In 2018, the Oklahoma Pork Council Excellence Award was established to recognize those pork producers who have made the daily work of raising pigs more than just a job, but a passionate calling to take care of their animals and the people around them. This award covers all sectors of pork production, and it rewards those outstanding producers who excel in at least one of Oklahoma Pork’s four strategic intentions.

After graduating from Fairview High School in 1975, Michael Tripp attended Oklahoma State University in pursuit of his lifelong dream to become a doctor of veterinary medicine. Once he achieved that goal in 1982, Dr. Tripp began his veterinary career in Guymon, Oklahoma, before purchasing Southern Plains Animal Hospital in Ringling, Oklahoma, almost 40 years ago.

Dr. Tripp’s dedication to pork production includes his decades-long service as an animal health expert through his veterinary practice and a pork producer himself through his family operation Tripp Yorkshires. As a veterinarian, Dr. Tripp educates hundreds of client families about animal husbandry, feeding, breeding, herd health, and more. One of his greatest joys is mentoring students from the Baptist Home for Girls in Madill, generously helping with all aspects of their swine show projects.

Over the years he has also shared his expertise through various national boards and committees, including the National Swine Registry Executive Committee and the American Yorkshire Board. Passionate, devoted, and knowledgeable have all been used to describe this hard-working role model within Oklahoma’s show pig community.

On behalf of the Oklahoma Pork Council, congratulations to Dr. Tripp for award-worthy service as an animal health expert and pork producer! Watch above, or click here to check out Dr. Tripp's Excellence Award video that debuted at the 2025 Oklahoma Pork Congress!