DES MOINES, Iowa — Pork producers and industry leaders from across the United States are coming together with one shared mission: encouraging more families to put pork on their dinner tables. From traditional family recipes to quick and convenient weeknight meals, the National Pork Board is working to remind consumers why pork is a flavorful, nutritious, affordable and versatile protein that deserves a place in kitchens across America.
As part of its strategic plan to strengthen the U.S. pork industry, the National Pork Board recently established six producer-led advisory committees, including the Domestic Marketing Advisory Committee. This committee brings together pork producers, retailers, processors and industry professionals to help guide Pork Checkoff-funded marketing investments, strengthen partnerships and create new opportunities to increase domestic pork consumption.
“We often remind each other that ‘more people eating more pork more often’ is our focus, and it aligns with goal No. 1 in our strategic plan to drive and increase the long-term value of pork,” said Jesse Heimer, National Pork Board member and Missouri pork producer. “This committee aims to promote pork in the marketplace and give consumers more reasons to choose pork.”
For America’s pork producers, the mission is about more than raising high-quality pigs. It’s about connecting the hard work happening on farms across the country with the families shopping at grocery stores, preparing meals at home and enjoying pork dishes at their favorite restaurants. Whether it’s grilled pork chops, a Sunday pork roast, pulled pork sandwiches or ground pork incorporated into a favorite family recipe, the industry wants consumers to recognize the many ways pork can bring flavor, nutrition and value to their meals. As eating habits evolve, pork producers and industry leaders recognize the importance of introducing pork in new and creative ways.
Rather than always serving as the centerpiece of a meal, pork can become an ingredient in tacos, pasta dishes, rice bowls, stir-fries and countless other recipes. Its versatility allows families to enjoy pork across different cuisines, cooking styles and budgets.
The National Pork Board’s Taste What Pork Can Do® campaign is helping lead that effort by showcasing pork’s flavor, balanced nutrition and ability to fit into everyday meals. The campaign encourages consumers to discover new recipes, explore different cuts and recognize pork as a protein that can be both convenient and satisfying.
Pork Producers and Industry Leaders Working Together
At the heart of this effort are the individuals who understand the pork industry from the farm to the consumer. The Domestic Marketing Advisory Committee includes 20 representatives from across the United States, bringing together a wide range of experience in pork production, animal health, processing, retail, marketing and producer advocacy.
The committee is led by two National Pork Board co-chairs:
- Terry Wolters — Pipestone System and Wholestone Farms, South Dakota
- Jesse Heimer — Heimer Hampshires, Missouri
Pork producers serving on the committee include:
- Jason Christensen — Eichelberger Farms, Inc., Iowa
- Corey Miller — Linn Valley Pigs, Iowa
- Dwight Mogler — Mogler Farms/Pig Hill, Iowa (National Pork Board Member)
Allied industry representatives include:
- Jason Propst — Walk & Sons / FS Total Livestock Service, Illinois
- Joel Sparks — Audubon Manning Veterinary Clinic, Indiana
- Galen Williams — H-E-B Grocery, Texas
- Jeffrey Wolff — Wolff Family Genetics, South Dakota
Representing pork packers, processors and integrators are:
- Will Brunt — Villari Food Group, North Carolina
- Kelly Haman — Webster City Custom Meats, Iowa
- Brad Hamilton — Clemens Food Group, Pennsylvania
- Brian Kelly — Porky Products, New Jersey
- Brian Lillis — Hormel Foods Corporation, Minnesota
- Joe Locke — Tyson Foods, Oklahoma
- Zach Sanders — JBS USA, Colorado
- Brendan Smith — Smithfield Foods, Virginia
- Ozlem Worpel — Seaboard Foods, Kansas
State pork association representatives include:
- Bailey Borst — Minnesota Pork Board
- Mikayla Schaefer — Illinois Pork Producers Association
Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective to the table, representing different regions, businesses and areas of expertise within the pork industry. Together, their experience will help shape marketing strategies that connect pork producers with consumers and strengthen demand for U.S. pork.
Bringing More Pork to More Tables
For pork producers, increasing domestic demand is an investment in the future of the entire industry. Every opportunity to introduce a new pork recipe, encourage a family to try a different cut or help a restaurant showcase a creative pork dish contributes to building stronger consumer connections. By working together across farms, grocery stores, restaurants, processing facilities and state pork organizations, the industry is creating a unified effort to showcase the benefits of pork and encourage more Americans to enjoy it.
The National Pork Board’s Domestic Marketing Advisory Committee will help guide those efforts while keeping pork producers’ perspectives at the center of the conversation. From the families raising pigs to the families gathering around their dinner tables, the message is one that connects the entire pork industry: pork offers great flavor, balanced nutrition and endless possibilities for meals that bring people together.
Pictures Courtesy of the National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa.
