Oklahoma Pork's board of directors held their September board meeting today to discuss the organization's upcoming fall events, annual budget, and more. After three board members were re-elected to their seats and one new member joined the board at last month's Pork Congress, this meeting also provided the opportunity for officer elections to fill out the 2025-2026 executive committee.
Tom Layne of Enid began his term as board president at last month's Pork Congress after serving as president-elect for the previous year. Tom has worked in the pork industry for more than 25 years, including his tenure with The HANOR Company that began in 1998. As HANOR's Director of Human Resources, Tom's work impacts the company's 600+ employees located across seven states. Tom previously served as board president in 2023 and provides leadership on a variety of Oklahoma Pork's strategic intentions, including workforce development.
Joe Locke of Marietta re-enters the executive committee as our organization's vice president for 2025-2026. Joe's 30-year career in pork production includes experience across multiple states and production systems. He currently serves as Director of Sow Operations for Tyson Foods' The Pork Group. Joe’s involvement with the Oklahoma Pork Council includes service as a board president last year and volunteer pitmaster at several of our charitable events across the state.
Roy Cansler of Seiling was tapped by his fellow board members to serve as treasurer for the 2025-2026 term. Roy has been involved with the pork industry for more than 40 years. He was raised working on his family’s farrow to finish operation, then began his career with the Pig Improvement Company (PIC) in 1997. Since 2000, Roy has worked for Seaboard Foods in Northwest Oklahoma. He currently serves as supervisor of genetic Gilt Development Units (GDUs) for the company. Roy first joined the board in 2023, and this is his first time on the executive committee.
Dr. Suzanne Genova of Perkins was chosen as Oklahoma Pork's president-elect. After completing this role, Dr. Genova will automatically become board president at the 2026 Pork Congress. She owns Red Dirt Veterinary Services where she provides veterinary care to show pig clients across five states. She is active in Oklahoma Pork's disease prevention and preparedness efforts, including involvement with the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP) and service as the lead Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) veterinarian. Additionally, Dr. Genova raises purebred Yorkshire and Meishan hogs through her operation SweetGrass Livestock. She served as vice president of the board throughout the past year.
Congratulations to our newly elected executive committee members!