My name is Joe Popplewell, and I have proudly been an Oklahoma pork producer for more than 30 years. During that time, I have been fortunate to gain valuable experience throughout various swine production systems and advocate for our industry at every level. As I seek a board seat on the National Pork Producers Council beginning in 2026, I humbly ask for your support. 

Here are a few ways I feel uniquely qualified to champion my fellow pork producers in this important role:  

I have built lasting relationships throughout the U.S. pork industry. My pork production career has provided incredible opportunities to connect with other producers for decades of shared advocacy, learning, and friendship. Not only would I represent my fellow Oklahoma producers as an NPPC board member, but I would also be honored to represent my expansive network of trusted colleagues from across the nation. I am a “people-person” who would enjoy the opportunity to share information and make important decisions based on real-world feedback from producers of all kinds throughout our industry.  

I have critical experience in areas of focus for our industry. Whether related to disease preparedness, labor demands, animal housing, sustainability, or other “hot button” issues impacting pork producers - my 30-plus year career has prepared me to deeply understand the challenges we face and work toward solutions. I have been called upon many times to share my perspective with key decision makers at the local, state, and national levels, and I feel ready to help lead our industry’s collective policy efforts through service to NPPC.  

I have a passion to serve others and protect our livelihoods. Over my many years working in pork production, I have truly enjoyed helping the industry beyond my state and our local farms. Serving as the Oklahoma Pork Council president on four separate occasions and representing Oklahoma through a variety of national task forces, committees, and leadership opportunities have all been extremely rewarding ways for me to further contribute to the industry that has provided a great life for my family. I would bring this mindset of service to my work with producers from across the nation if selected for the NPPC board. 

Hopefully you can see why I would be honored to join the National Pork Producers Council Board of Directors. If you have questions about my background, my priorities, or my ideas for moving our industry forward together – I would welcome the opportunity to talk more!   

Thank you!