The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) elected new officers and board members to lead the organization through the 2026-27 term, tapping a mix of multi-generational family farmers and large-scale production executives to guide its national advocacy agenda.
Rob Brenneman of Washington, Iowa, was elected president. Brenneman owns and operates Brenneman Pork, a multi-generational family farm, and has served on the NPPC Board of Directors since 2021. He also holds leadership roles with the National Pork Board and Iowa Pork Producers Association.
New officers
Pat Hord of Bucyrus, Ohio, was elected president-elect. As CEO of Hord Family Farms, a fifth-generation diversified agricultural operation, Hord has been active in shaping pork policy at the national level through NPPC committee work. Todd Marotz of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, was elected VP. Marotz serves as chief production officer for Wakefield Pork, with expertise spanning genetics, construction management, animal welfare and environmental services. Duane Stateler of McComb, Ohio, continues as immediate past president.
NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys said the incoming class arrives at a critical time for the industry.
“These leaders are stepping up at an important moment for our industry,” Humphreys said. “With many issues to tackle in the year ahead, these devoted men and women understand the importance of standing together to advocate for policies that protect and advance U.S. pork production.”
New board members
Three producers were newly elected to the NPPC Board of Directors:
- Robert “R.O.” Britt of Williamsburg, Virginia, manages environmental affairs for Smithfield Hog Production. He has served on the Virginia Pork Council Board of Directors for over a decade and was its president in 2024.
- Jay Miller of Carlyle, Illinois, is CEO of The Maschhoffs, one of the largest family-owned pork production systems in North America.
- Joe Popplewell of Perry, Oklahoma, holds a leadership role with Tyson Foods and brings more than 30 years of pork industry and executive experience, including a prior term as president of the Oklahoma Pork Council.
Mark Hayden of Moville, Iowa, was elected as the new Allied Industry Council Representative. Hayden serves as director of sales for automated production and has advocated for both producers and allied partners at the state and federal levels.
Departing members recognized
NPPC thanked outgoing board members Francis Forst, Bob Ivey, Steve Malakowsky, Dr. Jeremy Pittman and Lori Stevermer for their service.
Nominating committee
Jason Propst of Toledo, Illinois, was re-elected to a two-year term on the NPPC Nominating Committee. Propst works with Walk & Sons Inc. and has more than two decades of involvement with the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Daniel Tubbs of Oakman, Alabama, was newly elected to the committee. Tubbs operates Tubbs Livestock Co., a farrow-to-finish hog farm that also includes cattle, hay and row crop production.
Full board bios are available at nppc.org.
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