The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) has announced the Class of 2026 for the Pork Leadership Institute, selecting 19 people from across the country to participate in the yearlong leadership development program.
This year’s class includes:
- Idaho: Rick Roper
- Iowa: Ryan Bartachek and Macie Reeb
- Illinois: Emmalee Haege and Tyler Main
- Indiana: Ethan Baldwin
- Minnesota: Matt Boerboom
- Mississippi: Donny Ray
- Missouri: Morgan Weinrich
- Nebraska: Austin Zimmerman
- North Carolina: Yolanda Castelo and Jennifer Hasty
- Ohio: Kevin Stuckey and Stacey Voight
- Oklahoma: Suzanne Genova
- Pennsylvania: Kolton Reasy
- South Dakota: Tanya Torguson
- Tennessee: Katie Sherman
- Texas: Clay Eastwood
The yearlong Pork Leadership Institute program features five sessions covering industry knowledge and advocacy skills. Participants gain insight into federal legislative and regulatory processes, the importance of international trade and the workings of national and state pork organizations.
In addition, hands-on media and communications training equips graduates to be confident and effective voices for the industry.
“As we welcome the Class of 2026, it’s exciting to see these producers stepping up to lead for their farms, their communities and the industry,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys.
“The Pork Leadership Institute gives them the tools and know-how to tackle the challenges that really matter – from policy and trade to sharing the story of pork production with neighbors and lawmakers.
“These graduates are already in the trenches, and this program helps them roll up their sleeves even further to speak up for producers, strengthen their operations and keep the industry resilient for years to come.”
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