Oklahoma’s voting delegates recently wrapped up three days of representing our state at the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City. Pork Forum serves as the annual business meeting for members of the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board, bringing together pork producers from across the country to shape the future of the industry.

Because Pork Forum includes business for both national organizations, each state sends two sets of voting delegates. One group votes on Pork Checkoff matters through the Pork Act, while the other addresses public policy priorities through NPPC. Oklahoma’s 2026 Pork Act delegates were Hannah Bevins, Tom Layne, and Roy Cansler. Oklahoma’s NPPC delegates included Joe Popplewell, Cristina Carmona, Joe Locke, and Dr. Donna Drebes. Together, these seven delegates represented Oklahoma pork producers by voting on policy resolutions and the election of national board leadership.

Oklahoma Pork is proud to share that longtime Oklahoma pork producer and past Oklahoma Pork Council president Joe Popplewell was elected to serve on the NPPC Board of Directors. With more than 30 years of experience across multiple swine production systems, Joe brings service, relationship-building, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels making him well positioned to represent Oklahoma and producers across the country.