KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 6, 2026 — The National Pork Producers Council elected new officers and board members to lead the organization through the 2026-2027 term. These experienced leaders will guide NPPC’s advocacy efforts, advancing policies that support the growth, sustainability, and long-term resilience of the U.S. pork industry.
“These leaders are stepping up at an important moment for our industry,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. “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.”
2026-2027 NPPC Board Officers:
- President: Rob Brenneman, Washington, Iowa
Rob owns and operates Brenneman Pork, a multi-generational family farm. A dedicated industry advocate, he has served on the NPPC Board of Directors since 2021 and held leadership roles with the National Pork Board and Iowa Pork Producers Association. In this video, Rob shares his thoughts on the year ahead and his vision for the industry. - President-Elect: Pat Hord, Bucyrus, Ohio
As CEO of Hord Family Farms, Pat leads a fifth-generation, diversified agricultural operation. In addition to overseeing the growth of the family business, Pat is a key advocate for U.S. pork producers, shaping policy at the national level through his work with NPPC committees. - Vice President: Todd Marotz, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
Todd serves as chief production officer for Wakefield Pork, specializing in genetics, construction management, animal welfare and productivity, and environmental services/permitting. Todd is a key advocate for U.S. pork producers, helping shape policy at the national level through his work with NPPC committees. - Immediate Past President: Duane Stateler, McComb, Ohio
A fourth-generation pork producer, Duane operates Stateler Family Farms alongside his son Anthony. He is actively involved in national and state-level agricultural policy discussions and serves as a strong voice for producers on sustainability and environmental stewardship. In this video, Duane reflects on his time as president and shares his perspective on the road ahead for the industry.
With gratitude and appreciation, NPPC extends thanks to departing board members Francis Forst, Bob Ivey, Steve Malakowsky, Dr. Jeremy Pittman, and Lori Stevermer for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the organization.
Newly Elected NPPC Board Members:
- Robert “R.O.” Britt, Williamsburg, Virginia
R.O. manages environmental affairs for Smithfield Hog Production, where he leads a team responsible for environmental regulation, grower partnerships, and producer coordination. His service to the pork industry includes over a decade on the Virginia Pork Council Board of Directors, where he served as president in 2024. - Dr. Jay Miller, Carlyle, Illinois
Jay serves as CEO of The Maschhoffs, one of the largest family-owned pork production systems in North America. He brings a deep understanding of swine health, production operations, and leadership development forged through decades of veterinary and pork industry experience. - Joe Popplewell, Perry, Oklahoma
Joe serves in a leadership role with Tyson Foods and holds a Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University. A former president of the Oklahoma Pork Council, he has over three decades of hands-on experience in the pork industry and executive leadership.
Newly Elected Allied Industry Council Representative:
- Mark Hayden, Moville, Iowa
Mark serves as director of sales for Automated Production. In this role, he oversees business strategy and execution for the sales and technical support teams. He has years of involvement advocating for both producers and allied partners at the state and federal levels.
Current NPPC Board of Directors:
- Craig Edsill, Hatfield, PA (PPIC Director)
- John Anderson, Belgrade, Minnesota
- Trish Cook, Winthrop, Iowa
- Jackie Bowman Ponder, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Ed Reed, Marcellus, Michigan
- Jeb Stevens, Osgood, Indiana
- Neill Westerbeek, Warsaw, North Carolina
Full bios for NPPC’s board officers and directors can be found here.
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