As we reflect on 2024, a heartfelt thanks goes to our organization's leadership. Oklahoma Pork has been incredibly well served by outgoing board president Tom Layne of Enid. As director of human resources for The HANOR Company, Tom has brought his keen understanding of people to this role. He has emphasized service and embodied the "One Pork" philosophy helping all pork producers to find common ground. Thank you to the wise and witty Tom Layne for your service to Oklahoma's pork industry the past year. We are grateful for you!
Celebrating Excellence in Pork Production
Clay Meeks was inducted into the Oklahoma Pork Council Hall of Fame last week, while Kelly Haymaker, Ash Dennie, and Ryan Sites (not pictured) all earned 2024 Excellence Awards for their career dedication.
Written by Presley Pullen and Gus Ward
As Oklahoma Pork's summer interns, we received the opportunity to assist in planning and coordinating this year's Oklahoma Pork Congress and enjoyed watching the Oklahoma Pork Council team’s hard work pay off. We celebrated four outstanding award recipients in response to their commitment to excellence and advocacy for the pork industry. The 2024 Oklahoma Pork Council award winners are:
Ash Dennie of Ran-Mar Farms was the first recipient of the Oklahoma Pork Council Excellence Award. Ash was nominated by his peers for his extreme talent in animal care and farm management ability.
Kelly Haymaker of The HANOR Company also earned the Oklahoma Pork Council Excellence Award for the overwhelming pride she takes in caring for her boars and steady devotion to making the industry better.
Ryan Sites, show pig breeder and Show-Rite national swine support specialist, was this year’s final recipient of the Oklahoma Pork Council Excellence Award. Ryan’s value of integrity and service to youth exhibitors deemed him worthy of recognition.
Clay Meeks of Meeks Family Farms was inducted into the Oklahoma Pork Council Hall of Fame for his high career achievement in the pork industry and advocacy efforts in his community. As Clay embarks on his retirement journey, the legacy he has left in commercial pork production will serve as an example for others to follow.
Being able to visit these industry leaders’ farms and operations and witness their true passion for their work was inspiring. A huge shoutout to Shay for allowing us to be a part of celebrating these outstanding individuals.
At Pork Congress, each recipient had a uniquely crafted video sharing their pork story with comments from their nominators. The kind remarks from the recipient’s peers served as a pleasant surprise and added another layer to their well-deserved recognition. Click here to watch these award videos on our YouTube page, or stay tuned as we roll them out on social media and in E-Pork over the coming weeks!
We were grateful for the opportunity to assist with our very first Oklahoma Pork Congress. Through networking, an impressive set of panel speakers, and interacting with board members, we have an even deeper appreciation and respect for Oklahoma pork producers.
As we wrap up our internship this next week, we want to express how transformative and monumental this summer has been for both of us. We are excited to advocate for the pork industry and its incredible people in the future.
Pizza and Pork: Engaging a Unique Audience
On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Pork Council got to share more about our industry with a group of blood institute employees who office just down the hall from our staff and dozens of their colleagues who remotely joined the "Lunch and Learn" meeting focused on pork production led by Oklahoma Pork's summer interns.
Written by Presley Pullen and Gus Ward
As interns with the Oklahoma Pork Council, we recently had the opportunity to host a Lunch and Learn event with Our Blood Institute (OBI), formerly known as the Oklahoma Blood Institute. This experience proved to be both educational and a fantastic chance to collaborate with an organization that plays a vital role in serving the people of Oklahoma and shares a building with our Oklahoma Pork Council office.
To give a bit of background, Our Blood Institute is a nonprofit organization that has provided a safe and adequate blood supply to hospitals and medical facilities across Oklahoma since 1977. OBI is known for its commitment to saving lives through blood donation and its extensive community outreach programs. The work of the OBI staff ensures that patients needing blood transfusions receive the necessary support, significantly impacting our state's public health.
During our Lunch and Learn, we had the pleasure of presenting information about the pork industry to the members of the OBI team in-person and many who virtually joined the meeting. We discussed various aspects of pork production, including the importance of sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and the nutritional benefits of pork. It was a great opportunity to share our knowledge and passion for the industry with a group of people who are equally dedicated to making a positive difference in the community.
To make the event even more enjoyable, we served delicious Empire Slice pizza, which was a big hit with everyone. There’s something about sharing a meal that brings people together, and the pizza added a fun and casual element to the event. Along with pizza, we handed out lots of great Oklahoma Pork swag, including branded merchandise and informational material about the pork industry in our state. The swag was well-received and helped create a memorable experience for all attendees.
Overall, the Lunch and Learn with OBI was an awesome experience. It was inspiring to see two organizations, each with unique missions, come together to educate and engage with one another. OBI members brought an excited attitude and were eager to ask questions about all things pork. The collaboration not only allowed us to spread awareness about the pork industry but also reinforced the importance of community partnerships in achieving common goals. We left the event feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and impactful organization.
Matti Carlile Publishes Pork Children's Book
Over the past several years, the Oklahoma Pork Council has participated in "Read an Accurate Agriculture Book Week" each September to help introduce children to more realistic content about the food and fiber system. Although many books exist about pigs, our team noticed a gap of available options that expose young readers to the science of modern pig farming. So instead of simply wishing better options existed, Oklahoma Pork's Matti Carlile chose to take action.
"I've had the idea to write a children's book for quite some time," Matti shared. "At the end of last year, I decided to bring it to reality. This book is an educational tool for students to learn about the pork industry."
Matti spent the last several months researching and drafting a story that walks readers through a commercial sow operation at an appropriate reading level for elementary students. The book also includes a glossary of important pork-specific vocabulary words like biosecurity, farrowing, veterinarian, and more. Matti's story reinforces the hard work, skill, and collaboration required within pork production in an approachable way.
When it came time to bring Matti's words to life, she found an incredible partner in Oklahoma Pork's Shay Stegmann. Shay's stunning on-farm photography and graphic design talent truly made "It Takes A Team: Pigs and Their Caretakers" beautiful. Together, Matti and Shay have created a fun avenue for all of us to more easily share the pigs to pork story with the next generation of consumers.
Congratulations to Matti and Shay on this special accomplishment. The Oklahoma Pork Council also thanks Dr. Brooke Kitting, Antonio Santiago, and the crew at Seaboard Farm 49 for being stars of this story. We cannot wait to see all the ways "It Takes A Team" gets used to highlight Oklahoma pork production in a whole new way. To request your own copy to share with family, friends, or your local library - click here!
Fall 2024 Virtual Swag Store Now Open
Back by popular demand, today marks the opening of the 2024 Oklahoma Pork Council online store. For the next two weeks, all kinds of fun Oklahoma Pork gear will be available to order for yourself and your friends going into fall.
Polos, t-shirts, hats, jackets, sweatshirts, and more are on sale now via the Oklahoma Pork Store through Sunday, August 4. There are more than 20 branded items for men, women and children on the site - many available in diverse colors and sizes. Don't miss this cool opportunity to "ride for the brand" during the upcoming school year and beyond.
If you are looking for a fun way to show your pork industry pride, check out the store soon during its two-week order window. All items will ship directly from Fierce Threads, the company managing the sale with a $15 shipping fee, which means you will receive your Oklahoma Pork goodies within a month after the store closes on August 4. Click here to start shopping now!
Educating Young Biosecurity Believers
This week, we had the incredible opportunity to host a swine biosecurity workshop during the Big 3 Field Days at Oklahoma State University. This event is a cornerstone of the livestock judging calendar, attracting hundreds of aspiring agriculturists from across the nation. The event kicked off in a "pig" way, with a morning dedicated to evaluating swine, and an exciting pork workshop in the afternoon. Our team was excited to gather young minds to promote and discuss the importance of biosecurity in the pork industry.
Big 3 consists of three days of competition, with students judging swine, sheep/goats, and cattle. As we are dedicated to promoting the future of the pork industry, we aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience that would resonate with students long after the event concluded. Our workshop was designed to educate and engage students in an interactive and memorable way.
One of the workshop's highlights was the use of Glo Germ with black lights to show the spread of disease across supplies, humans, and livestock. This tool allowed participants to visualize the importance of implementing biosecurity measures into their own herds and show pig operations. Each student used a stuffed pig to participate in a stock show simulation, with special guest State FFA Officer, Cooper Kline. The Glo Germ application demonstrated how easily viruses can be transmitted and emphasized the necessity of maintaining strict biosecurity protocols within the swine industry. The visual impact of seeing glowing germs on the stuffed pigs was both eye-opening and entertaining, leaving an impact on each student.
In addition to the Glo Germ activity, we introduced a pork-related “Wordle” game, challenging participants to identify an industry-related term. This interactive element made learning more fun and engaging. By incorporating learning themes into each activity, we aimed to create a dynamic environment that encouraged students to think critically about their future careers in agriculture.
Throughout the workshop, we also highlighted numerous opportunities within the pork industry, including Pork Industry Group, Ag in the Classroom grants, the Pork Partners Derby, and our high regard for our Biosecurity Believers. The enthusiasm from the students was awesome, and it was heartening to witness their curiosity and excitement about the future of pork production.
The workshop was more than just an educational session; it was a celebration of the pork industry’s commitment to sustainability and health in pork production. As we reflect on the day, we feel a deep sense of hope for the future of our industry. The next generation of livestock enthusiasts are knowledgeable and passionate about making a positive impact.
Pork Interns Have Eye-Opening ODAFF Experiences
We had an exciting opportunity to attend Agriculture Intern Day at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) Wednesday, July 10. It was an event packed with learning and hands-on experiences that deepened our understanding of agriculture and its various facets.
A highlight of the day was our participation in a career panel where professionals from diverse sectors of the agriculture industry shared their journeys and offered valuable advice. Among these experts were: State Senator Grant Green, ODAFF’s Director of Food Safety Scott Yates; ODAFF's Director of Market Development Meriruth Sellers; and the Oklahoma Pork Council’s own Kylee Deniz. Additionally, we had the privilege of listening to advice from JanLee Rowlett, Oklahoma's State Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, and Blayne Arthur, the Oklahoma Commissioner of Agriculture. It was truly inspiring to hear firsthand experiences and gain practical insights into potential career paths within agriculture.
Later in the day, we toured a local winery and vineyard, which was not only informative but also showcased the importance of agriculture in Oklahoma’s economy beyond traditional crops. The winery taught us more about agritourism, as well as winemaking and the agricultural practices that support it.
One of the most fun parts of the experience was meeting fellow Oklahoma Ag. interns representing various organizations. Networking with peers who share our passion for agriculture was both encouraging and enlightening. Over lunch, we exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and built connections that will be beneficial throughout our careers. We were proud to represent Oklahoma Pork to this group and share more about our internships serving our state's pork producers.
Thursday was equally enriching as we delved into job shadowing experiences. We shadowed JanLee Rowlett, ODAFF deputy commissioner and learned from Lee Benson, ODAFF public information officer. Additionally, we had the unique opportunity to spend much of the day with Commissioner Arthur. Joining these professionals through a marathon of meetings and events gave us a firsthand look at the diverse responsibilities and challenges within agricultural leadership roles.
Throughout the shadowing experience, we sat in on foreign animal disease discussions, attended the summer U.S. Wheat meeting, as well as the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) meeting. These engagements provided us with a comprehensive view of the inner workings of our state and the immense leadership roles each of these individuals hold. It was fascinating to see how decisions are made, policies are formulated, and challenges are addressed at the administrative level.
Overall, Ag Intern Day and the subsequent job shadowing opportunity were invaluable experiences for us. They not only reinforced our passion for agriculture, but also broadened our perspectives on the industry’s impact. We left with a deeper appreciation for the diverse career opportunities within agriculture and a renewed sense of purpose in contributing to its future.
Remembering Eddie Robinson
Photographed here in 2017, Eddie Robinson (right) was a respected member of Oklahoma's pork industry for many years. His brother Rich Robinson (left) currently serves on Oklahoma Pork's board of directors.
Pork producers across Oklahoma were deeply saddened to learn in recent weeks of Eddie Robinson's passing. As cofounder of Robinson Family Farms with his brother Rich, Eddie spent many years as a dedicated pork producer and community leader in Hughes County.
We encourage anyone with fond memories of Eddie to share those with his family and consider joining a light-hearted celebration of his life next month. The event will be on Saturday, August 24, in Holdenville. His beloved wife Kim shared "We will smile through the tears as we spend time reminiscing the good times by sharing our favorite stories and memories with one another. We invite you to dress casual and bring your appetite. It will be one for the books just like Eddie."
In 2012, the Robinson brothers were inducted into the Oklahoma Pork Hall of Fame. Click here to read more of their inspiring pork story from that time as we remember this special individual. Everyone at Oklahoma Pork remains grateful for the legacy of Eddie's hard work that will be remembered for years to come.
Memories Made in Minnesota for Interns
Written by Presley Pullen and Gus Ward
Our recent journey to Mankato, Minnesota, was a remarkable opportunity to expand our network and sharpen our professional skills. We participated in the Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference (YLAC) and the Fundamentals of Communications workshop for a total five days last week. Representing our shared passion for the pork industry and meeting other young agricultural leaders, we immersed ourselves in a week filled with learning, storytelling, and personal growth. We are proud to have the opportunity to represent Oklahoma and pork producers across our great state.
The week kicked off with YLAC, which proved to be an enriching experience from beginning to end. We had the opportunity to attend sessions led by influential speakers who shared very valuable insights on sustainable farming practices, technological advancements in pork, and the future of the industry. The conference kicked off with Dr. Todd Dewett who shared the power of authenticity and how to be more real, more honest, and more credible as a young professional. We also heard from individuals with careers in human resources, sharing, “Don’t be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with smart people. That’s when you will truly grow.”
In agriculture we talk a lot about advocacy and how to speak for producers. However, one thing we don’t necessarily discuss is finding someone who will speak up for you when you’re not in the room. This idea was reinforced throughout the entire conference and made us even more appreciative of the team we have here at the Oklahoma Pork Council. They advocate for Oklahoma pork producers every day, but place relationships above everything else. In addition to these impactful individuals, we also got to hear real world stories from those who tell the agriculture story best: farmers. A panel featuring pork producers and dairy industry leaders provided insight into the benefits of earning a college education before returning to the farm. They shared a very helpful piece of advice: “Know what hat to wear at the right time.” No matter what phase of life you find yourself in, we think this can be applicable.
Beyond the educational aspect, YLAC provided us with many opportunities to connect with fellow young leaders and professionals, fostering new friendships and collaborations that spanned beyond the conference. We know these relationships will last for years to come. Following our engaging experience at YLAC, we transitioned to the two-day Fundamentals of Communications workshop with Micah “Spike” Craven of Integrity Communications. With a group of about nine participants, we dove deep into effective communication strategies for professional spaces and our personal lives. Spike’s guidance and expertise were invaluable as we explored many various communication techniques through exercise, practice, and discussions. These activities equipped us with skills to effectively advocate for agriculture in our communities, future careers, and beyond.
As we reflect on our time in Minnesota, we are deeply thankful to the Oklahoma Pork Council for making this journey possible. The insights gained this past week enhanced our understanding of the pork industry and strengthened our commitment to serving and advancing it.
Oklahoma Pork Council President Attends the 2024 State Leaders Meeting
Recently, Oklahoma Pork's board president Tom Layne joined 20 other state pork association presidents from across the country in Reno, Nevada, for the 2024 State Leaders Meeting hosted by the National Pork Board (NPB) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). This four-day gathering provided a platform for leaders to collaborate on tangible ways to support the future of our industry's state and national organizations in serving U.S. pork producers.
Tom’s participation in the State Leaders Meeting demonstrates Oklahoma Pork's commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and advocating for the needs of Oklahoma pork producers. Alongside executive director Kylee Deniz, Tom found the meeting to be a great opportunity to share about the good work being done in Oklahoma and ways to better staff our industry across the nation.