “You won’t want to miss either day of this great event, including the amazing pork-centered catering that we enjoy each year, making this time with colleagues new and old, even more special.”

Register here

Ohio Pig Farmers Feed Cleveland Area Veterans on Browns Game Day

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:14:18 GMT

Ohio’s family pig farmers are dedicated to producing healthy, nutritious protein for everyone — whether it’s handing out pork samples to football fans on game day as part of their strategic partnership with the Cleveland Browns or donating ready-cooked pork loin to help feed hundreds of military veterans on Cleveland’s eastside.

“We know that protein is one of the most important and often most expensive items for organizations who serve those in need to source today,” said Nathan Schroeder, president of the Ohio Pork Council, who farms with his family in Leipsic, Ohio. “That’s why as Ohio pig farmers we are so proud to help do a small part to help the Volunteers of America organization as they help to ensure that those who served our country receive the wholesome, high-quality meals. The fact that we can do this in conjunction with our work with the Cleveland Browns and during National Pork Month makes this specific donation feel even more special.”

Volunteers of America (VOA) Ohio & Indiana is an affiliate of Volunteers of America, a national nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Each year, VOA Ohio & Indiana serves more than 3,000 veterans locally through health, housing, and employment services. In Cleveland, the organization provides meals, housing and employment programs tailored specifically to veterans at risk of homelessness.

“Protein is often the hardest resource for us to secure consistently,” said LaRaun Clayton, Vice President, Veterans and Housing. “This donation of pork from Ohio’s pig farmers means that hundreds of veterans in our care will enjoy not just a meal, but a meal that honors their service with quality, nutritious food. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”

This particular outreach was made in collaboration and assistance with the Cleveland Browns who continue to help the Ohio Pork Council communicate the community-based values and principles that Ohio’s pig farmers represent.

“We’re proud to stand alongside the Ohio Pork Council in serving the Cleveland community and especially our veterans,” said Jenner Tekancic, Vice President of Community Relations for Haslam Sports Group. “Our partnership goes beyond football — it’s about demonstrating shared values of gratitude, teamwork, and giving back to those who have sacrificed for our country.”

Jess Stevens, a pig farmer from Waynesville, Ohio, serves on the Ohio Pork Council’s board, said her entire family was honored to be a part of the pork donation to VOA. “These giving-back opportunities are some of best things I do every year. Simply knowing that hundreds of deserving military veterans received a hot, pork-centered meal resonates deeply within my active military family and gives me a greater sense of purpose in what we do as farmers.”

Pork BBQ’ers Bring the Heat to Ohio State Fair

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:10:09 GMT

The irresistible scent of smoked pork drew big crowds and fierce competition to the Ohio Pork Council’s 26th Annual Pork Rib-Off, held July 29 at the Ohio State Fair. The beloved cook-off not only celebrated barbecue mastery but also spotlighted the high-quality, nutritious pork that Ohio’s hardworking pig farmers devote their daily passion to producing.

Happy eaters at the Ohio State Fair sample the tasty creations.

(Ohio Pork Council)

Participants from around Ohio, including many long-time competitors, sought awards in categories for ribs, pulled pork, people’s choice, and barbecue sauce. Baney-Q, Columbus, Ohio, took home Grand Champion Ribs honors; with Lil’ Bear BBQ, Black Lick, Ohio, taking Reserve Champion Ribs honors.

In the pulled pork category, it was Bark Brothers BBQ, Cincinnati, Ohio; taking Grand Champion honors, while Baney-Q took home their second trophy of the day with Reserve Champion.

Rounding out the last two categories, Bark Brothers BBQ won top honors for best BBQ sauce, while Keepers of the Que, from Eldorado, Ohio, won the coveted People’s Choice award for most flavorful pork.

“We’ve been coming to the Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Rib-Off for over 10 years,” said Mark Bergmeier from Bark Brothers BBQ. “We were determined to do better this year, and we did, which we’re very excited about achieving with our pulled pork and BBQ sauce.”

When asked what his secret to winning the People’s Choice award was, Seth Risner of Keepers of the Que, said, “For my family, it’s all about pork every day. It just goes with so many dishes and flavors. The secret is to know how to cook it for maximum flavor by not overcooking it in the first place.”

A group of seasoned judges happily scored the competitors’ entries, including Representative Bob Peterson, Representative Roy Klopfenstein, Senator Tim Schaffer, Senator Rob McColley, and Anthony Dowdy, Executive Store Leader at Giant Eagle.

“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the great judging panel and especially with the crowd we had at this year’s event,” said Saydee Baughman, director of events and promotion at the Ohio Pork Council. “We heard so many great compliments from fairgoers who enjoyed sampling the delicious barbecue created by these talented pork grill masters. We hope that motivates more consumers to put more pork into their daily nutritional routine to bring more flavor into home-cooked meals.”

Each year, the Ohio Pork Council hosts the Rib-Off competition during the second week of the Ohio State Fair. This year, sponsorship from Giant Eagle further supported this event by providing the meat used by participants.

(Ohio Pork Council)

Grand Champion Ribs honors went to Baney-Q of Columbus, Ohio. Pictured here are (from left) Rep. Bob Peterson (judge); Reagan Isler (award giver); Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (judge); Keile & Cathy Baney; Ohio Pork Council President Nathan Schroeder, (host); Senator Rob McColley (judge); Senator Tim Schaffer (judge); and Anthony Dowdy, Giant Eagle (sponsor).

Grand Champion Moments: Why Ohio Pork Producers Can’t Wait for the State Fair

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:37:23 GMT

Picture this: A mouth-watering double-decker dream come true featuring two thick slices of pork loin layered with coleslaw, bacon and barbecue sauce. Outrageous? Yes. And that’s exactly why everyone loves it and comes back for more at the Ohio Pork Council Food Booth each year.

“We call it our secret menu item,” says Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. “If they ask for it, we’ll give it them. However, you won’t see it on the menu. Several years ago, our Double Decker Loaded Pork Loin Sandwich became a viral favorite — and a masterclass in how farmers and foodservice teams turn bold ideas into state fair gold. We won the A&E Best in Chow with that one and if you ask for it, we’ll make it for you!”

(Ohio Pork Council)

From award-winning creations to $3 bacon boats on Thursdays to a new hit-in-the-making – pork tenders, the offerings from the Ohio Pork Council bring fairgoers back year after year. But that’s not the only way they are sharing pork’s story.

Beyond the Banner
Two exciting shows will take place at the Ohio State Fair this year, including the Battle for the Bacon show on July 30 and the Breaking Boundaries show on July 25.

“We believe the investment we make in the barn goes deeper than just the grand champion trophy,” Day says. “We definitely will sponsor awards for youth exhibitors from the skillathon to the livestock judging contest to recordkeeping, but what’s most important to us is the time spent in the barns with people.”

One of the ways Ohio Pork Council intentionally connects with the next generation is through Kelly Morgan. Not only does she also serve as the director of OH-PIGS, a series of jackpot pig shows held throughout the summer, but she’s also the superintendent of the swine barn at the state fair.

(Ohio Pork Council)

With deep roots in the industry, Morgan develops meaningful relationships with youth who show pigs and their families which in turn allows her to more easily connect families with fairgoers who have questions about raising pigs.

In addition, Morgan helps organize two very special shows during the state fair. One of the shows, “ Breaking Boundaries ,” is near and dear to Day’s heart. The show pairs up a show pig exhibitor with a young person who has a physical or intellectual disability . Together, the pair works to show a pig together.

“One of our interns, Kylie, has a special needs brother. She puts on a similar show at her county fair and asked if we could do it at the state fair,” Day says. “I told her this could be her intern project, and she went to work getting permissions and organizing it. We wanted to build a community where our show pig exhibitors learn how to have compassion for other people, and this was one way of doing this.”

(Ohio Pork Council)

Participants will get a red-carpet moment and will get to be a celebrity in the show ring on July 25. More than 45 kids reached out to be a mentor and said, “Please use my pig for that show.”

“Just like our kids get that connection with their animals, we’re going to give these young individuals that have intellectual disabilities some connection with an animal, and make them feel really special,” Day says. “It’s really living out those We Care principles that our pork producers follow every day and showing them that it’s more than just competing in the ring.”

Battle for the Bacon
What happens when lawmakers show pigs? Day says the relationships grow.

During this popular crowd-pleaser, 12 to 14 legislators are invited to show a pig in this battle between Ohio’s Representatives versus Ohio’s Senators in a showmanship competition. Working with the Ohio Director of Agriculture, lawmakers are invited to participate in this program that pairs them up with a show pig exhibitor who will teach them all about showing pigs.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“We’re on our third year,” Day says. “Last year, we had several of those kids who mentored the lawmakers invite the lawmakers out to their farm or they sat down for a meal. Ohio Pork Council did not do that. We just showed them it was okay to connect with those lawmakers.”

Day says many families shared that they’d never met with a legislator before because they didn’t think they would have anything to offer them.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“This is about teaching people to tell their story at a level that the person they are connecting with can understand,” Day adds. “It seems like a very scary conversation at first, but honestly, once you realize that lawmakers are people just like you and me, it’s pretty fun. I think we need to teach our youth to be fearless. Be very respectful, but at the same time, don’t be afraid and don’t apologize for what you’re doing in the barn every day.”

(Ohio Pork Council)

She appreciates the unscripted stories the kids share with the lawmakers during this event.

“These kids are telling stories from their heart,” Day says. “We don’t tell them what to say. We just make the connection. We give them the tools and the pat on the back. They do the rest and that’s what I love about it most.”

Power of Piglets
But Ohio pork producers aren’t forgetting where it all starts – in the barn. A sow giving birth in real time in front of a crowd at the state fair is a powerful sight that Ohio Pork Council uses to educate fairgoers who can’t get enough of the piglets on display. Although it’s a lot of work and not an easy effort to organize, the farrowing display generates big crowds every time.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“People love to come see how many piglets the sows will have,” Day says. “They will wait three or four people deep to watch them farrow or even just to see the piglets.”

The sows are supervised and cared for by Ohio Pork Council’s education director Kayli Mitchell and two interns who interact with the public, explaining the farrowing process and the safety the farrowing stalls provide the sows, piglets and caretakers.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“Our team does such a great job of caring for the animals,” Day says. “Every time I turn around, they are scratching one of those sows behind the ears. That is how their love for animals shows through. Again, we can’t script that. That is a genuine connection.”

These Moments Matter
It all comes back to food and reminding fairgoers of why pig farmers do what they do. Each year the Ohio Pork Council’s Rib-Off attracts highly skilled grillmasters to compete for the best ribs, pulled pork and barbeque sauce in the state. After celebrity judges sample the food, fairgoers can enjoy free samples and cast their vote for the highly sought-after People’s Choice Award. Most say it’s worth the cost of admission to the fair, just to get a taste of what the rib teams put together each year, Day says.

Ohio Pork Council’s Rib-Off always draws the crowds!

(Ohio Pork Council)

“ Vice President JD Vance was one of our judges for the Rib-Off when he started his humble campaigning career in 2022,” Day says. “He still talks about it with his kids when they walked in the barns.”

She says this illustrates how the pork industry engages and builds relationships truly makes a difference.

“These ‘grand champion moments’ aren’t just PR stunts — they’re bridges between rural communities and decision-makers,” Day says. “They give consumers, lawmakers and influencers a taste (literally and figuratively) of what it means to raise pigs in Ohio with care, integrity and innovation.”

Ohio Pig Farmers Land Big Victory with Gov. DeWine's New Budget

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:17:02 GMT

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a $90.5 billion 2026-27 operating budget into law on July 1 that will help protect areas of vital importance to Ohio’s No. 1 industry—agriculture—including key provisions critical to the future of the pork industry.

“Although the governor did veto some budget items, the priorities of Ohio’s family pig farmers were all passed into law, allowing our members to rest a little easier knowing that their current and future livelihoods are better protected going forward,” Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council, said in a release. “This was a hard-fought win to ensure that Ohio’s swine herd was better protected from foreign animal disease and also ensuring data privacy for our farms who use the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.”

The biennial budget approved specifically dedicates funding for the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, keeping the state’s diagnostic labs ready for emerging threats. As well, $10 million was earmarked to combat the rural veterinary shortage in Ohio, and to establish an emerging infectious disease center.

In addition, the H2Ohio water quality program will receive funding to allow for ongoing environmental stewardship needs.

“This budget builds upon my commitment to make Ohio the best place for everyone to live their version of the American Dream,” Gov. DeWine said in a statement. “It prioritizes our children, empowers our workforce, and strengthens our communities. We are investing in the people of Ohio, not just today, but for generations to come.”

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel says the budget shows an investment in Ohio’s workforce.

“We truly appreciate Gov. DeWine and Ohio’s legislative leaders for recognizing the vital role pork producers play in our state’s economy, food system, and rural communities,” Day said.

Feral Swine Law Setback: What's at Stake for Ohio

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:25:21 GMT

Every year, feral swine cost Ohio $2.5 million in losses due to the spread of deadly animal diseases and damage to land and crops. Just as 44 other states have some type of ban on importation of feral swine, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed H.B. 503, known as the Feral Swine Bill , into law last December to curb the problem.

The law was to go into effect in late March, but a county judge recently granted an injunction putting it on hold.

“The court has disregarded the entire purpose of the law and has wildly expanded what it’s designed to do — which is to protect all pork producers from diseases carried by feral swine such as African swine fever,” says Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council executive vice president. “This is certainly not something we foresaw, but we are confident that it will be resolved swiftly to ensure the full protection of our state’s farmers and landowners who are at much higher risk otherwise.”

The judge in the case, brought by a feral swine hunting preserve owner, has urged the state of Ohio to seek a “legislative clarification” to the definition of feral swine, which is currently being pursued, the Ohio Pork Council said in a statement.

With unanimous bipartisan support in the General Assembly and numerous supporters, including the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Dairy Producers Association, Ohio Cattleman’s Association, Ohio Soybean Association, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, and the Ohio Forestry Association, the law set out to protect the state from the harm wild pigs cause.

“It’s a bit disturbing that the court did not understand what’s at stake when we have over 3,500 family-based pig farms in Ohio that depend on keeping their animals safe from unnecessary health risks that could devastate them and our state economy,” Day says.

The Stakes are High
As a family pig farmer in Ohio, Nathan Schroeder, president of the Ohio Pork Council from Leipsic, Ohio, says it’s extremely disappointing that the court did not understand what’s at stake.

“Our nation’s poultry farmers have seen how devastating diseases like avian influenza can be and a foreign animal disease brought in by feral swine would be much worse for us, which is why this law must be allowed to go into effect,” Schroeder urges.

Ohio alone could lose an estimated 28,000 jobs and experience losses of up to $115 million per year if African swine fever, a deadly foreign animal disease that impacts both wild and domestic pigs, were brought in, experts say.

“We’ve all seen the devastation that diseases such as avian influenza can have, and we know foreign animal disease losses would be dramatically worse, which is another reason why this law must be reinstated,” Day points out.

Ohio Pork Council is not letting this one slide.

“We’ll be working hard to support the reinstatement of the law so that our industry gets the protection it deserves,” Day says.

Your Next Read: Pigs Don’t Fly: Feral Hog Spread Is A Man-Made Mess

Ohio Pork Council Presents Top Awards at 2025 Pork Congress

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:55:32 GMT

A true highlight of the 2025 Ohio Pork Congress was the annual awards presentation by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) to recognize outstanding contributors to the state’s pork industry. These included the Ohio Pork Industry Excellence, Pork Promoter of the Year, Manager of the Year, and the Friend of Pork Industry. In addition, the inaugural class of Ohio Pork’s Leadership Class was recognized for their dedication to complete the multifaceted yearlong educational process.

“It’s always very gratifying and sometimes a bit emotional to stop and recognize all of the hard work and dedication that so many have made to help make Ohio’s pork industry better,” said Nathan Schroeder, OPC president from Leipsic. “I’m honored to be part of an industry that continues to set the bar higher every day and these recipients prove that that kind of effort pays off and makes our future brighter.”

Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award
Jim Albaugh, a longtime producer from West Milton, received the Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award – an annual award which recognizes a pork farmer, or farm family, for their willingness to go above-and-beyond to donate time, money, and talents on behalf of the industry at the state and national level.

“Jim has always been there with a courteous smile, a sense of humor and story about life’s lessons,” said Bryan Black a former OPC president from Canal Winchester. “His dedication to youth mentoring is legendary in our state and it’s been great to see him recognized for this service and much more.”

For over 50 years, Albaugh has been committed to raising pigs, been involved with Ohio Pork Council and the Ohio Chester White Breeders Association. He played a vital part in the establishment of the OH-PIGS Program, a youth-centered show pig program, and had numerous roles in other local organizations. Regardless, Albaugh is always doing what is best for the future of agriculture and the pork industry.

Ohio Pork Promoter of the Year
The Ohio Pork Council Pork Promoter of the Year is Anthony Stateler, a producer from McComb. He has hosted community members and state officials on his multi-generational farm, appeared on OPC’s social media efforts, and hosted many virtual field trips. He has embodied the positive promotion of the industry.

Using his love of agriculture and the pork industry, Stateler is a great leader and voice for the industry. While doing something as simple as sharing animal care processes, teaching about environmental stewardship, or simply answering questions about agriculture, he has raised the bar on promoting the industry in a way that captivates people from all backgrounds.

Ohio Pork Council Swine Manager of the Year
Richard Ryan, from Irwin, Ohio, received the Ohio Pork Council Swine Manager of the Year. This award recognizes a leader of a swine operation who is highly knowledgeable of the pork industry and has demonstrated the ability to make key decisions.

Ryan’s passion for farming began while growing up on the family farm, and alongside his brother, wife, and late father, led him to 45 years in agriculture. As the third generation, Ryan and his family have continued to expand, adapt, and persevere in the industry and continue to raise pigs in their farrow-to-finish operation, along with growing grain crops.

Friend of Ohio Pork Industry Award
The OPC established the Friend of Ohio Pork Industry Award to recognize an individual, organization, or company making a substantial impact on the organization through monetary support, voluntary activities, or general support to the pork industry. This year, OPC honored Andrew Montoney, State Director of USDA, APHIS, and Wildlife Services with the award.

In 2024, Montoney led the operational charge in the coordination of the control and elimination of feral swine in Ohio, which complemented OPC’s legislative efforts that resulted in the passage of Ohio H.B. 503 last December. Under Montone’s leadership, his team has helped to reduce the number of feral swine from thousands to hundreds, helping to safeguard Ohio’s pork industry from the threat of diseases, like African swine fever.

Ohio Pork Leadership Class
The Ohio Pork Leadership Class is designed to give the participants a comprehensive view of the pork industry with skills training in multiple areas that will make them successful in future leadership in the state and beyond. OPC honored these individuals who completed the class: Alexa Hamilton, Brooklyn Ashcraft, Caleb Hershberger, Edwin Van den Hengel, Justin Moeller, Kaylyn Kadam, Lucas Buehler, Michelle Flick, Molly Rhodes, Pablo Salinas, Richard Knapke, Selina Bevilacqua, and Tyler Logan.

Schroeder added, “Once again, we congratulate all our 2024 Ohio Pork Council award recipients. They have made, and will continue to make, our industry stronger, better, and more resilient.”

Your Next Read: Quotable Moments from the 2025 Ohio Pork Congress

Quotable Moments from the 2025 Ohio Pork Congress

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:01:57 GMT

Tariffs, global demand and sustainability drew producers in for day two of the Ohio Pork Congress in Lima. More than 500 people gathered for this event on Feb. 4-5.

“It’s always great to come together as a community, to share and learn from joint experiences and reconnect with everyone,” says Jarred Black, president-elect of the Ohio Pork Council and director of transportation for Pork Partners. “We may represent different farms and companies, but we are all trying to achieve the same goals. I appreciate the educational component of the Ohio Pork Congress. The symposium was very well received and provided insights that will help us.”

Here are a few quotable moments from the day:

“We need a rally cry. We need something other than bad news. We need something that we can all rally around, that people get excited about the only thing we make. The entire pork industry revolves around one very simple concept: a consumer walks into a retail store and purchases pork, takes it home and cooks it, or they walk into a food service restaurant, buy pork and eat it. If they like it enough, they repeat the process. If that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t matter whether you sell breeding stock, feed, or grain bins, or whether you build buildings or are in the processing community, if we don’t have a consumer base who wants to eat the only thing we make, that creates a scenario for long-term decline. If we can’t rally around that, I don’t know what we can rally around. Consumers today have more choices than they ever have, so making sure that we position pork for long-term success is critical to the business.”– David Newman, senior vice president market growth at National Pork Board, in NPB Market Growth Update

“Ultimately, global population decline will require a permanent shift in the ‘feeding the world’ narrative. I think ‘feeding the world’ sends the wrong signal. We will see a change from feeding more to feeding fewer. That gives us an opportunity to feed them differently.” – Todd Thurman, founder of Swine Insights International in The Economics of Global Swine Production

“Sustainability…. It’s not just one thing. Ohio Pork Council’s farmer-led projects are a good example of being more sustainable at the farm level. If you can’t afford to make sustainable products, our customers won’t be able to buy them. We are seeing that younger customers are the most passionate. They go to our website and want to know how you treat your animals. We trust you all as pig farmers. We count on you to work with your veterinarians.” - Shelly Thobe, director of culinary innovation, Wendy’s in Baconator and Beyond

“Our No. 1 priority is caring for our team. If we care for the community and not the team, it becomes disingenuous. After we prioritize our team, we look at our community. We think business is an opportunity to do good. That’s what energizes us as a family.” – Pat Hord, CEO of Hord Family Farms in Sustainability – Why It Matters

“With a new Congress, it’s always like the first day of school in DC, especially this year. New members and new staff finding their way though, learning where the tunnels are. There are 63 new members of the House of Representatives and 9 new senators to get to know. The key to that is starting the conversation when candidates are running and in DC. That’s where the strength of the pork industry and the grassroots engagement is so important – it brings these candidates to us. They want to get in and have conversations with us early to hear the issues the industry is facing.” – Chase Adams, assistant vice president for domestic policy at the National Pork Producers Council in NPPC’s Political Strategy

“What percentage of residents in Ohio are favorable to the Ohio pork industry? 67% are favorable and 9% are anti-pork. The rest are the movable middle, the ‘persuadables.’ Telling your story helps move and shift those folks to the core. The more knowledge the public has about the industry, the more favorable they are toward the industry. And that impacts their choice.” – Carol Gstalder of Heart+Mind Strategies in Sustainability – Why It Matters

“We need to focus on consumers. Instead of ‘How can we sell what we produce?’ – we need to ask ‘How can we produce the stuff people want to buy?’” – Todd Thurman, founder of Swine Insights International in The Economics of Global Swine Production

Your Next Read: Influenza Discussion Kicks Off Ohio’s Swine Health Symposium

Influenza Discussion Kicks Off Ohio’s Swine Health Symposium

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:29:36 GMT

How will you do your part to ensure a strong pork industry? Producers, veterinarians and industry leaders gathered in Lima, Ohio, on Feb. 4 for the Swine Health Symposium, hosted by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Ohio Pork Council.

Timely topics such as influenza, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, H5N1, sow care, enhanced biosecurity and more captured the attention of attendees. Here are a few quotes from the event at the Ohio Pork Congress in case you missed it.

Rebecca Robbins

(Jennifer Shike)

“It doesn’t have to be sexy and complicated to be effective. Most farms have opportunity for improvement in their biosecurity practices. Of the farms we assessed last year, 92% had at least one biosecurity hazard identified during routine assessment.” – Rebecca Robbins, veterinarian for PIC, in Biosecurity Enhancement

“Really nasty viruses are being made over our heads every day as birds are migrating. Some of those viruses are making their way into different host populations and they aren’t behaving nicely.” – Andrew Bowman, DVM, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at The Ohio State University in H5N1 Update

“Know what you are responsible for. Be prepared but also be prepared to be flexible. Take time now to prepare, rather than if/when it hits the U.S.” - Lucas Buehler, veterinarian with Four Star Veterinary Service, in Veterinarian’s Perspective on FAD Exercise

Bethany Heitkamp

(Jennifer Shike)

“When it comes to depopulation, it’s important to understand that USDA and state departments of agriculture don’t have a team to help you carry out depopulation on your farm. They are there to make sure we follow rules. All equipment, labor and PPE must be provided by the farmer or company. And keep in mind that regular services (such as portable toilets and dumpsters) may be hard to get.” – Bethany Heitkamp, veterinarian for Cooper Farms, in Lessons from HPAI

“USDA has ‘zero tolerance for circulating H5N1 virus.’ That means USDA won’t allow us to fold it into other influenza viruses we deal with on a day-to-day basis. We can’t treat this like another influenza virus. We have to think about how we will rid ourselves of the virus. We can’t just manage it.” – Anna Forseth, director of animal health for the National Pork Producers Council, in H5N1 Update

Nathan Isler

(Mike King)

“It was a farm-stopping, smack-you-in-the-face kind of a deal. If it’s a reality and it happens on your farm, we are not ready. Prepare the best you can for a worst-case scenario.” –Nathan Isler, pork producer from Marion County, Ohio, on his farm’s participation in an ASF response exercise in Foreign Animal Disease Response

“Overall sow longevity (and leading specific causes of sow death loss) can and should be improved via genetic selection. However, genetic approaches alone will not solve sow mortality. Non-genetic solutions are needed to supplement this approach.” – Janelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, in Breeding Robust Sows for Commercial Conditions

“Looking back, we knew this situation with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was coming, but we were not as well prepared as we thought we were. However, everything we did to prepare helped along the way. Prepare as much as you possibly can.” – Bethany Heitkamp, veterinarian for Cooper Farms, in Lessons from HPAI

Your Next Read: Passing on Values (and the Business) from One Generation to the Next

Registration Now Open for 2025 Ohio Pork Congress

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 23:56:34 GMT

The 2025 edition of the Ohio Pork Congress promises to be bigger and better than ever during its two-day run at Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center in Lima, Ohio, Feb. 4-5. Featuring in-depth presentations and discussions on swine health, economics, employee management, product innovation, and more, the Eastern Hog Belt’s largest pork-specific trade show brings it all together under one roof for producers and allied industry.

“I strongly encourage anyone involved in the pork industry to attend the Ohio Pork Congress,” said Nathan Schroeder, Ohio Pork Council president and producer from Putnam County. “It’s truly the best opportunity to learn what’s going on in our industry from top experts, to provide essential training to farm employees, and of course, to see what’s new on the trade show floor. Also, you won’t want to miss the unique opportunity to hear from a top food industry leader like Wendy’s at this year’s event.”

The speaker line-up at the Ohio Pork Congress provides insight on vital pork industry topics, as well as recognition and support of industry leaders and Friends of the Pork PAC. In addition to the Ohio Pork Council Update and the keynote presentation by Wendy’s Innovation Team, additional educational seminars and breakout sessions include:

• Biosecurity Enhancement: Dr. Rebecca Robbins, PIC

• H5N1 Influenza Panel: Dr. Anna Forseth, National Pork Producers Council; Dr. Marisa Rotolo, National Pork Board; and Dr. Andy Bowman, Ohio State University

• Ohio Department of Ag Update: Dr. Dennis Summers, State Veterinarian

• Foreign Animal Disease Response Panel: Nathan Isler, Islercrest Farms; Dr. Bethany Heitkamp, Cooper Farms; and Dr. Lucas Buehler, Four Star Veterinary Service

• PRRS Update: Dr. Andreia Arruda, Ohio State University

• Sow Health Care: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, Topigs Norsvin

• Employee Onboarding: How to Keep & Attract Good Employees: Stacy Voight, Topigs Norsvin; Melanie Langley, Fine Swine; and Kevin Stuckey, Cooper Farms.

• LEADR Training: Lucy Russell, National Pork Producers Council

• Ohio Pork Speakers Bureau Training: Mike King, Ohio Pork Council

• Pork Demand: Dr. David Newman, National Pork Board

• Sustainability – Why It Matters: Carol Gstalder, Heart & Mind Strategies; Hord Family Farms

• Converting Barn to Group Housing: Gestal Panel

• Ventilation Tips for Today: Glen Arnold, Ohio State University

• Sow Health in Lactation (Spanish-language session): Dr. Cipriano De Abreu, Topigs

• Identifying Vices & Knowing Why It Happens: Kendall Weger, PIC

• NPPC’s Political Strategy: NPPC team of Bryan Humphreys, Chase Adams, Andrew Beardsley, Josh Scramlin

• Economic Update: Todd Thurman, Swine Insights International

“It’s always amazing to hear from so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable people in our industry at the Ohio Pork Congress,” Schroeder said. “The face-to-face networking and professional development opportunities offered during this event don’t happen every day, which is why I’m urging everyone to register now to be in Lima this February. Whether it’s the thought-provoking seminars, our new Spanish-language breakout session, the social activities, or simply reconnecting with industry friends, you don’t want to miss out.”

Registration information is available at www.ohioporkcongress.org .

Your Next Read: Top Takeaways from the 2024 Ohio Pork Congress

HPAI Now Detected on Ohio Dairy: Strange Bird Flu Concerns See Growth

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:03:23 GMT

Ohio has become the sixth state where dairy cattle have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. A recent news release from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) reports presumptive positive results from dairy cows in Wood County.

According to officials, the cows arrived in Wood County on March 8 from a dairy in Texas. That dairy later reported a confirmed case of HPAI. The Ohio dairy operation alerted state officials when the livestock began showing signs of illness. State officials are awaiting confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We have official confirmation that we do have a case at a dairy in Wood County of HPAI, which is an influenza,” says ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “We’ve been working with this in the poultry industry for about the last two-and-a-half years and it has found its way into the dairy industry. We are working diligently with the dairy, with their vets and with our Animal Health division and our state veterinarian, Dr. (Dennis) Summers, on this issue.

According to the USDA, HPAI has now been detected in five other states, including:

Texas
Kansas
New Mexico,
Idaho
Michigan

“Clinically sick dairy cattle from affected herds range from 1% to 20%, with an average of 10% of the milking herd affected. There are no confirmed reports of death loss in dairy cattle directly attributed to these detections. Most sick cows begin recovering within a few days.”

“Federal and state agencies continue to conduct additional testing from sick animals and in unpasteurized clinical milk samples from sick animals, as well as viral genome sequencing, to assess whether HPAI or another unrelated illness may be underlying any symptoms,” the ODA reports.

The agency notes that clinically sick dairy cattle from affected herds range from 1% to 20%, with an average of 10% of the milking herd affected. Currently, there are no confirmed reports of death loss in dairy cattle directly attributed to these detections with most sick cows recovering within a few days.

HPAI symptoms in dairy cattle include:

Sudden drop in milk production.
Some severely impacted cows are producing thicker, more concentrated, colostrum-like milk.
Drop in feed consumption with a simultaneous drop in rumen function, accompanied by loose feces and some fever.
Impacted herds have reported older cows in mid-lactation may be more likely to be severely impacted than younger cows, fresh cows or heifers.
Some herds have reported pneumonia and mastitis.

Officials are strongly advising dairy producers to use all standard biosecurity measures. They note it’s important for producers to clean and disinfect all livestock watering devices and isolate drinking water where it might be contaminated by waterfowl. Farmers are also being asked to notify their herd veterinarian if they suspect any cattle within their herd are displaying symptoms of this condition.

For more on HPAI, read:

Ohio State Fair Fairgoers Sample and Judge Pork Rib-Off

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:33:17 GMT

The Ohio Pork Council (OPC) held its 26th annual Pork Rib-Off competition on July 30 at the Ohio State Fair to the delight of scores of fairgoers who got to sample the award-winning pork while voting for their favorite.

Participants from around Ohio, including many long-time competitors, sought awards in categories for ribs, pulled pork, people’s choice, and barbecue sauce. Ale Yeah BBQ, Delaware, Ohio, was this year’s big winner, taking double top honors of Grand Champion Pork Ribs and Grand Champion Pulled Pork.

Reserve champion bragging rights went to Bark Brothers BBQ of Cincinnati for pulled pork and Baney-Q of Columbus for ribs.

Columbus-based Baney-Q also took first place honors for best BBQ sauce and won the coveted People’s Choice award for most flavorful pork.

“It’s always a great time being at Ohio Pork Council’s Rib-off, regardless of the outcome, but winning in multiple categories today was certainly a high for us,” said Cathy Baney. “We’ve been coming to this event for 10 years and we love it.”

A group of seasoned judges scored the competitors’ entries, including Representative Bob Peterson; Representative Don Jones; Adam Heffron, Executive Director, Ohio Expo Center & State Fair; Jeff Reese, Marketing Specialist, Ohio Ag Net; and Tony Dowdy, Area Director of Retail Operations, Giant Eagle.

“This was my first time judging this type of event and I really enjoyed it,” said Tony Dowdy of Giant Eagle. “Everyone was so engaged and having a good time eating and sampling great pork from the competitors.”

Each year, the Ohio Pork Council hosts the Rib-Off competition on the first Tuesday of the Ohio State Fair. This year, sponsorship from Giant Eagle further supported this event by providing the meat used by participants.

Acceptance is Key Takeaway from “Breaking Boundaries” Pig Show

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:19:55 GMT

For the second year, the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) helped young people shine inside the show ring at the “Breaking Boundaries” Pig Show at the Ohio State Fair. Participants between the ages of 9 and 22 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities had the opportunity to show a pig and be in the spotlight in front of big crowds at the fair.

Each Breaking Boundaries participant was paired with their own onsite mentor, in addition to receiving assistance from youth who participate in OPC’s OH-PIGS swine exhibition program. After receiving quick lessons on how to care for, handle and show a pig, the participants participated in a special show in front of a live audience of supporters and the event’s guest judge, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge.

“When youth with disabilities are included with our mentors, they all learn about each other’s differences, enabling them to bond over something unique that they all enjoy,” Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS coordinator, said in a release. “Acceptance becomes a part of their lives through this event that they can take with them moving forward.”

OH-PIGS mentors and show families provided the event’s show pigs in addition to offering up their personal knowledge and expertise during their time they spent with the participants.

“It’s an honor for the Ohio Pork Council to bring this event to the Ohio State Fair again after last year’s inaugural success ,” Cheryl Day, executive vice president of OPC, said in a release. “This event helps to showcase the priority that our state’s pig-farming community puts on giving back to others. Without it, most of the participants would likely not get this type of unique opportunity with pigs and mentors that helps them build their people and animal relationship skills in a safe and supportive environment.”

With even more youth participating this year, the Ohio Pork Council’s Breaking Boundaries Pig Show was an even greater success during week one of the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President (in red shirt center), was surrounded by the thrilled youth mentors and participants along with key supporters such as Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge.

(Ohio Pork Council)

Read more:
Disabilities Don’t Hold Kids Back from “Breaking Boundaries” at Ohio State Fair Pig Show
‘Bucks for Bacon Buddies’ Available to Expand Iowa Youth Program
Bacon Buddies Goes Viral at the Iowa State Fair

What Makes a Barn Hero?

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:48:52 GMT

What makes a barn hero? AgriTalk’s host Chip Flory visited with Farm Journal’s PORK editor, Jennifer Shike and our first featured barn hero, Summer Doty, who is the farrowing manager at Islercrest Farms in Ohio.

“I think perhaps the most important stories that we need to talk about are the stories of the people that are in the barn working hard every day to make sure that our pigs have the absolute best environment possible to be raised up in and are really working hard to be able to make sure that pork production is efficient, and meets all of the goals that we’re trying to reach every day,” Shike says.

As the farrowing manager, Doty works in one of the sow units, taking care of all the gestating, lactating and farrowing sows.

“Putting sow health and sow happiness above all else in the barn is priority number one,” Doty shares.

It’s very cool to get to know some of the young people that are coming into the industry and that are working hard and making a real contribution to the success on the farms, Flory points out.

“Our barn heroes we’re featuring all have different paths that they’ve taken, but they’re all making a huge impact in the barns that they work in,” Shike says. “Summer may be young, but her experience and her perspective and her attention to detail, make her a hero and she is very special on their farm,” Shike says.

Doty always had a love of animals, showed pigs while growing up and attended college for an animal science degree. That experience made her familiar with raising pigs, but she admits she wasn’t sure what she expected starting to work for a large-scale commercial operation.

“It’s definitely different than what I thought coming in for the first time,” she says. “I didn’t really know what commercial scale agriculture really was, or what I would be doing day-to-day. But I’ve really gotten used to it. And I think most people can’t judge it looking from the outside. You almost have to be inside the barn at least once or twice to really get a feel for what goes on here and what we do.”

Flory was curious how her first day on the job was.

“You’re trailing around learning everything at once,” Doty says. “And if you retain 20% of it, that’s a great second day.”

There’s always so much to learn, but Doty can’t see herself doing anything else but caring for animals.

“I think it’s something that I will always participate in and I can see it being a career for myself,” she says.

It’s important for the industry to reach out to young people who are showing livestock and try to get them excited to come back into production ag.

“She knew she loved pigs and had the opportunity to show them and raise a few,” Shike says. “It’s just how do we tie into more of those young people who really have a knack and a gift for working with animals and bring them into commercial production. We’ve got to help them find themselves and see themselves in those roles.”

The Barn Hero series highlights what is so great about the pork industry. The people.

“I’ve really enjoyed going to the barns and getting to follow our Barn Heroes around and just getting a chance to see them doing what they do every day,” Shike says. “When you go through the barn and follow her around, it’s funny to watch the sows, they just love her. When she walks in, they respond.”

If you know a barn hero who deserves recognition, email us at jshike@farmjournal.com.

Listen to the full episode:

We will be uniting together June 3-8 for PORK Week across all of our Farm Journal platforms to elevate the important role the pork industry plays in feeding the world. Share your stories and post photos on social media using #PORKWeek to help us honor the pork industry. From “AgDay TV” to “AgriTalk” to “U.S. Farm Report” to PorkBusiness.com and everything in between, tune in and join us as we acknowledge the most noble profession there is: feeding people.

Check out our Barn Heroes Series:

Barn Hero Summer Doty: Prioritizing Pig Care

Barn Hero Alma Valdez: ‘Success is Never Just Your Success’

Ohio Pig Farmer Finds a Way to Share Farm Life Through Social Media

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:31:05 GMT

With more than 65,000 pig farms in the U.S. today that’s a lot of pig farmers and different ways to raise pigs. Central Ohio farmer, Tom Graham, appreciates the diversity of ways to raise pigs and enjoys connecting with other farmers and people in agriculture using social platforms, X (previously called Twitter), Snapchat and Instagram .

“Twitter is my preferred media,” says Graham, who joined in 2010. “There’s a whole bunch of us on there sharing what we do. Even though we may be doing similar work in farming or raising pigs, everybody looks at it with a different take.”

While Graham says a lot of his audience are other ag producers, the interactions with each other can push the information shared out further. He has even met many of them in real life.

“I’ve been involved in a couple of those where 30 or 40 of us would meet someplace,” he shares. “We’d never met each other, then we get together, have a meal and prove we’re actually who we say we are.”

Graham has been raising pigs for 41 years. His parents originally bought the farm he lives on now in 1983 as a farrowing operation. The family ran 150 sows through the early 2000s, then stepped away for a year before becoming contract growers.

“I enjoy what I do,” Graham says. “I do a good job with what I do with pigs from nursery stage through market hogs. But the highlight is that I get to do this with my kids and grandkids. I enjoy that I have them to share this with.”

Oaklawn Farms, which was the name of the farm when it was purchased, includes Graham’s brother, and his two sons, who have off the farm jobs, but also help with the diversified operation. Among all of them they raise wheat, corn, soybeans, hay, cattle and pigs. He also has five grandkids living on the farm, ages 14 months to almost 11.

“The 10-year-old absolutely loves helping with the pigs,” he says of his oldest granddaughter. “She can do almost anything with up to a 60- or 70-pound pig.”

He recently shared on Instagram a photo of her after she helped load out 1,200 feeder pigs. It’s all about telling the story of family and pig farming.

Sharing agriculture stories online isn’t something new for Graham though; it’s just evolved through the years. Previously, he participated in several virtual barn tours

organized by Ohio Pork. Different producers give live tours from the barns to high school students. Those videos can be found on YouTube and provide an opportunity for those outside of agriculture to experience an actual pig farm. In addition, Graham’s wife, Sue, was a school teacher for 39 years and recently retired. During her years in the classroom, the couple also provided virtual tours to reach her students.

“We had our own Ag in the Classroom,” he adds. “She taught in Zanesville, which is not a huge city by any means, but those kids didn’t know much about where their food came from. It was an opportunity to show them, and they asked lots of questions.”

Even though social media and digital platforms have been around for decades now, there are still new opportunities for farmers to share their stories. Graham encourages others in agriculture to start somewhere. He recognizes the importance of sharing his own voice.

“If I don’t share what I’m doing, somebody else is going to do it for me and they won’t be me,” he says. “So the biggest thing we’ve got to counter is misinformation about what farming and raising pigs really looks like.”

We will be uniting together June 3-8 for PORK Week across all of our Farm Journal platforms to elevate the important role the pork industry plays in feeding the world. Share your stories and post photos on social media using #PORKWeek to help us honor the pork industry. From “AgDay TV” to “AgriTalk” to “U.S. Farm Report” to PorkBusiness.com and everything in between, tune in and join us as we acknowledge the most noble profession there is: feeding people.

Find additional PORK Week stories...

A Look Into What’s On a Pork Producer’s Mind

Iowa Farm Wife and Mom Shares Online to Help Other Women

Ohio Pork Donates $10,000 to Three Nonprofits Serving Locals in Need

Sat, 27 May 2023 03:03:25 GMT

On behalf of all the Ohio pork producers, the Ohio Pork Council is partnering with three community-based nonprofits to further demonstrate how its members are dedicated to bringing high-quality, nutrient-dense protein to those in need, says a recent release.

The following donations by OPC have been given to purchase pork to be shared:
• Salvation Army, based in Bucyrus, Ohio, $2,500
• Mid-Ohio Food Collective, based in the south side of Columbus, Ohio, $5,000
• New Day Ministries, based in Bucyrus, Ohio, $2,500

“The Salvation Army of Bucyrus is committed to meeting human needs in Bucyrus and all of Crawford County,” says Major Debbra Grace, The Salvation Army, Bucyrus Corps, in a release. “We have been serving this area for 130 years and will continue to do so with the support of the community, business, and organizations such as the Ohio Pork Council and our neighbors, Hord Family Farms. We are privileged to work alongside such caring and giving people to feed those who are struggling with food insecurity.”

Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s Matt Habash, president and CEO, says their work toward hunger-free, healthier communities is made possible by partnerships. Kaden Thomas, executive director of New Day Ministries, says they strive to provide nutritious food to the community, and this will help them achieve that goal.

“It’s just part of our nature as farmers to give back,” said Nick Seger, president of the Ohio Pork Council and a producer from Minster, Ohio. “Right now, we know that the need is even greater and we’re so pleased to partner with organizations like this that really make a difference by providing high-quality protein to those who would otherwise not have it.”

Ohio Pork Council Presents Awards During Annual Pork Congress

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:39:13 GMT

During the Ohio Pork Congress, on Feb. 8, 2023, several volunteers were recognized for outstanding contributions to the Ohio pork industry. The Ohio Pork Industry Excellence, Service, Pork Promoter of the Year, Manager of the Year and Friend of Pork Industry awards were presented.

Kicking off the program, Ohio Pork Council President Nick Seger, Shelby County, said, “Looking ahead to 2023, our industry faces challenges, however, the Ohio pork industry is filled with great leaders from top to bottom. The big wins we’ve had don’t mean the fight to protect our industry is over but I am confident we can use this momentum rise to occasion to overcome and adapt.”

Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award- Wendell Waters

Wendell Waters, West Lafayette, Ohio, received the Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award. Given annually, this award recognizes a pork farmer, or farm family, for their willingness to go above-and-beyond to donate time, money, and talents on behalf of the industry at the state and national level.

Upon receiving the award during the luncheon, Waters said, “It’s a pleasure to be here today, definitely worth the trip. I see many fellows I have worked with for several years, going to Washington, and making other good memories. Thank you very much.”

Waters began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher and later formed WenMar Farms Inc. with his wife, Marcia. Today, WenMar Farms Inc. consists of 4,000 acres of corn and soybeans, and a 3,600-sow farrow-to-finish hog operation. Waters played a key role in the development of the PGI Group in 1994. Waters has been a true champion of Ohio agriculture and the Ohio pork industry for more than 50 years.

Ohio Pork Industry Service Award- Rich Deaton

The Ohio Pork Industry Service Award goes to an individual who exemplifies outstanding service, exceeding volunteer expectations, and willing to support the pork industry in various ways. This year, the Ohio Pork Council recognized Rich Deaton, Darke County, Ohio, with the 2022 Ohio Pork Industry Service Award.

“Just as the way we communicate today has changed, so has the way we are raising pigs. One thing hasn’t changed and that’s you, pork producers. You get up regardless of polar vortexes or heat indexes above 105 degrees and take care of your pigs. You do this not because you want to but because you care about pigs and want to feed the world. It’s my honor to do this and represent you,” Deaton remarked.

A sales and technical service representative for PIC, Deaton serves on the Ohio Pork Council and board of directors of the National Pork Board. His tenure on the state board, including a term as president, has also led him to participation in countless committees and serving as a Pork Act Delegate. Deaton devotes countless hours to promotion, advancement, and research development.

Pork Promoter of the Year Award- Ken Garee

The Pork Promoter of the Year Award is given to an individual or company that excels in promoting the pork industry. This year, the Ohio Pork Council honored Ken Garee, Delaware, Ohio, as the Pork Promoter of the Year.

“This is a wonderful award to receive,” Garee commented. “If you talk to my wife, she will tell you I hold her up 20 minutes in the grocery store every time we go, always talking to people at the meat counter. Last year, I got to work at the Ohio State Fair, cooking pork for the Ohio Pork Council. It was a wonderful experience with long hours. The best part was hanging out, talking with people walking by, telling our story to the community about how we raise our pork, letting them know we’re proud of how we do it.”

Garee has been an active member of the Ohio Pork Council’s Board of Directors and currently serves as the president-elect for the organization. He has been an integral part of the success of events such as the annual PAC Auction at the Ohio Pork Congress and the pork stand at the Ohio State Fair. Along with his efforts within the Ohio Pork Council, Garee works at Kalmbach Feeds as a swine logistics coordinator.

The success of the pork stand at the 2022 Ohio State Fair can be attributed, in part, to Garee’s service as the grill master. His dedication and willingness to learn the art of grilling, smoking, and preparing the pork served at the Taste of Ohio Café reflects his willingness to go above and beyond for the Council. Garee also wore a pig costume, becoming Mr. Pig, during the Ohio State Fair. The time Garee spent as Mr. Pig helped bring attention to the Ohio pork industry at the state fair and increase the presence of OPC on social media.

Ohio Pork Council Swine Manager of the Year- Todd Post

Todd Post, Fort Recovery, Ohio, was named the Ohio Pork Council Swine Manager of the Year. This award recognizes a leader of a swine operation who is highly knowledgeable of the pork industry and has demonstrated the ability to make key decisions on behalf of their operation.

“This award is a reflection of Cooper Family Farms – my fellow Cooper troopers, contract growers, and the entire swine service team,” Post stated. He went on to thank his family, specifically crediting his parents for their support. “They have instilled compassion, work ethic, and values in me I have displayed. Without their guidance I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Post is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where he studied Animal Science. His passion for pork and working with pigs led him to a career with Cooper Farms as the lead service person, where he has been employed since 2012. Throughout Post’s 10 years with Cooper Farms, he has been instrumental in the growth of their hog division while working hand in hand with the contract families who grow with Cooper Farms.

Post’s commitment to the agricultural industry goes well beyond his normal job duties, and he can often be found working towards making improvements in sustainability, as well as helping those around him adapt to changes in the pork industry.

Friend of Ohio Pork Industry- Former Congressman Bob Gibbs

The work of the Ohio Pork Council is made possible by supporters who devote time to enhance the organization’s efforts on behalf of all producers. To acknowledge their efforts and express gratitude, OPC established the Friend of Ohio Pork Industry award. This award recognizes an individual, organization, or company making a substantial impact on the organization through monetary support, voluntary activities, or general support to the pork industry. The Ohio Pork Council honored Former Congressman Bob Gibbs with the Friend of the Pork Industry award this year.

Gibbs recalled being on both sides of the issue for pork production, lobbying when he was a producer and welcoming constituents while serving in the Ohio House and Senate then Congress. “I would tell people I might not have a master’s degree but I have a PhD in economics because I had a hog farm,” he shared. “It’s really important to make those lobbying trips. Farmers are a small number of the population so it’s hard to get Members of Congress to pay attention but they like seeing their constituents. You are the soul of the earth. If it weren’t for farmers producing food fiber, I consider it right up there with national security. We can’t be dependent on other countries to produce our food supply.”

Gibbs began promoting agriculture while attending The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, where he graduated in 1974. His passion for agriculture continued developing through his experiences in leadership within organizations such as the Ohio Farm Bureau. Gibbs moved in the legislative arena where he served three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives and was then elected to the Ohio Senate in 2008. The time he spent in both the House and the Senate allowed him to use his knowledge and passion for agriculture to advocate for Ohio pig farmers. In a time when agriculture needed someone to stand up for them on a national level, Gibbs did just that, serving in Congress from 2011 to 2023.

When to Sell Your Farmland

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:08:24 GMT

The term “eminent domain” can conjure up scenes from “The Grapes of Wrath” — a man in a fancy car being followed by bulldozers, ready to flat- ten farms with a single pass.

While that 1940 movie scene shows sharecroppers forced to leave their farms, the feelings are the same for today’s landowners, according to Bush Family Farms’ Cheryl Bush.

Small Town No More

The Bush Family Farm is one of many operations near the Johnstown, Ohio area, 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, that have been approached about land acquisition for neighboring New Albany.

Intel, the latest mass developer in the area, is acquiring land for semiconductor research, development and production through the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

“The New Albany Company (NACO) first approached our farm in 2021. We were like ‘no, absolutely not,’” Bush recalls. “But we knew if we didn’t sell, we would be forced out eventually.”

After the company’s “lowball” offer, the Bush family worked with a NACO to negotiate a price they thought was fair. Once an agreement was reached, the family found out their land would be used for Intel and the grief stages set in.

“Four of my siblings built homes on this land. We’re all trying to figure this out; we’re all affected by it,” she says. “It’s kind of like a death — you shed tears, you’re angry and at a loss.”

Impact on Acres

Kevin Reeves, a former tenant of Bush’s, has lost 350 acres of tillable ground and pasture to development. While devastated about the losses, he says the development repercussions reach far beyond farmland.

“Moving equipment down the road is very dangerous now,” he says. “The city is talking about increasing the roads from single lanes to three or five lanes. It’s going to be a nightmare.”

Beyond infrastructure, Reeves is also concerned about his pocketbook.

“We’re told to expect a 35% increase in property taxes in 2023 and, upon reevaluation in 2027, there’s a chance it will double what it is now,” he says. “We won’t be able to afford to live here even if we choose not to sell.”

Know Your Options

If you are approached about selling farmland for development, Bush provides these suggestions:

1. Negotiate with a timeline.

“If you try to play hardball too long, they’ll take your property by eminent domain,” she says. “You don’t want to be in that predicament.”

2. Consider the cost to relocate.

Due to the warehouse construction, Bush says her area has a shortage of concrete. Consider such factors in your relocation plan, she advises.

3. Pick a price and don’t look back.

“Just down the road, a 5.65-acre section of farmland is listed for almost $10 million,” she says. “We stepped back and wondered if we did the right thing. But once you make that decision, you have to move on.”

More on land :

4 Keys to Building Land Lease Relationships that Last
$30,000 Per Acre? Yep, The Details on the Latest Record-Breaking Farmland Sale
High Exposure: Understand How Record Farmland Prices Impact Your Estate Plan

Inflation squeezing food banks and people in need

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:21:38 GMT

High food costs are putting an unprecedented squeeze on consumers with limited income and the food banks that serve them.

U.S. food inflation numbers in June reflected grocery prices that were 12% above year-ago levels, the largest yearly jump since April 1979.

Demand for food assistance is way up this year, too, says Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Food Banks, Columbus.

“I’ve been doing this work for nearly 30 years now and I’ve been through economic cycles, and I’ve been through some pretty horrid weather conditions,” she said. “But I’ve never seen anything like this, ever.”

In the months of April and May this year, the 12 Ohio food banks and related charities served 1.77 million people, up 26% compared with the 1.41 million served for the same period a year ago.

”I have to believe, based on what I’m seeing, that [assistance numbers] are likely to go up once I get those June numbers,” Hamler-Fugitt said in mid-July. “I would not be at all surprised if that doesn’t jump by another 5% to 10%.”

Part of the reason for the expected increase in need is because April and May numbers were reflective of a period when students were still in school and receiving school meals.

“Once schools recess for the summer months, we have traditionally seen our numbers go up,” she said. What’s more, Hamler-Fugitt said, 30 of Ohio’s 88 counties do not offer the Summer Food Service Program for children, a program that serves free healthy meals and snacks to children and teens in low-income areas.

“We have seen a marked increase in the number of households with children that are turning to us,” she said.

Trying times for seniors

Another “frightening” trend, she said, is an increase in the number of consumers over 60 turning to food banks.

“I just had a food bank respond that, in their latest distribution, they were quite concerned about the number of seniors over the age of 80,” she said. Hamler-Fugitt said seniors are the “canary in the coal mine” for food banks.

“When we see seniors showing up in these kinds of numbers, that gives us pause, because seniors tend to be the last people that join the line because they don’t understand the nature of how our food distribution works,” she said, adding that seniors also tell food banks they try every coping strategy that they can before turning to food banks because they don’t want to take food away from children.

Many seniors in need have low fixed incomes, she said, without pensions or well-funded 401(k) retirement accounts or other supplemental sources of retirement income. Instead, they are attempting to live on Social Security, which Hamler-Fugitt estimated may provide 40% or less of basic needs.

Despite low incomes, many are not participating in other programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

About half of the people who turn to Ohio food banks are not poor enough to qualify for SNAP because they are slightly over income requirements, she said. Seniors in need also often lack a support network, such as family, children or grandchildren.

Without the ability to feed themselves well, seniors may face an inevitable and unwanted path to nursing homes, an outcome which can cost the state of Ohio $65,000 per year per individual, Hamler-Fugitt said.

The lack of senior support in communities is critical and food is the No. 1 issue, she said. Affordable housing, high utility and fuel costs, and costly prescription medication also weigh on older Americans.

“Seniors were already making tradeoffs between food and medicine and food and other basic needs,” she said, and escalating inflation in 2022 has made those choices even tougher.

Hamler-Fugitt said the West Ohio Food Bank, serving 10 rural areas, recently saw 80% of the 200 seniors who came to the food bank for assistance were first-time recipients of food assistance.

A big drop in the donation bucket

Food banks are hurting from a big drop in USDA-sourced food boxes , she said.

Beyond government programs that support food banks, Hamler-Fugitt said industry donations are down because of inflated input costs and markets.

“I know our vegetable growers, and they not going to overproduce when they have got this kind of increase in their input costs,” she said. “When producers have strong markets because of supply chain issues, then [they] are going to sell to those first-line markets first.”

Growers donate when they have a surplus, but lately, that hasn’t happened as often. Donations from farmers, growers and commodity producers, retailers, and other community sources have previously accounted for between 50% to 60% of all the food distributed by food banks, but Hamler-Fugitt said that percentage is declining rapidly.

Ohio food banks benefit from a state-operated agriculture clearance program that can reimburse growers a portion of their picking, packing, processing or production costs. That program yields about 40 million pounds of food a year at about 20 cents per pound.

“That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the production costs and, as the costs go up, we recognize that, while we’ve been very fortunate out of this partnership, our growers have higher input costs,” Hamler-Fugitt said.

Ohio food banks will need to spend more money to get the same amount of product.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in monetary donations and overall governmental support,” she said, noting that USDA is having a more difficult time purchasing commodities this year because of elevated markets and stiffer competition for goods.

With government programs supplying less volume of commodities, food banks have had to fall back on privately purchased food, Hamler-Fugitt said.

“Food banks have been spending every dime they raise, trying to keep enough food on their shelves since the pandemic began, and we are now in year three,” she said. “We are now seeing the trends in the number of people turning to us as we did at the height of that pandemic.”

Another big concern of those providing emergency food assistance is the significant loss of the number of pounds of food they are receiving.

“We’ll lighten the bag, we’ll lighten the box and ration what food we have,” she said “We, as food banks, can engage in the same activities, initiatives and coping strategies [of] the people that we serve.”

A ‘beyond-brittle’ situation

Hamler-Fugitt said food banks have lived off the generosity and “dark side” of the food industry for a long time.

“We recognize that we were the direct beneficiaries of overproduction of products that were close to code date, surpluses or not Grade A product,” she said. “We recognize that and we were extremely appreciative, but those rules don’t apply anymore.”

The supply chain, now often described as brittle in post-pandemic times, has gone “beyond brittle” to completely broken down, she added.

“Nothing is better; nothing has recovered to pre-pandemic levels as it relates to the supply chain,” she said. “We, in America, have taken for granted for far too long our abundant, relatively inexpensive sources of the variety of food.”

Because of the lack of affordability now, many people are telling food banks that the only time they would be able to access fresh fruit is through emergency feeding networks.

Food banks raise money to purchase food from growers, wholesalers or retailers, but the cost of food purchases has soared, she said.

“Last year, on average in Ohio, we spent 42 cents per pound for purchases statewide; last quarter, the cost was $1.04 a pound,” Hamler-Fugitt said. “I’m having to raise more money just to keep pace with the amount of food that I was able to purchase before.”

Fresh focus

Hamler-Fugitt said Ohio food banks are moving whatever dollars they get to source fresh fruits, vegetables and perishable protein items, such as eggs, cheese and dairy, because those items are less expensive per pound than processed foods.

“Our 12 food banks and 3,600 member charities have been working for decades to move to a minimum of 50% fresh and 50% shelf-stable or frozen,” she said. “We are trying to build up more capacity, more refrigeration units, more reefer units, more point-in-time distributions, so we can get highly perishable food into communities and onto the plates of low-income Ohioans as quickly as possible.”

Looking ahead, Hamler-Fugitt said she hopes growers and emergency food providers can come together and really make an impact on the upcoming farm bill.

“There’s a lot of challenges in front of all of us, and if we don’t have the money to be able to adapt quickly, to especially climate change and extreme weather conditions, and the vulnerability of input costs in these variables, hunger is going to continue to grow in the U.S. and we will quickly become a second-world country.”

Ohio Farmers Host Chef Competition at Annual Taste of Elegance

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 04:52:12 GMT

Chef Aaron Braun, Meadowlark Restaurant, took top honors at the Ohio Pork Council’s Taste of Elegance Chef Competition and Legislative Reception, earning the coveted Chef Par Excellence award. Braun was also awarded the People’s Choice award for the second consecutive year.

Chef Broc Baltes, Mercy Health, was named Superior Chef, while Chef Tom Tiner, AVI Foodsystems, was selected as Premier Chef.

This year, each of the three chefs prepared an appetizer and entrée featuring pork. Judging the event were Connie Surber, past OPC Board Member and longtime supporter of Ohio’s pork industry; Chef Todd McDunn, Resident Director of Food Services, Scotts Miracle-Gro Campus and five-time Taste of Elegance winner; and Greg Lestini, Attorney, Bricker and Eckler.

A signature tradition of Taste of Elegance, guests received white gloves and a bone-in pork chop to begin the evening.

After sampling assorted flavors of bacon, cheeses and appetizers, they were invited to taste samples from each of the chefs’ menus. Additionally, a selection of Ohio wines was offered by the Ohio Grape Industries while the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Cover Crop Beer was also served.

The evening provides a unique opportunity for Ohio farmers to mingle with chefs who have prepared the fruit of their efforts – pork – in unique and exciting ways. Although many farmers have spent their lives raising pigs, few have had the opportunity to dine on what may be considered culinary delicacies.

Pork chops, as well as the pork used by each of the chefs, were donated by J.H. Routh Packing Company in Sandusky, Ohio.

Event sponsors included the Ohio Pork Council, Farm Credit Mid-America, J.H. Routh Packing Company, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Grape Industries, Ohio Soybean Council, PIC and United Producers, Inc.

See more photos on the Ohio Hog Farmers Facebook page.