2026 Winter Porkline

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EXPERIENCE MOMENTUM at Ohio Pork Congress

Ohio Pork Council SPONSORS The Ohio Pork Council would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of 2026 programming and events.

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

Ohio Ohio Pork Council 9798 Karmar Ct. Suite A New Albany, OH 43054 P: 614-882-5887 www.OhioPork.org pork@ohiopork.org STAFF Executive Vice President Cheryl Day cday@ohiopork.org Senior Director of Communications and Public Relations Mike King mking@ohiopork.org Education Director Kayli Mitchell kmitchell@ohiopork.org Director, Events and Promotion Saydee Baughman sbaughman@ohiopork.org Director of Show Pig Program Kelly Morgan kmorgan@ohiopork.org Advertising Send inquiries to: Mike King P:317-432-1491 mking@ohiopork.org Printing Post Printing Company Minster, OH 45865 Lucy Homan P:937-286-3349 lucy.homan@postprinting.com

In this Issue Message from the President............................ p. 4-5 Built for the Fight, Focusing on the Future...... p. 6-9 Preview of 2026 Ohio Pork Congress............... p. 10-15 Partnership Energizes Pork Month..................... p. 17 7 Key Steps for a Carcass Disposal Plan............ p. 18-19 OH-PIGS Finishes Another Strong Season........ p. 20-21 Growing Ohio's Pork Leadership...................... p. 23 Ohio Pork's Award Recipients.......................... p. 24-26 Ohio Pork and the Browns for the Win!........... p. 28-29 Chef Education for Consumer Wins................. p. 30-31

PRESIDENT'S Message Hello and Happy New Year to my fellow Ohio pork producers and to our allied industry partners. As I begin this year as your Ohio Pork Council president, I’m grateful for the trust and support you’ve shown me and I know we can achieve more great things in 2026 through our combined efforts.

It’s amazing what we’ve accomplished on multiple fronts over the last year. We saw strong outcomes on several priority issues — from full implementation of the Feral Swine Bill to continued advancement of key animal-health efforts through the Protect OHIO funding. And these are just two examples that come to mind.

Collaboration and Investment

Other standout wins come thanks to our relationship and investment in the National Pork Producers Council. With strong Ohio leadership of the organization, our state’s voice was heard very clearly in many national conversations about trade, animal health, food labeling, state farming rights, and more. These critical conversations will only grow more important in 2026, which is why we always need additional Ohio producers to step up.

One of the most exciting areas of growth this past year has been OPC’s expanded consumer outreach. Our partnership with the Cleveland Browns has allowed us to put pork directly in front of tens of thousands of loyal fans, highlighting that pork should be at the center of their protein needs. This outreach complements what we’re doing in other communities as well, like the Toledo Night Market.

Combined with our use of online and mobile technology to target consumers to buy more pork, we’re truly multiplying the efforts of the National Pork Board’s Taste What Pork Can Do™ campaign here in Ohio.

Another standout investment that continues to pay off is with our youth and young adults. Whether it’s the OH-PIGS program, the Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Leadership Program, or our ongoing support of many FFA Chapters, the OPC is helping to ensure a brighter future for individuals and our entire industry.

Giving Back, Getting Involved

As an Ohio pig farmer, I’m very proud of our association’s dedication to giving back to our communities. Sometimes it’s planned giving to food banks around the state, but sometimes it happens in the moment. This was the case recently when bad weather disrupted our Browns game pork promotion. Our team immediately changed course and delivered fully cooked pork loin to the Volunteers of America in Cleveland, serving more than 200 U.S. military veterans.

As we turn the page to 2026, I challenge you to get more involved this year in some way. We need to keep our great momentum going, but we need more voices and hands participating.

Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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Nathan Schroeder Ohio Pork Council President

As we turn the page to 2026, I challenge you to get more involved this year in some way.

To make a meaningful impact, consider these options: • Respond when OPC issues action alerts or calls for input.

• Build relationships with local legislators, officials, and community leaders.

• Share your farm story with those who may not understand modern pig farming and its positive environmental story.

• Support OPC’s outreach and marketing efforts, including events such as the Cleveland Browns, OPC’s State Fair Pork Tent, or the Toledo Night Market.

• Serve on an OPC committee.

GET THE EDGE

ON THE NEW YEAR UPI is here with livestock marketing, credit services, and risk management services to help you plan, prepare, and prosper in 2026.

Finally, I’m personally inviting you to join us at the 2026 Ohio Pork Congress on February 3-4 in Lima. It's the best place to reconnect with fellow producers, learn from state and national experts, train your farm team, see what's new at the trade show, and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Thanks. I’ll see you in Lima!

Nathan Schroeder

Learn how you can get the Edge on 2026 with UPI at uproducers.com

Ohio PORK CONGRESS Veterans Memorial Civic Center Lima, Ohio February 3-4, 2026

www.ohioporkcongress.org

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Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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Built for the Fight.

FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE. There’s something about January that strips away the noise. We pause — not to rest, but to reload. The past year tested us in ways few could have predicted. 2025 brought challenges that would have knocked other industries off their feet. But Ohio pig farmers don’t back down. Not from misinformation. Not from political pressure. Not from courtroom battles. Not from shifting consumer expectations.

And certainly not when the stakes include our farms, our families, and the future of Ohio pork. When we look back on 2025 with clear eyes, we see the truth: Despite the pressure, what did Ohio farmers and the Ohio Pork Team do?

We made progressive steps forward.

While others hesitated, we moved.

While others complained, we strategized.

While others tried to control our narrative, we reclaimed it with science, research, and facts, delivering it with the honesty and emotion that only farmers can.

We did it while keeping our values intact, putting producers first, investing in people, and building trust with the communities who rely on us.

The result?

A year not defined by the challenges we faced, but by the progress we forced.

Therefore, we enter 2026 not just intact but stronger, smarter, and more unified than we’ve been in a decade.

Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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Cheryl Day Executive Vice President

We pause—not to rest, but to reload.

The past year tested us in ways few could have predicted.

A Year of Hard-Earned Wins — Not Glossy Headlines

The real story of 2025 isn’t the number of challenges we faced. It’s the progress we made despite them. The year didn’t hand out easy victories. They were earned in committee rooms, in courtrooms, in late-night strategy calls, in media scrums, and in conversations with people who aren’t always friendly to agriculture. Every hardearned win came with a fight, and every fight required endurance. But Ohio agriculture is built for hard things, and 2025 proved it.

The clearest sign of that?

Ohio Pork didn’t just notch wins in the State Budget — we ran the table.

Every priority we put forward was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. That almost never happens.

Not in a crowded budget year. Not when every sector is competing for the same dollar. Not when agriculture is too often asked to wait, compromise, or “come back next session.”

But this year, Ohio Pork delivered.

One of the most consequential achievements came in the state budget. Ohio secured $10 million for rural veterinary incentives, funding that doesn’t just sit on a spreadsheet but forms the backbone of herd protection, diagnostics, and disease readiness. It is the first meaningful acknowledgment in years that Ohio’s veterinary infrastructure is stretched thin and that the food-animal workforce crisis has real economic consequences. After years of sounding the alarm, Ohio Pork didn’t just get attention. We got results.

We also closed the door to one of the quietest but most dangerous threats facing our state: the unchecked spread of feral swine. The enforcement authority and penalty structure needed to stop illegal transport and hunting that jeopardize every livestock operation in the state is enacted.

The general public may not understand the risk feral swine present, but producers do and now the law reflects this reality.

We also protected one of the state’s most critical scientific assets: continued support for the PAAR BSL-3 laboratory, the kind of facility no livestock industry can afford to lose.

In the age of global movement and emerging animal health threats, preparedness is not optional. The lab is a strategic advantage, and Ohio preserved it.

The Ohio Pork team was the only one paying attention when OSU CFAES attempted to lower the lab’s biosafety level, which could have stopped the state from conducting any large-animal research. Currently, we are at pause for two years before a long-term decision is to be made. We will need to stay laser focused and vocal to make sure we do not lose the BSL-3 status and shortchange the United States from valuable research infrastructure.

In the state’s Fall Legislative Session, the Ohio House and Senate unanimously passed modernized meat labeling laws through HB 10, which gives consumers clarity in a marketplace increasingly blurred by meat “alternatives,” additives, and engineered imitations. HB 10 establishes clear definitions for plant-based, cultivated protein, and fabricated-egg products sold in Ohio. It prohibits companies from using traditional meat or egg terms on product labels unless those terms are paired with clear modifiers such as “imitation,” “plant-based,” or “cell-cultured.” At a time when trust is scarce and misinformation is loud, protecting the definition of real meat isn’t a marketing move. It’s a consumer transparency win and a producer protection win rolled into one.

Perhaps the most pivotal work of the year came in a courtroom — not a barnyard or a boardroom. Ohio’s Maumee River TMDL is under attack by groups that don’t simply want a stronger plan — they want control.

Their goal is a sweeping federal takeover similar to what happened in the Chesapeake Bay, where EPA imposed topdown mandates that reshaped agriculture. Their strategy is familiar: argue that Ohio’s plan is “too weak,” sue to invalidate it, and ask federal courts to hand control of nutrient policy to Washington. And with Chevron deference gone, the courts no longer default to agency interpretations.

That means this case has become a national test of how far EPA can push TMDLs into regulatory territory. When the coalition of ag groups sought to intervene, the district court said no. We appealed immediately because a case that determines how manure is applied, how farms expand, and whether nutrient policy is shaped locally or federally cannot proceed without agriculture’s voice. This is not a regional fight. This is a national precedent in the making.

Ohio Pork and NPPC are at the center of it — because silence would be to surrender.

While these regulatory and scientific gains were taking shape, a different kind of win unfolded in front of millions of unsuspecting viewers. A locally crafted Ohio pork commercial — built around football, food, and the spirit of this state — caught fire, powered by the momentum of a Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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Cleveland Browns season that captured national attention.

When it aired on the NFL Network during the preseason game, it did more than spotlight Ohio pork; it positioned our product in front of consumers at a cultural moment when they were paying attention.

When you listen to consumers with the level of rigor we applied in our quantitative research this year, the alignment becomes even more crucial. Ohioans aren’t antiagriculture. In fact, they overwhelmingly view agriculture as the state’s strongest industry.

What followed was an AdAdapted campaign that didn’t just meet industry benchmarks it blew past them. Engagement nearly doubled expectations. More than 585 pork products were placed into shopping carts directly from the ads.

Consumers didn’t just see pork; they bought pork.

Neutral and unfamiliar segments — two of the largest consumer groups — aren’t skeptics. They’re simply disconnected. They want clarity. They want transparency.

They want to understand how water quality, antibiotic use, vaccines, and environmental stewardship actually work on farms without being lectured.

These victories didn’t arrive neatly packaged or politely granted. They were earned in hearings, negotiations, research labs, strategy rooms, and sometimes in the middle of the night when no one else was watching. Together, they represent a year in which Ohio didn’t just defend its position. It expanded it, strengthened it, and proved once again that when producers show up, policy responds, and consumers listen.

How SIP and Checkoff Drive Ohio Pork Forward

Through all of this, one thing became increasingly clear: Ohio’s strength lies in alignment.

We have never strayed from the Checkoff’s core pillars— building demand, building trust, and investing in people— because those pillars remain the bedrock of producer success. SIP investments add horsepower, not complexity.

Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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Our research confirmed that consumers trust quality, safety, and nutrient-dense protein far more than any political talking point. They want real stories from real producers.

They want science explained in everyday language. And when we do that, trust goes up, not down.

Ohio’s Community Narrative Playbook didn’t just guide messaging. It reshaped our understanding of what drives pork demand today. It exposed vulnerabilities early. It revealed new strengths. It confirmed that we have moved perceptions in the Western Lake Erie Basin and that continuing to lead with science is non-negotiable.

The public isn’t asking us to be perfect.

They’re asking us to be authentic.

And no one is better positioned to answer that call than the people who raise pigs for a living.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Isn’t a Victory Lap — It’s an Acceleration Point

We don’t enter 2026 coasting. We enter it building speed. Because what we achieved in 2025 wasn’t an endpoint — it was ignition. The kind of year that resets expectations, reshapes influence, and proves that when Ohio farmers lean in, the entire system moves.

The road ahead will not smooth itself out. Consumers are changing faster than ever. Policy fights are becoming more complex and misinformation, especially in food and agriculture, isn’t slowing down; it’s multiplying. But we are not stepping into this new year timid or defensive.

We’re stepping in prepared.

In 2026, we will move the needle in the Western Lake Erie Basin with facts, not panic. We will continue to drive the narrative backed by science and grounded in truth. We will deepen our relationships with decision-makers at every level from township trustees to U.S. senators. We will continue defending the right to farm with strength, integrity, and profitability. We will keep promoting pork with the relevance of culture, the precision of data, and the authenticity consumers crave.

And we will engage the public in ways that remind them that pork isn’t just a product. It’s a part of their lives, their traditions, and their communities.

We know the challenges won’t quit but neither will we. Ohio pig farmers were built for hard years, not easy ones.

Ohio pig farmers don’t need permission to lead.

We never have.

What we need — and what we have — is momentum.

As a year, 2026 will not be a time to pause or admire the progress behind us. It’s a place to build, push, and accelerate because this industry wasn’t built by people who wait for direction.

It was built by people who create it.

Ohio pig farmers don’t wait for momentum. They create it.

Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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MAKE PLANS NOW

TO AT TEND THE 2026 OHIO PORK CONGRESS FRESH INSIGHTS, REAL SOLUTIONS, AND THE INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS YOU NEED are,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. “The 2026 Congress offers more breakout sessions, more Spanish-language learning, and more take-home value than ever before. It’s about giving everyone from the slat level to the boardroom something they can use to improve their farms immediately.”

If you’re part of Ohio’s pork industry, this is your event.

The 2026 Ohio Pork Congress, set for February 3–4 at Lima’s Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, is shaping up to be one of the most valuable gatherings yet for farmers and farm teams across the state.

From barn caretakers to owners of multi-generation operations, from veterinarians to allied industry professionals, this year’s Congress is designed with a clear mission: give producers the tools, insights, and motivation to build stronger, more resilient farms.

With early registration now open at ohioporkcongress.org, attendees can secure discounted rates and their place at the Midwest’s premier pork event, home to the largest pork trade show east of the Mississippi River.

Real-World Learning for Every Role on the Farm

“Our producer-led committee built this year’s lineup with purpose — to meet producers right where they Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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The commitment shows in the schedule, a record 18 breakout sessions, seven presented fully in Spanish with real-time translation available for others.

Practical, barn-level topics range from ventilation and pit management to sow care, gilt development, team leadership, manure handling, sustainability, and employee retention. Each session is led by experts who combine science with hands-on experience, ensuring producers leave with practical solutions they can apply right away.

Stacey Voight of Swine Technologies serves on the event’s producer education committee and says this year’s mix of topics hits the right mark. “We’ve built a program that speaks directly to what farms need — practical answers for real-farm challenges,” she said.

“When people invest in training and professional growth, they stay more motivated and take greater pride in their work. Attending sessions at the Ohio Pork Congress can bring that spark back by giving people a chance to recharge and take home new energy for their team and farm.”

A Strong Focus on Swine Health

The event opens with one of its most anticipated features: Swine Health Symposium, the signature deep-dive into herd health, biosecurity, and disease preparedness. Attendees will gain the latest insights on PRRS, foreign animal disease prevention, biosecurity, and national health priorities; with experts from the National Pork Producers Council, The Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, top swine production systems, and many others sharing their latest research and response strategies.

“The Swine Health Symposium gives caretakers and managers an inside look at what’s really happening in our barns and beyond,” Voight added. “It’s a day packed with practical, science-based takeaways that keep herds healthier and employees more confident in the work they do.”

Leadership, Policy, and Market Outlooks

picture. General sessions will feature updates from the Ohio Pork Council, NPPC, and the National Pork Board, giving producers a clear view of current policies, Checkoff initiatives, and emerging market opportunities.

While the main stage focuses on the broader industry picture, the breakout sessions continue delivering slat-level learning for farm teams The annual OPC Awards Luncheon returns as a highlight, honoring individuals and farm teams who embody the best of Ohio’s pork community — those who lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and give back generously to others.

Straight-Talk Economics: Keynote with Dr. Leo Feler

This year’s keynote speaker, Leo Feler, chief economist at Numerator and senior economist with UCLA’s Anderson Forecast, brings a unique, datadriven perspective that connects global trends to local reality. Known for his straight-talk analysis, Feler examines what consumers actually buy, not just what they say they want. Further, he explains what that all means for pork demand in the coming year.

“Dr. Feler brings a powerful outside perspective grounded in data, not opinion,” said Day. “He’ll help producers understand how inflation, wages, and consumer sentiment shape what ends up in grocery carts — and how pork can keep winning those decisions.”

As Ohio Pork Council President Nathan Schroeder of Leipsic notes, the keynote presentation alone is worth the trip to Lima. “You won’t want to miss either day of this great event, especially when you can combine expert insights, the best pork meals of the year, and the chance to reconnect with people who understand your work.”

The second day shifts focus on the main stage to issues shaping the future of pork production from policy outlook to leadership and the broader industry Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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A Welcoming Environment for Every Participant From the bustling trade show that features more than 60 industry exhibitors to small-group discussions and networking over pork-centered meals, every part of Congress is designed to build connections and strengthen Ohio’s pork family. For Spanishspeaking attendees, the expanded session lineup and new translation equipment make this year’s event especially welcoming.

“When employees feel supported and included, they stay longer and take even greater care with their animals,” Voight said. “Congress is helping make that kind of culture possible across Ohio’s farms.”

Plan to Be in Lima This February Whether your goal is to sharpen management skills, get the latest on swine health, a pork-specific learning environment for team members, or simply reconnect with fellow producers, the 2026 Ohio Pork Congress is your place to do it all.

Mark your calendar for February 3-4 and pre-register today at ohioporkcongress.org or use the QR code to get a discounted fee!

Where? Lima Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center stands in Lima’s Town Square and is the hub of the community’s cultural life.

Address: 7 Town Square, Lima, Ohio 45801

Parking: Market Street Parking Garage on West Market Street.

Provides handicap accessibility and access to the Civic Center with elevated and covered walkway.

Lodging: The main event hotel is the Wingate

by Wyndham, attached to the convention center.

The hotel is limited to 100 rooms. A room block has been set up for room nights of Feb. 3-4, 2026. Room rates starting at $105 vary depending on the room type. Reservations must be made by Jan. 2, 2026. To book your room in the block, you must call the hotel directly at (419) 228-7000 and reference Ohio Pork Congress.

There are additional hotels in the area, including the newly renovated Howard Johnson, 1920 Roschman Ave., Lima, which has a room block with a rate of $89.99 plus tax, for February 3-4. Reservations must be made by Jan. 5, 2026. To book your room in the block, call the hotel at (419) 222-0004 and reference Ohio Pork Congress. Online, use code 020226OHI. Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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2026 Ohio Pork Congress Exhibitor List A1 Ag Services, LLC Literature

Eocene Environmental Group Sustainability services

Motomco Rodent control

ADA Enterprises Equipment

Farm Credit Mid-America Financial services

AcuFast Breeding stock / genetics

Farmer Boy Livestock & poultry equipment, supplies, and housing

New Fields Ag BAC (botanical antimicrobial cleaner) & biologicals for crop production

AgCredit Financial services Atmosphere Global Disinfectant, biosecurity Aurora Pharmaceutical Animal pharmaceutical products Automated Production Feeding, ventilation and remote management equipment Bambauer Fertilizer & Seed PitMaster, manure management product

Farmweld Equipment - penning, feeders, flooring

NPPC Global Voice of U.S. Pork Industry

Furst McNess Animal nutrition

Paradise Energy Solutions Solar equipment

GenePro AI supplies

PIC Genetics

Hog Slat, Inc Swine equipment & housing

PigEasy, LLC Feeders, handling equipment, farm tools, water bracket

Homan Inc Ag construction / equipment

BinSentry Feed bin sensors

IHT Group Heating and lighting solutions

Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health USA, Inc Vaccines

IKADAN USA Poly propolene plastic and cast iron pig flooring

Cerdos Reproductive health and fertility supplies, farm essentials

Innovational Water Solutions Water Treatment Disinfection

Clipper Distributing Intervention disinfectant

Novus International Animal Nutrition

Jimdi, Inc Swine flooring

PigTek, Chore-Time Swine feed delivery, ventilation controls Soppe Systems Inc Natural pig care solutions Techmix Nutrition and hydration solutions The Pig Sourcing Group, LLC Pig sourcing Thorp Equipment Hog feeders, stainless steel doors

Commercial Concepts AI Semen AI supply

Jyga Technologies GESTAL feeding systems, Free Acres electronic feeders

CSA Animal Nutrition Nutrition services

Kalmbach Feeds, Inc Feed, nutrition services

Tunnel Plus Ventilation systems

DNA Genetics Genetics

Martin Insurance Group Farm insurance

Washpower Wash robot

Endovac Animal Health Animal health

MAXIMUS Climate controller Midwest Livestock Systems General contracting, remodels + additions, parts + service

Topigs Norsvin USA Swine genetics

Zoetis Zoetis animal health pharmaceuticals

Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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Ohio Pork Congress Swine Health Symposium Schedule and Speakers Tuesday, February 3, 2026 AUDITORIUM STAGE 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Registration & Trade Show Open (with refreshments)

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Animal Health Policy Anna Forseth, DVM, National Pork Producers Council 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Top On-Farm Health Threats Bethany Heitkamp, DVM, Cooper Farms

Anna Forseth, DVM, National Pork Producers Council

Andréia Arruda, DVM, The Ohio State University 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Break to Visit Trade Show

(EN)=In English | (ES)=In Spanish

BREAKOUT SESSIONS Room A

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (EN) Ventilation & Pit Maintenance Glen Arnold, Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (EN) Sustainability Tools & How to Use On Farm Sara Crawford, Sr. Vice President Sustainability, Eocene Environmental Group 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (EN) Manure Management & Handling 101 Glen Arnold, Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University

Room B

AUDITORIUM STAGE 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Ohio Department of Agriculture Update Dennis Summers, DVM, Ohio State Veterinarian 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Piglet Weaning & Care Essentials Mark Knauer, Assoc. Prof./Extension Swine

Specialist, North Carolina State University 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch (served in the trade show area)

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Whiteboard Data Breakdown Iain Harris, Fine Swine

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Identifying, Treating Lameness & Illness Jeremy Pittman, DVM, Sr. Dir. U.S. Veterinary Services for Smithfield

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

PIC PRRS-Resistant Pig Update

Banks Baker, Global Director of Product Sustainability, PIC 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pre-Auction Reception

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

OPC Friends of Pork PAC Auction

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Producer Appreciation Dinner (onsite)

Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (ES) Farm Manager Leadership Training Melanie Langley, Fine Swine 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (ES) Safe Animal Handling & Biosecurity Jorge Cajamarca, PIC 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ES) Sow Reproductive Health Hoguer Albarado Sanchez, Fine Swine

Room C

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (EN) Advanced Sow Reproductive Health Amanda Minton, AcuFast 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (EN) Farm Manager Leadership Training Melanie Langley, Fine Swine 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (EN) How to Incorporate AI on the Farm Matthew Rooda, Swine Tech

Ohio Pork Congress Schedule and Speakers Wednesday, February 4, 2026

7:00 a.m.

Registration Open

7:30 a.m.

Tradeshow Open

MAIN STAGE 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Ohio Pork Council Update Cheryl Day, Executive Vice President, OPC 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

National Pork Board Update David Newman, Ph.D., CEO, National Pork Board 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Packer, Restaurant, Food Service Insights Panel Participants TBD 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Break

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

National Pork Producers Council Political Strategy Update Bryan Humphreys, CEO, NPPC; Duane Stateler,

President, NPPC; Pat Hord, Vice President, NPPC 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

OPC Awards Ceremony & Luncheon

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Keynote Presentation: Economic & Consumer Insights Leo Feler, Ph.D., Chief Economist, Numerator

REGISTER TODAY!

(EN)=In English | (ES)=In Spanish

BREAKOUT SESSIONS Room A

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (EN) Employee Skill Development & Training Madison Adams, Hord Family Farms 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (EN) Employee Retention Ashley Hengen, PIC 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (EN, ES) Communications & Teamwork for Farms Rodrigo Teuber, Hord Family Farms

Room B

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (ES) Gilt Development Best Practices Yolanda Castelo, Topigs Norsvin 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (ES) Employee Skill Development & Training Abe Espinoza, SwineTech 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (ES) Day 1 Pig Care Chayo (Rosario) Salgado Ortega, Fine Swine

Room C

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (EN) Animal Health & Biosecurity Basics Terry Specht, DVM, Heimerl Farms 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (EN) Recordkeeping – Digital & Paper Tools Kori Hilsehimer, AMVC Management Services 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (EN) Pork Industry Technology in the Future Liane Hart, Vertility, Inc.

Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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PARTNERSHIP ENERGIZES PORK During Pork Month

For National Pork Month in 2025, the Ohio Pork Council teamed up with Ohio-based food blogger and recipe creator Abby Thome (@abby_thome). The idea? To bring fresh energy, and fresh pork, to consumers across the state to get them excited about pork’s family-friendly appeal.

Why Abby? Because she’s known for creating approachable, family-friendly meals that highlight the versatility and value of pork as she engages in her highly active online community.

Together, Ohio Pork and Abby launched an Instagram-based giveaway offer that featured a prize package tailor-made for home cooks: $100 of local pork to fill the winner’s freezer, a Bobby Flay Dutch oven from Green Pan, a Green Pan digital thermometer, and a bundle of Ohio Pork-branded merchandise. To enter, participants simply followed both accounts, commented on the post, and tagged a friend (or multiple friends for bonus entries). The response was

strong, generating 194 entries form enthusiastic home cooks and pork fans eager to get creative in their kitchens.

Abby shared her excitement about the collaboration. She said, “Partnering with Ohio Pork to celebrate pork month was such a joy. Seeing my community bring my recipes to life and share these delicious meals with their families was incredible. Across Ohio and beyond, it truly is amazing what pork can do!”

For Ohio pig farmers, partnerships like this help connect real farm families to consumers in innovative, meaningful ways. Saydee Baughman, director of events and promotions at Ohio Pork Council, emphasized the value of influencer collaborations. “Partnering with social media influencers like Abby allow us to reach consumers where they are, in communities they already trust. We are excited to continue working with Abby and cannot wait to see where this partnership goes to promote pork.”

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How to Prep

YOUR CARCASS DISPOSAL PLAN

We all know the utter devastation that a major foreign animal disease (FAD) such as African swine fever (ASF) would bring, but as an Ohio pig farmer, that’s not the only reason to proactively create and refine a farm-specific carcass disposal plan.

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Over the last few years, we’ve seen how quickly our state’s poultry industry needed to quickly dispose of flocks affected by avian influenza just as we know that there are other reasons to also plan for the worst and hope for the best when it comes to proper carcass disposal — and it starts by taking action today.

Understand Regulatory Guidance and Reporting Duties • Familiarize yourself with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and USDA requirements for disease response, reporting, and quarantine scenarios.

• Prepare your team to report unusual illness, sudden pig deaths, or unexplained symptoms immediately to both your veterinarian and ODA. Only confirmed tests can verify ASF.

Identify and Document Disposal Methods • Composting is the preferred method for mass carcass disposal during an ASF outbreak in Ohio due to logistical, environmental, and biosecurity factors.

• Write a farm-specific compost plan: • List potential carbon sources near your farm (e.g., mulch, sawdust, corn stover, poultry litter). Contact local suppliers and track available volumes.

• Estimate the total carbon material you’d need for your herd size using the 2:1 ratio of carbon to carcass volume for whole carcass composting (there will likely be differences on your farm for multiple reasons.)

• Map possible windrow locations accessible to equipment but away from wells, water bodies, and public roads. Also, think about easy accessibility.

Assess and Secure Essential Equipment • List available farm equipment and identify gaps (front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators, telehandlers, grinders).

• Make arrangements in advance for rapid access to specialized equipment not stored on site.

• Document equipment maintenance contacts and plan for fuel/parts access.

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Plan for Feed, Water, and Manure Integration • Plan how and when to collect and incorporate leftover feed into compost windrows after depopulation.

• Identify sources for moisture needed in composting (barn water supply, hauled water, or liquid manure).

• Keep manure management systems ready but anticipate extra storage capacity.

Create a Farm Information File • Document your pig inventory, facility details, available storage for feed and mortalities, and details about land/parcel ownership.

• Note all relevant local contacts, including carbon suppliers, equipment providers, and nearby trucking/ contractor services.

Map Workflows and Train Staff • Develop a general understanding of how sitespecific windrow construction would occur. Also, be prepared to follow safety protocols, and monitoring requirements.

• Conduct training or participate in tabletop exercises with staff to clarify roles, build muscle memory, and identify areas for updating procedures.

Review and Update Plan Regularly • As state and federal guidelines evolve, review and update your plan—at least annually, or after any drills or significant farm changes.

• Engage in state and local ASF preparedness workshops and networks.

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OH-PIGS Finishes

ANOTHER STRONG SEASON

As the OH-PIGS program completed its 2025 season, it’s clear that this circuit is about far more than banners, buckles, or class placings. With over 500 exhibitors showing more than 5,000 pigs throughout the summer and fall proves that this program offers opportunities for Ohio youth to walk away with invaluable life lessons found nowhere else.

Kelly Morgan, OPC’s director of show pig programs, understands the work that’s put into the long days and nights to make this all work. “It’s tough competition for sure,” she said. “And we see our share of challenges during the show circuit, but I always come back to what strikes me the most — the tremendous growth that I see in our youth who step in and out of the ring.”

It’s All About Support & Learning

Lily Wolf, OH-PIGS 2025 intern, poses for a quick photo during a show with some of the circuit's youngest participants.

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Across barns and fairgrounds, kids learn how to work with purpose, handle disappointment with grace, and celebrate each other’s wins as if they were their own. They gain confidence, sharpen their skills, and build friendships that will outlast any show season. Likewise, families create memories and make their show families even bigger. For many, the lessons learned in the wash rack, on the show road, and under the guidance of mentors and families will carry far beyond the livestock world.

Austin Cox, an OH-PIGS junior exhibitor from New Carlisle, Ohio, remarked, “The circuit gives me an opportunity to show the species I like the most in my barn. I get to meet new people from all over the state and make new friends on the circuit. The circuit helps my confidence when I'm showing on a bigger stage at the state, regional and national level. I feel like I'm always prepared.”

Meanwhile, Olivia Jenkins, a senior OH-PIGS exhibitor from Raymond, Ohio, said, “The program would still be the same amount of fun even if we weren’t showing pigs.

It’s not at all about winning every weekend. It’s about surrounding yourself with people and an industry that support you, win or lose.”

Nearly every parent involved in the program becomes a strong advocate of it over time when they witness the outcomes. Such is the case with Matthew and Megan Lawson of Sidney, Ohio, whose two children, Isaiah and Lydia participate in OH-PIGS. “From

the Swientist program that helps teach about relevant industry topics to finishing supper and playing cornhole with friends, this program creates opportunities for our youth to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Matthew said.

While any show circuit has its pressures and imperfections, the OH-PIGS program continues to rank second to none. “It’s all about the hard work, sportsmanship, and personal development that we all see as the youth grow and thrive within the OH-PIGS circuit,” Morgan said. “We know 2026 will see even more success.”

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Whether it’s carrying on a legacy, pursuing your passion or helping tell the important story of agriculture, every operation has a story and purpose. And Farm Credit Mid-America is here to support it. It’s why we return a portion of our profits to customers in the form of patronage*. And it’s why we’re a lending cooperative owned by our customers. Simply put, we know farmers and what they value because we’re owned by farmers.

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OHIO PORK LEADERS:

A Year of Growth and Leadership Over the past year, a dedicated group of six young pork professionals has taken part in extensive trainings, industry trips, and leadership experiences as part of the second class of Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Leadershp Program.

Designed to prepare them for future roles within Ohio’s pork community, the group has excelled in various training and professional experiences.

The last year has included a wide array of opportunities.

These include the NPPC LEADR Training, media training and mock interviews, grassroots lobbying at the Ohio statehouse, and learning about pork marketing and the new Pork Checkoff consumer campaign. Though all of them, participants gained valuable insight into every layer of the pork industry.

For this class, the learning will continue into early 2026 as the participants gear up for one final trip — a comprehensive packing plant tour of the Clemens Food Group facility in Coldwater, Michigan, to round-out their experience. The tour will showcase the full processing flow, including the Temple Grandin–designed live side, offering an in-depth look at one of the industry’s most innovative operations.

"Being in the Leaders Program has been a great learning experience,” said Hannah Schroeder, a senior at Wilmington College, studying political science. “This program has helped me grow my professional skills and my professional connections. I was able to participate in trainings and events that I would never would have imagined possible.”

Overseeing the day-to-day aspects of the program, OPC’s Education Director, Kayli Mitchell, said, “This class may not have realized it a year ago, but they embarked on a oncein-a-lifetime journey that has helped set them up for many years of success in the pork industry and beyond. We’re excited to stay in touch with these individuals after this last trip and look forward to seeing how they’ll shape the future of pork leadership.”

Though their formal program year is ending, their connection to the pork industry — and to OPC — is far from over. Alumni are encouraged to stay engaged through events like the Ohio Pork Congress, Evening with Bacon, and the Ohio State Fair, as well as national opportunities like the Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C. Looking ahead, the Ohio Pork Leaders Program Class of 2026 will kick off in February during the Ohio Pork Congress, where a new group of emerging leaders will begin their own journey of education, networking, and industry advancement.

As the current class graduates, one thing is clear — the future of Ohio’s pork industry is in very capable hands.

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AWARDS: Friend of Pork Jeff Karshner The strength of Ohio’s pork industry is built on the dedication of individuals who invest their time, talent, and vision to support producers across the state. This year, the Ohio Pork Council is proud to honor one such steadfast leader. In recognition of more than 45 years of extraordinary commitment, Jeff Karshner has been named the 2025 Friend of Pork.

Karshner has spent 48 years as a pillar of the United Producers hog team, where he currently serves as vice president of the Advanced Hog Marketing Division. Over the course of his career, he has helped transform the way producers market their hogs. He championed direct marketing strategies and played an essential role in organizing producer groups to sell hogs collectively — an effort that strengthened profitability and created new opportunities for farms across Ohio.

Even as the industry has evolved — often as a result of innovations he helped initiate — Karshner has remained a

constant force for progress. Known for pushing himself and his team to continually elevate their work, he has shaped marketing practices that continue to benefit producers today.

Karshner’s dedication extends well beyond the marketing arena. His volunteer service to youth in agriculture spans decades, including long-standing leadership in the Clark County Fair Swine Barn, where he has inspired and mentored young exhibitors. His past role as an assistant superintendent at the Ohio State Fair further underscores his commitment to helping youth succeed, ensuring their projects were marketed effectively and their efforts recognized.

For nearly half a century, Jeff Karshner has devoted his life to strengthening, supporting, and advancing Ohio’s swine industry — and he continues that work with undiminished passion. The Ohio Pork Council is honored to celebrate his legacy of service with the 2025 Friend of Pork Award.

AWARDS: OPC Service Dr. Andréia Arruda Each year, the Ohio Pork Council recognizes an individual whose dedication, leadership, and service elevate Ohio’s pork industry. The 2025 OPC Service Award goes to someone who embodies all of those qualities and more: Dr. Andréia Arruda, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine at The Ohio State University.

As both a veterinarian and doctorate-level researcher, Arruda is widely respected for her deep expertise and equally for her servant leader mindset. Known for asking producers, “How can I help?” she follows that question with action, turning real-world needs into practical solutions that support both Ohio’s pork producers and pig farmers nationwide.

Dr. Arruda’s work happens anywhere the industry needs her: in barns, classrooms, fairgrounds, and meeting rooms.

She is an active volunteer on state and national swine-health advisory groups and task forces, lending her knowledge to Ohio Porkline | www.OhioPork.org

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advance biosecurity initiatives, PRRS prevention, and diseaseresponse strategies.

Producers know that Arruda’s commitment doesn’t end at the end of the workday. She is the person they call when unexpected issues arise or when emerging concerns require quick guidance — and she always answers. Her straightforward mission is to strengthen herd health, enhance farm readiness, and safeguard the future of the pork industry.

What truly sets Arruda apart is her humility. She never seeks accolades but simply wants to see better outcomes for producers in healthier pigs, more resilient farms, and a stronger, more sustainable Ohio pork industry.

For her unwavering dedication and remarkable service, the Ohio Pork Council proudly recognizes Dr. Andréia Arruda as the 2025 OPC Service Award recipient.

AWARDS: Pork Industry Excellence The Hord Family Each year, the Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award shines a spotlight on a pork farmer or farm family whose extraordinary commitment strengthens and uplifts the industry. This year, the Ohio Pork Council proudly recognizes The Hord Family — a name synonymous with leadership, innovation, and enduring stewardship in Ohio agriculture.

Rooted in principles of hard work, integrity, and environmental care, Hord Family Farms has evolved with the times while staying true to their mission of being responsible agricultural stewards and providing sustainable food through trust, innovation, care, empowerment, and courage. Under the family’s guidance, the operation has expanded and diversified, blending cutting-edge technology with sustainability practices designed to protect people, pigs, and the planet. Their forward-thinking approach has boosted productivity on their own farm while motivating others across the industry to set ambitious goals for a more sustainable future.

The Hords’ influence reaches far beyond their own farms and fields. Their commitment to cultivating the next generation

of agricultural leaders is exceptional. To that end, Pat, and Janel, along with their team, have developed programs and hands-on learning opportunities that empower youth and collegiate students to explore careers in agriculture. Through workshops, mentorship, and community engagement, they create invaluable connections and foster an environment where young leaders thrive.

This family-centered philosophy has shaped not only their farm but the broader agricultural landscape in Ohio and beyond. The Hords’ dedication to sustainability, innovation, and education has left an enduring mark on the pork industry — one that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In honoring the Hord Family, the Ohio Pork Council celebrates a legacy rooted in resilience and stewardship, and a future made stronger by their vision and leadership.

AWARDS: Pork Promoter of the Year Cardington-Lincoln FFA Each year, the Pork Promoter of the Year Award recognizes an individual or organization that goes above and beyond to champion the pork industry. This year, the Ohio Pork Council has tapped an unexpected — but exceptionally deserving honoree: The Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter.

With support from industry leaders and mentors, the chapter turned a hands-on learning initiative into a full-scale community showcase. Their Pig Project placed two sows and their litters under the daily care of students in the Advanced Livestock Management class. Participants handled every aspect of the process: animal care, biosecurity, and even latenight checks, all to gain real-world experience that can’t be replicated in a textbook.

The project didn’t stop at the classroom door. The entire school and broader community got involved through guided

tours, livestream lessons, and a celebratory pancake-andsausage breakfast. Under the leadership of advisor Erin Wollet, the chapter transformed curiosity into engagement and engagement into genuine enthusiasm for the pork industry.

The chapter’s efforts have reached far beyond Morrow County.

Educational TikToks, social media coverage, and recognition within all of Ohio FFA have brought national attention to the project’s impact.

For its innovation, outreach, and spirited advocacy, the Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter has indeed elevated pork promotion and earned its place as Pork Promoter of the Year.

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AWARDS: Swine Managers of the Year Chayo Rosario Salgado & Alan Adam Each year, the Ohio Pork Council’s Swine Manager of the Year Award highlights individuals whose expertise, decisionmaking, and dedication strengthen pork operations across the state. This year, the Council has selected not one, but two exceptional honorees: Chayo Rosario Salgado and Alan Adam, leaders whose careers reflect commitment, innovation, and an unwavering passion for animal care.

Chayo Rosario Salgado

Raised in a Mexican family rooted in small-scale pig farming, Chayo Rosario Salgado paired her agricultural background with a biology degree and eight years of experience supporting rural farms in Mexico. When she joined Fine Swine in 2021, she arrived as a caretaker with a deep desire to learn. Her drive was unmistakable — within three months she was promoted to farrowing day-one shift leader, where her work in colostrum management and sow care helped reduce mortality rates from 13% to 10%.

Chayo’s rapid rise continued. Ten months later she was leading the farrowing unit, by early 2023, she took on the responsibility of managing an entire farm. Her role expanded beyond to include visiting company farms, training new leaders, guiding best practices, and raising production standards across the board. Since 2024, she has focused on advising leaders throughout the operation, championing improvements in performance and workplace culture.

Colleagues credit her with driving numerous initiatives that elevate both people and production, which is proof of her remarkable skill, resolve, and influence.

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Alan Adam

With more than 30 years in the pork industry, Alan Adam brings a lifetime of experience and leadership to his role. After graduating from Michigan State University, he began his career at United Producers before relocating to Ohio to join Heimerl Farms.

There, he became a key member of the service team, overseeing herd health and pig marketing across multiple sites. He also manages his own nursery pigs, further reflecting his deep care for the animals under his watch.

Alan is known as the person who always goes the extra mile. Whether responding quickly to challenges or stepping in to troubleshoot on short notice, his reliability has made him a cornerstone of his team. Equally important is Alan’s commitment to developing future leaders: he invests time in mentoring younger employees, passing along the practical knowledge and problem-solving skills he has gathered through decades in the barn.

Both honorees exemplify what the Swine Manager of the Year Award represents: knowledge, leadership, compassion for animals, and a drive to improve the farms and people around them. Through their dedication and expertise, Chayo Rosario Salgado and Alan Adam continue to strengthen Ohio’s pork industry — one decision, one team, and one barn at a time.

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Ohio Pork & the Cleveland Browns

CELEBRATE A WINNING SEASON As the 2025-26 football season winds down, the Ohio Pork Council is celebrating a major victory of its own, an exceptional season-long partnership with the Cleveland Browns. Designed to elevate pork’s presence across Northeast Ohio and beyond, this collaboration delivered high-impact consumer engagement, creative food experiences, and meaningful community outreach. From training camp to tailgates to TV screens nationwide, Ohio pig farmers were front and center all season long.

Training Camp Touchdown

The partnership launched in the late July heat, taking center stage at a Browns training camp session. Uncle Bacon’s BBQ food truck — a Canton-area favorite known for their pork-heavy menu — represented Ohio Pork, setting up a promotion tent in the fan fest area of training camp. More than 5,000 fans attended the open practice session, many of whom left with full stomachs and a renewed appreciation for flavor-packed pork.

A Nationwide TV Spotlight

One of the biggest highlights of the partnership came during the Browns preseason game against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Ohio Pork’s 30-second split-screen commercial, built around the Taste What Pork Can Do™ campaign, aired not only on Cleveland’s five Ohio based affiliate channels, but was also picked up nationally by the NFL Network. With an estimated audience of 2 million viewers, the spot delivered unmatched visibility for Ohio Pork, the new campaign, and creative ways pork can shine on fans plates.

Kicking Off With Flavor

Fans lined up along Dawg Pound Drive outside of Huntington Bank Field prior to the Browns match up with the Green Bay Packers to try a sample of a juicy, flavorful chipotle citrus BBQ pulled pork at the Ohio Pork tailgate. The tailgate was a prime opportunity for Ohio pig farmers to connect directly with consumers, tell their story, and introduce them to the flavor, versatility, and value of pork as a gameday favorite.

Radio Coverage Across Three States

The partnership also extended beyond the stadium with pregame, in-game, and post-game radio spots throughout the season. Airing across 29 affiliate radio stations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, these radio ads kept pork top of mind for listeners during key moments of Browns football. Whether fans were listening on the road or at home, they heard the message loud and clear: pork is the protein that brings people together.

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Pork’s Stadium Take-Over

Maybe the most exciting piece of the Ohio Pork and Browns collaboration happened inside the walls of Huntington Bank Field. For each of the Browns 10 home games, an Ohio Pork Item of the Week was featured in select suites and clubs throughout the stadium. Fans enjoyed a rotating lineup of creative pork dishes that showcased the flavor and versatility of the protein. Some favorite dishes were herb-crusted pork loin, smoked pulled pork sliders, and The Big Pig – a towering sandwich loaded with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and pickles. These culinary creations not only elevated the game day menu, but also highlighted the hard work and dedication of Ohio’s pig farmers, whose product took the MVP award each Sunday.

A Partnership That Scores Big

The 2025-2026 season proved that when Ohio Pork and the Cleveland Browns team up, great things happen. Millions of fans were reached across the state and nation. Pork was showcased in delicious and innovative ways. Community ties were strengthened. The message was amplified that pork is flavorful, versatile, and ready for game day.

As we look back on this season, and onto the next, one thing is clear: Ohio pig farmers are always ready to bring home the W, both on and off the field.

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Investing in Chef Education

FOR CONSUMER WINS The Ohio Pork Council’s investment in chef education centered on the 2025 Midwest Pork Summit that brought together chefs and pork producers for a deep dive into what it takes to bring a high-quality protein from farm to fork. Among the 16 chefs invited to the Indianapolis-based event were culinary professionals from six Midwestern states, with Ohio being represented by Chef Alex Zappone, executive chef at EatWell Café in Toledo.

Designed to strengthen the connection between culinary experts and pig farmers, the summit offered chefs an inside look at modern pork production, an experience that they can reference as they work to feature more pork on their menus.

A Hands-On Look at Pork Production

To set the stage of pork’s culinary timeline, participants got a first-hand look at a wean-to-finish barn. This gave the

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By Saydee Baughman

chefs a real-world understanding of animal-care practices and the daily work that producers do to raise healthy pigs.

For many of the attendees, this was their first time stepping inside a barn. They posed many questions to Heather Hill, Past President of the National Pork Board, who shared insights on everything from nutrition to biosecurity on her family’s farm.

After the farm visit, the chefs gathered at the Ivy Tech Culinary Center for a pork carcass breakdown demonstration. Here, they learned how each cut is derived and how pork’s versatility begins long before a product reaches the kitchen.

A number of industry experts spoke throughout the summit, covering topics such as sustainability, food safety, and the farm-to-table supply chain — all aiming to provide a holistic view of the pork chain.

Turning Learning Into Culinary Creativity

A highlight of the summit was the culinary challenge, where the chefs were divided into teams, each assigned a cut of pork, ham, shoulder, belly, loin, or ribs. Each team crafted a grocery list, developed two original dishes, and had just three hours to cook and plate their creations before presenting them to a panel of chef judges. The kitchen was buzzing with collaboration, creativity, and plenty of pork inspired innovation!

Representing Ohio, Chef Alex embraced the challenge, and the learning opportunity, while competing on Team Ham. “I am thankful for the Ohio Pork Council giving me the opportunity to come here and network with other chefs and expand my knowledge of cooking with pork,” he said. “I look forward to taking the knowledge and skills I have gained this week back to my café and using them to produce high-quality protein options for our guests.”

EatWell Café Provides Meals and Community

Chef Alex’s work extends beyond the kitchen. EatWell Café is a volunteer-based organization in Toledo that provides

fresh, locally sourced meals to community members in need. There, he not only ensures that every guest receives nourishing meal, but that he uses his culinary skills to teach both volunteers and café guests how to prepare dishes at home. The café’s commitment to create an environment where guests can enjoy a quality meal, and a meaningful connection, makes them a source of stability in the community.

Building Connections to Promote Pork

Events like the Midwest Pork Summit help bridge the gap between chefs and the producers who produce the protein they serve. When chefs see the quality, care, and dedication behind pig farming, they return to their kitchens with not only new skills, but a deeper appreciation for the ingredient’s path, inspiring them to create new experiences for their guests.

The Ohio Pork Council is proud to support opportunities that elevate the work of our farmers and showcase the quality of pork. We thank chef Alex for representing Ohio and for helping bring the story of our pig farmers to more tables across the Midwest.

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Strengthen your future. Invest in SIP today. www.nppc.org/invest

“Raising pigs is something that I’m very passionate about, and I always want what is best for the pork industry. By being an investor in the National Pork Producers Council’s (NPPC) Strategic Investment Program (SIP), I know for certain that I am contributing to what is best for our industry. I regularly see my return on investment through the victories that NPPC and the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) have notched both domestically and abroad.

To be your voice, we need your voice.

NPPC and OPC work tirelessly to make sure lawmakers are educated on our issues so that burdensome regulations don’t see the light of day and detrimental foreign animal diseases are kept out of the country. Because of my SIP investment, I’ve had firsthand involvement in many policy discussions over the years. This has directly helped the success of my family’s farm, which is why I’d ask you to join me to fight for a prosperous tomorrow and become a SIP investor today.”

Ryan McClure Hillside Acres, LLC Grover Hill, OH

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