DES MOINES, IOWA – The National Pork Board has elected Gene Noem, a pork producer from Iowa, to serve as its president for 2021-2022. The National Pork Board and its 15 producer directors represent the 60,000 pig farmers in the United States who pay into the Pork Checkoff, which funds research, promotion and education efforts on behalf of the US pork industry.
“I look forward to leading the Pork Checkoff and representing America’s pig farmers,” Noem said. “Rising feed costs, ongoing pandemic recovery, and the lingering threat of African swine fever (ASF) are just a few of many challenges facing our industry. That said, I remain optimistic about what’s ahead for US pork.”
Noem finishes hogs at JMG Farms in Howard County, Iowa, and also manages the contracted gilt multiplication for PIC North America. His priorities during his tenure as president include telling a more complete farm-to-fork story about the US pork industry. In addition, he wants to help the industry diversify its export markets and work to keep African swine fever (ASF) and other foreign animal diseases out of the country.
“Despite the impact of COVID-19 on our industry, we have strong momentum in our favor. Especially after the successful launch of Real Pork and AgView,” Noem said. “The Checkoff will continue to deliver on these and other priorities, identified in the industry’s annual planning process, for the common good of all pork producers.”
Other members of the Pork Board’s 2021-2022 executive officer team include Heather Hill, from Greenfield, Ind., as vice president; Russ Nugent, from Lowell, Ark., as treasurer; and David Newman from Jonesboro, Ark., will serve as past president in an ex-officio status.
Other producers appointed by US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to serve terms on the Pork Board include:
- Patrick Bane, Illinois
- Jeremy Burkett, Wyoming
- Rich Deaton, Ohio
- Denise Mason, North Carolina
- Bob Ruth, Pennsylvania
- Dale Stevermer, Minnesota
