SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is sending six voting delegates to the National Pork Industry Forum in Atlanta on March 1-3. The National Pork Industry Forum is the annual business meeting of the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council.
Illinois’ six pork producers, Curt Zehr, Pam Janssen, David Dedert, Jason Propst, Bob Frase, and Mike Haag, will be part of the countless delegates selected from across the country by their respective state associations to represent the pork industry.
Leading the delegation for Illinois this year is newly-elected IPPA president, Jason Propst from Cumberland County. “This annual forum gives delegates from across the country the opportunity to gather and discuss pertinent issues facing pork production,” says Propst. “We then work collectively to provide direction on those issues as well as, vote on resolutions and advisements that impact our industry.”
The theme for this year’s forum is entitled, Power of Pork: Moving Mountains, referring to the current overall record-breaking U.S. pork production and how pork producers must continue working together to meet the challenges and opportunities of a growing industry.
Another seasoned pork producer, president-elect Mike Haag from Livingston County, recalls the changes in the industry over the years as he prepares to attend his 11th National Pork Industry Forum. “One of the biggest changes I continue to observe is the growing accountability we have as an industry to educate our consumers since fewer are coming from an agriculture background,” says Haag. “We need to continue working hard to connect with our consumers and tell our story.”
In addition to the delegate sessions, producers will have the opportunity to become certified in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus program, an educational program representing the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement of production practices, and learn more about current industry programs. Also, Will Sawyer, executive director and senior animal protein analyst from Rabobank, will offer a brief market update on pork demand in the U.S. and abroad. The full agenda is available at www.porkindustryfoum.com.
— Illinois Pork Producers Association
For more news from Illinois, click here.