Chad Johnson, Norfolk: Chad is a 1994 graduate of South Dakota State University with a B.S. in agri-business. While there, he worked at the Swine research barn, was president of the Collegiate FFA and a member of Block and Bridle. His professional career started at IBP in Storm Lake, Iowa. Chad joined Tyson Fresh Meats in 2003 as a station buyer in Marshall, Minn. He was active in his community serving on his church board, volunteer fire department and school board. Chad assumed the position of plant buyer for Tyson Fresh Meats in Madison, Nebr. in 2016. Chad feels that his many experiences could lend to contributing to the NPPA Board of Directors.
Matt Marquardt, Tekamah: Matt operates a small farrow-to-finish hog operation, Brierwood Farms, currently in its fifth year. Last year, he raised approximately 200 Berkshire and Berkshire cross pigs and sold around 80 percent directly to consumers. As a pork producer, Matt hopes to gain more knowledge related to animal well-being, disease prevention, and marketing. He recognizes that pork producers from all production and models of production can benefit from learning more about those issues to become better. Matt was part of the 2017 NPPA Leadership Group and currently serves at First Alternate on the NPPA Board of Directors. Matt and his wife Tiffany have two young children, daughter Sadie and son Matt Jr.
Mark Wright, Fremont: Mark is the animal handling and welfare coordinator /assistant manager at Weichman Pig Co in Fremont. His 30-year service to the swine industry started in 1989 when he went to work for Weichman Pig Co. After graduating from college, he became a supervisor at the Fremont facility. In 1995 he was given the opportunity to help build and run the Weichman Pig facility in Guymon, Okla. as the assistant manager. After a short career change, Mark returned to Weichman Pig in 2001 as the night shift supervisor. In 2005 moved up to be the yard manager. At this time, he became involved in upgrading the company policies regarding animal welfare and handling. In 2010 he became the animal handling and welfare coordinator before assuming his current position.
Ali Prochaska, David City: Ali is a 2013 agri-business graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Upon graduation, Ali joined the Pillen Family Farms/DNA Genetics team and was responsible for the implementation and operation of the FIRE Feeder system at DNA’s elite boar testing center. In 2016 Ali took on a new role within DNA Genetics and is responsible for the leadership of the four nucleus farms located in Butler County. She has a passion for the swine industry and enjoys sharing her passion with others. Ali was part of NPPA’s Pork Mentorship and Pork Leadership Programs. She is married to Nathan Prochaska and together they have two boys, Isaiah and Ambrose.