ORLANDO, FLA. — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced its new officers and board members for the 2025-2026 term.

"The strength of NPPC lies in the leadership and vision of those who serve," said Bryan Humphreys, chief executive officer of NPPC. "Our newly elected officers and board members bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to advancing and defending the interests of US pork producers. Their leadership will be instrumental as we tackle challenges, drive progress, and ensure a strong future for our industry." 

The 2025-2026 board officers include:

  • Duane Stateler, McComb, Ohio, as president. As a fifth-generation pork producer, Stateler operates Stateler Family Farms alongside his son, Anthony. He has actively been involved in national and state-level agricultural policy discussions and serves as a strong voice for producers on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
  • Rob Brenneman, Washington, Iowa, as president-elect. Brenneman owns and operates Brenneman Pork, a multi-generational family farm. He has served on the NPPC board of directors since 2021 and has held leadership roles with the National Pork Board and Iowa Pork Producers Association.
  • Pat Hord, Bucyrus, Ohio, as vice president. As CEO of Hord Family Farms, Hord has led a diversified agricultural operation, overseeing the growth of the family business while remaining involved in industry policy. He has been a key advocate for US pork producers, shaping policy at the national level through his work with NPPC committees.
  • Lori Stevermer, Easton, Minn., immediate past president. Co-owner of Trails End Farm, Stevermer has long been involved in pork industry leadership, advocating for producers at the state and national levels. She has represented US pork producers in trade discussions and policy forums, ensuring their interests are well-represented.

NPPC extended its thanks to departing board members Scott Hays, Dwight Mogler and Russ Vering for their contributions to the organization.

Craig Edsill of Ambler, Pa., was re-elected packer processor industry council representative. As CEO and chairman of Clemens Family Corp., Edsill is an advocate for policies that strengthen the industry and protect the interests of pork producers. He has served on various NPPC committees.

The following are newly elected NPPC board members:

  • John Anderson, Belgrade, Minn., is a lifelong pork producer and leader of Anderson Family Farms, a diversified operation including farrow-to-finish pork and crop production. With years of experience in industry advocacy, succession planning and risk management, he is committed to advancing the pork industry and ensuring its future sustainability.
  • Trish Cook, Winthrop, Iowa, is a co-owner of CBL Farms and Cook Brothers Ltd. She has served in leadership roles with the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
  • Jackie Bowman Ponder, Greenwood, Ind., is the co-owner of Bowman Family Holdings Inc., overseeing operations, legal compliance, and government relations while managing a diverse farming operation. She combines legal expertise and hands-on experience in pork production to advocate for policies that promote the industry’s growth.

The current NPPC board of directors are as follows:

  • Steve Malakowsky, Wells, Minn. (Allied Industry Director) 
  • Francis Forst, Lamar, Mo.
  • Bob Ivey, Beaufort, NC
  • Todd Marotz, Sleepy Eye, Minn.
  • Jeremy Pittman, Waverly, Va.
  • Ed Reed, Three Rivers, Mich.
  • Jeb Stevens, Osgood, Ind.
  • Neill Westerbeek, Clinton, NC 

Full bios for NPPC’s board officers and directors can be found here. 

Lastly, serving on NPPC’s nominating committee for two-year terms are as follows:

  • Adam Krause, Clear Lake, SD, operates K&K Farms Inc. and has hands-on experience in both livestock and crop production. He is an active leader in the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, having recently completed his term as president, and continues to contribute through community initiatives.
  • Jarrod Lorenza, Kalamazoo, Mich., is the general manager of H & H Farms. Lorenza oversees the operations of both Lorenz Family Farms and Arrow Farms. He is an active member of the Michigan Pork Producers Association and a graduate of the Pork Leadership Institute.