March 12, 2026

 

US' National Pork Producers Council elects new officers and board members

 

 

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in the United States elected new officers and board members to lead the organisation through the 2026-2027 term.

 

These experienced leaders will guide NPPC's advocacy efforts, advancing policies that support the growth, sustainability, and long-term resilience of the US pork industry.

 

"These leaders are stepping up at an important moment for our industry," said NPPC chief executive officer Bryan Humphreys. "With many issues to tackle in the year ahead, these devoted men and women understand the importance of standing together to advocate for policies that protect and advance US pork production."

 

The 2026-2027 NPPC Board Officers include:

 

    - President: Rob Brenneman owns and operates Brenneman Pork, a multi-generational family farm. A dedicated industry advocate, he has served on the NPPC Board of Directors since 2021 and held leadership roles with the National Pork Board and Iowa Pork Producers Association;

 

    - President-Elect: Pat Hord, CEO of Hord Family Farms, leads a fifth-generation, diversified agricultural operation. In addition to overseeing the growth of the family business, Hord is a key advocate for US pork producers, shaping policy at the national level through his work with NPPC committees;

 

    - Vice President: Todd Marotz serves as chief production officer for Wakefield Pork, specialising in genetics, construction management, animal welfare and productivity, and environmental services/permitting. He is a key advocate for US pork producers, helping shape policy at the national level through his work with NPPC committees;

 

    - Immediate Past President: Duane Stateler, a fourth-generation pork producer, operates Stateler Family Farms alongside his son Anthony. He is actively involved in national and state-level agricultural policy discussions and serves as a strong voice for producers on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

 

Newly elected NPPC Board Members include:

 

    - Robert "R.O." Britt manages environmental affairs for Smithfield Hog Production, where he leads a team responsible for environmental regulation, grower partnerships, and producer coordination. His service to the pork industry includes over a decade on the Virginia Pork Council Board of Directors, where he served as president in 2024;

 

    - Jay Miller serves as CEO of The Maschhoffs, one of the largest family-owned pork production systems in North America. He brings a deep understanding of swine health, production operations, and leadership development forged through decades of veterinary and pork industry experience;

 

    - Joe Popplewell serves in a leadership role with Tyson Foods and holds a master of science degree from Oklahoma State University. A former president of the Oklahoma Pork Council, he has over three decades of hands-on experience in the pork industry and executive leadership.

- NPPC