The National Pork Board (NPB) adjourned the National Pork Industry Forum (Forum) last week, where industry leaders passed two producer-developed advisements related to pork quality and swine health. Pork Act delegates also endorsed the Checkoff assessment rate, determined the return-to-state percentage and recommended board members to the U.S. secretary of agriculture for appointment.
NPB President Gordon Spronk and CEO David Newman reinforced the industry’s commitment to the three-year strategic plan, which outlines three priorities:
- Drive and increase the long-term value of pork
- Create a stronger, more resilient U.S. pork industry through collaboration with state pork associations and producers
- Improve the lives of pigs and people
Spronk challenged producers to think beyond improving production at the farm level, pursue understanding today’s consumers and deliver products that align with their values.
“Over the past 40 years, as an industry, we’ve made great strides in productivity,” Spronk said. “But as we look toward the next 40 years, we must take up the challenge to think differently and act differently — ensuring we’re delivering pork in a way that consumers will purchase it loyally and repeatedly.”
Swine health was another focus of the meeting, as producer leaders received a progress update on the National Swine Health Strategy, a set of swine health priorities and objectives created by producers for the whole industry to work toward together. Ninety-eight percent of producers who completed NPB’s 2024 producer survey stated that herd health is essential to the future success of the industry. The primary goals are to reduce the impact of domestic diseases and keep foreign and emerging diseases out.
“The National Swine Health Strategy is built on a robust set of insights, industrywide goals and priorities for producers as they work together to address top swine health challenges,” said Dr. Meredith Petersen, director of swine health for NPB. “Continued producer involvement is essential to the success of this strategy, and the producer discussions at Forum provided a strong foundation for the next steps in this process.”
The industry honored award winners for their service and unique contributions:
NPB Distinguished Service Award: Mike Tokach, Ph.D., and Lisa Tokach, DVM
Selected by NPB past presidents
With a combined 70 years of professional excellence, Mike and Lisa Tokach are pillars of the pork industry. Though their career paths differ, their shared dedication has resulted in a prolific legacy of research, veterinary care and industry advancement.
Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award: John Parker, Virginia
Selected by NPB and National Pork Producers Council past presidents
For over four decades, Parker was the bedrock of the Virginia pork industry, serving as executive director of the Virginia Pork Council. Peers and producers recognized him for his steady leadership and collaborative voice.
Next year’s Forum will be held March 3-5, 2027, in Arlington, Texas.
