We want to thank all those who participated in the 2020 Nebraska Pork Producers Association’s (NPPA) annual meeting in Lincoln on February 12th. The well attended meeting brought a day of full of information, ideas, and renewed relationships to our members.
The day kicked-off with the Allied/SIP breakfast. Dr. Elizabeth Wagstrom, Chief Veterinarian of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), was the guest speaker. She updated the group on issues NPPC is tracking on behalf of their members. Following the discussion, awards were presented to our Allied Industry members. A huge thank-you to our SIP and Allied members.
The annual meeting was gaveled in by NPPA’s President Tim Chancellor. Board and officer elections were the first order of business. Newly elected to 2-year board seats were: Chad Johnson, Mark Wright, Kyle Baade, and Ryan Preister. Board Alternates elected were: Karen Grant and Jennifer Ruby. NPPA officers elected for 2020 were: John Csukker – President; Shana Beattie – President Elect; and Jared Lierman – Vice President. Congratulations to all!
NPPA Executive Director Al Juhnke gave his association report. Highlights of 2019, pork production growth in Nebraska, and NPPA’s social media presence were reported on. He then recognized and thanked Nebraska’s pork farmers, Strategic Investment Program (SIP) contributors, and Allied Industry members for their contributions over the past year. Members of the NPPA staff were also recognized for their many years of service and dedication to Nebraska’s pork industry.
Nebraska’s Ag economy was the focus of the next speaker, Dr. Elliot Dennis, Assistant Professor at the UNL Department of Ag Economics. The audience was presented with research involving agriculture marketing, risk management, and animal health production practices and how these practices change across space and time. Dr. Dennis is a real asset to our Nebraska farmers.
A ‘Pork Sundae’ luncheon and NPPC Awards Ceremony came next followed by our keynote speaker, Jose de Jesus, Director of Multicultural Marketing for the National Pork Board. His focus on the growing Latino population in our country and their potential as pork customers was fascinating.
The afternoon program was a panel discussion moderated by Tim Chancellor focused on African Swine Fever (ASF) and the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan. Panelists included Dr. Dennis Hughes (Nebraska State Veterinarian), Dr. Lisa Becton (National Pork Board Veterinarian), and Dr. Liz Wagstrom (NPPC Chief Veterinarian). A lively Q & A session followed the panel presentations and highlighted once again the seriousness of our producers preparations for an ASF outbreak.
Following the end of the meeting, the annual “Ribs & Bibs” reception and dinner was enjoyed at the Single Barrel Restaurant. The conversations among NPPA members and State Senators were friendly, and the pork ribs were ‘fall-off-the-bone’ delicious.
Incoming President John Csukker then gaveled another successful annual meeting to a close!
