National Pork Producers Council Elects New Leadership for 2026-27 Term
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has appointed a new slate of officers and board members to steer the organization through the 2026-27 term. The newly elected leadership comprises a diverse mix of multi-generational family farmers and seasoned executives from large-scale pork production, tasked with advancing the national advocacy agenda of the pork industry.
New Officers
Rob Brenneman of Washington, Iowa, has been elected as the new president. As the owner and operator of Brenneman Pork, Brenneman has been a dedicated member of the NPPC board since 2021 and holds additional leadership positions with both the National Pork Board and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Pat Hord from Bucyrus, Ohio, steps in as president-elect. As the CEO of Hord Family Farms—a fifth-generation diversified agricultural operation—Hord has had a significant impact on pork policy at the national level through his work on various NPPC committees.
Todd Marotz of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, has been elected as vice president. Marotz serves as the chief production officer for Wakefield Pork, bringing a wealth of knowledge in genetics, construction management, animal welfare, and environmental services to the leadership team.
Duane Stateler of McComb, Ohio, continues his role as the immediate past president, providing valuable continuity to the organization.
Key Insights from NPPC Leadership
NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys expressed optimism about the new leadership. “These leaders are stepping up at an important moment for our industry,” Humphreys noted. “With numerous challenges ahead, these committed individuals recognize the need to unite in advocating for policies that protect and enhance U.S. pork production.”
Board Members Elected
In addition to the officers, three notable producers have been elected to the NPPC Board of Directors:
- Robert “R.O.” Britt of Williamsburg, Virginia, manages environmental affairs for Smithfield Hog Production and has over a decade of experience on the Virginia Pork Council Board, including a presidency in 2024.
- Jay Miller of Carlyle, Illinois, is the CEO of The Maschhoffs, one of North America’s largest family-owned pork production systems.
- Joe Popplewell from Perry, Oklahoma, brings more than 30 years of executive experience, including a previous term as president of the Oklahoma Pork Council, and currently holds a leadership position with Tyson Foods.
Mark Hayden from Moville, Iowa, has also been chosen as the new Allied Industry Council representative, leveraging his role as director of sales for automated production to advocate for producers and allied partners at both state and federal levels.
Recognition of Departing Members
NPPC extends its gratitude to outgoing board members Francis Forst, Bob Ivey, Steve Malakowsky, Jeremy Pittman, and Lori Stevermer for their dedicated service to the organization.
Nominating Committee Update
Jason Propst of Toledo, Illinois, has been re-elected to a two-year term on the NPPC Nominating Committee. Propst, affiliated with Walk & Sons Inc., brings over two decades of experience with the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Joining him on the committee is Daniel Tubbs of Oakman, Alabama, who operates Tubbs Livestock Co., a diverse farrow-to-finish hog farm.
For full biographies of the board members, please visit nppc.org.
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