Story By Oklahoma Pork Council Intern Ethan Drake
What a way to kick off an internship! One day at the office, and then we were off to Des Moines, Iowa, for the World Pork Expo. I could not have had a better time, and what an honor it was to be a part of representing the Oklahoma Pork Council. I enjoyed every moment from seeing old speakers from the fall 2024 OSU Pork Industry Group, meeting many new faces, walking through the trade show, and spending time with the Oklahoma Pork Council team.
While I thoroughly enjoyed all the discussions, there was one that really caught my attention. The NPPC Strategic Investment Program (SIP) Lunch included a discussion that was both controversial and interesting to me as I begin my summer with Oklahoma Pork.
Duane Stateler, pork farmer and NPPC President, kicked off the lunch panel with an introduction of the big topic, the recent Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report released in Washington, DC. The panel then consisted of three extremely knowledgeable individuals including, Dr. Ashley Johnson – NPPC veterinarian, Michael Formica – NPPC attorney, and Matt Grill – NPPC lobbyist.
They each discussed how in the current administration it always said that farmers are a priority, however, this report doesn't quite seem to reflect that support. We as pork producers provide consumers a healthy, nutrient-dense product, however, the MAHA report tends to attack ultra processed foods. This includes things like sausage, brats, and snack sticks.
While I enjoyed listening to the panel, I also really enjoyed the discussions that followed throughout the Expo. Whether it was talking briefly about the report with Joe Popplewell - one of our own Oklahoma Pork members, or the deeper conversation with Kevin Sheehan of the National Pork Board and Rob Richard of DNA Swine Genetics.
From the panels, snacking on all the amazing pork products, seeing the next level technology, hanging out with the Oklahoma Pork Council team, and gaining insight from new and old role models… it was an incredible World Pork Expo! I couldn’t have asked for a better first week as an intern.
