Ag Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol provided an opportunity for various agricultural organizations to connect with legislators and the public, and the Oklahoma Pork Council’s booth, led by Cathy Vaughan, appeared to be a standout. Farm Director KC Sheperd visited with Vaughan, who humorously acknowledged their booth’s popularity. “We love to hear that!” The make-your-own charcuterie boards proved to be a significant draw.
Beyond the appealing food, the Oklahoma Pork Council also boasted memorable swag. “Nobody can beat bacon socks, squeezy pigs, or squeezy bacon,” Vaughan asserted, highlighting their unique giveaways. She explained that their presence at Ag Day, alongside other commodity groups like the egg organization, serves a crucial purpose: “I think for all of us in agriculture, it’s a great opportunity to make sure that the people of Oklahoma connect to what it is that we do and the value that we bring to the state.” Vaughan emphasized the significant impact of the pork industry in Oklahoma, noting “more than 2,220 pig farms in 77 counties throughout the state of Oklahoma” and “23,000 jobs.” While Oklahoma is often associated with wheat and beef, Vaughan stressed the widespread presence of pork production, spanning from the panhandle to the southeastern part of the state, encompassing both show pigs and commercial production, including the processing plant in Guymon.
Vaughan also highlighted the Oklahoma Pork Council’s year-round outreach efforts. “That is one thing that we really pride ourselves on is, you know, being a part of our communities, being a part of our our, you know, our youth especially this year,” she said, mentioning their involvement in youth agriculture events and community support during crises like fires and tornadoes. Looking ahead, Vaughan mentioned upcoming sweepstakes and their annual “Give a Ham Challenge” in the fall. She recalled a successful outreach event at Oklahoma State University where they gave out breakfast sandwiches to students, providing an opportunity to educate them about the pork industry. Vaughan humorously noted the effectiveness of their charcuterie and unique swag in engaging legislators, stating, “Absolutely, nothing like a bacon on a stick to connect to what we do and a pair of pretty cool bacon socks…if you see those on the House floor or the Senate floor, you’ll know exactly where they came from.”
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