This week, more than 100 pork producers from across the country convened in Washington, DC, to advocate for our industry and strengthen relationships with our federal policymakers. Attendees participated in national briefings and Capitol Hill visits to educate members of Congress and staff on current pork priorities.
Twice per year, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) hosts this Legislative Action Conference (LAC), where Oklahoma Pork members have an opportunity to visit DC alongside fellow pork producers from farms across the United States. For this week's Spring LAC 2026, Oklahoma was well represented by newly elected NPPC board member Joe Popplewell of Tyson Foods, Oklahoma Pork Council president-elect and current Pork Leadership Institute (PLI) member Dr. Suzanne Genova, and Oklahoma Pork board member Hannah Bevins of Tyson Foods. Oklahoma Pork staff Kylee Deniz and Shay Stegmann coordinated the trip and represented Oklahoma alongside these three talented pork leaders. Additionally, Mykenzie Darg - who will join the Oklahoma Pork staff for eight months beginning this fall as part of the national pork industry immersion program - was also able to join us.