This week, Oklahoma had the honor of hosting the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Board of Directors. We kicked off NPPC’s visit to Oklahoma with a warm welcome by revisiting one of our signature events, Bacon & Bourbon, at VAST on the 49th floor of the Devon Tower. With views of Oklahoma stretching as far as the eye could see, there was no better setting to bring together pig people, delicious pork, and great drinks. These national industry leaders also spent time learning about Oklahoma’s pork industry, connecting with our board members, and exploring key issues affecting agriculture ranging from workforce opportunities to foreign animal disease preparedness.

Specifically on Tuesday afternoon with the Cattlemen’s Congress in the background, the NPPC Board enjoyed top-notch educational discussions at the new OG&E Coliseum on the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Speakers included Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture JanLee Rowlett, show pig breeder and 2025-2026 Oklahoma FFA State President Cooper Kline, State Representative John Pfeiffer, and poultry producer and State Board of Agriculture member Brent Bolen. This group of highly influential Oklahomans discussed a wide range of topics impacting Oklahoma agriculture.

The board also heard from Jeff Pennington of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Scott Alls of USDA on feral swine challenges. This was followed by a session on proactive efforts to prevent and prepare for New World Screwworm with State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall, Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Alicia Gorczyca-Southerland, and Dr. Jonathan Cammack from Oklahoma State University’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Bringing national leadership to our state matters. We thank NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys and NPPC COO Cody McKinley for Oklahoma’s opportunity to host NPPC’s January Board Meeting.