NationalPork Board to Meet Sept. 3-5 in Des Moines

DES MOINES, IOWA - The National Pork Board willbegin to build its 2015 marketing, research and education plans during ameeting Sept. 3-5 in Des Moines, Iowa. National Pork Board President DaleNorton, a farmer from Bronson, Mich., will preside over the board meeting Sept.3-4, followed immediately by the Plan of Work meeting Sept. 4-5. At the lattermeeting, pork producers from across the country will work directly with theboard to define 2015 Checkoff budget priorities.

"Our annual Plan of Work meeting is critical because we heardirectly from the pork producers who pay the Pork Checkoff. Their input isimportant in defining priorities and ensuring that budget dollars are investedwell," Norton said. "This has been an interesting year for theCheckoff. We are facing many issues, but have seen record revenues, giving usan opportunity to invest wisely in innovative programs that will have along-term positive impact on our industry."

About 40 pork producers participate in the annual Plan of Workmeeting. The agenda for the board meeting will include 2015 budget planning andprogram development, as well as an update on the five-year strategic planningprocess announced earlier this year. Checkoff staff will offer comments onprograms implemented in 2014, including research priorities, domestic andinternational marketing efforts and producer education and training programs.

Deadline for 2015 Board Member Nominations IsNov. 1, 2014

The Pork Checkoff's Board of Directors is now accepting nominationsto fill five, three-year terms that will begin July 2015. Nominees may besubmitted by state pork producer associations, farm organizations or anyone whopays the Pork Checkoff, including pig farmers and pork importers. A minimum ofeight candidates must be ranked by Pork Act Delegates before the nominees aresent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for approval.

"Serving on the National Pork Board is a greatopportunity for producers to show their support of the industry while helping toplan for a successful future," Norton said. "The board plays asignificant role, ensuring that the industry voice is heard on a national level." 

Any pork producer or importer who has paid all Checkoff assessments due or is a representative of a producer or company that produces hogs and/or pigs is eligible to serve on the National Pork Board. The 15 positions on the board are held by pork producers or importers who volunteer their time. Seats to be elected in 2015 are currently held by:

Candidates also are being sought for two open positions on the Pork Board Nominating Committee. Those appointed will serve a two-year term in2015 and 2016. The Pork Checkoff Nominating Committee will solicit, interview,evaluate and recommend candidates to the Pork Act Delegate Body at the annualmeeting March 5-7, 2015, in San Antonio, Texas.

The application deadline is Nov. 1, 2014, with interviews for each candidate to be held in Des Moines Dec. 11-12, 2014. Please direct application requests and questions to the National Pork Board by mail to 1776 NW 114th St., Clive, Iowa 50325. Or contact Teresa Wadsworth at (515) 223-2612 or at TWadsworth@pork.org.

The National Pork Board consists of 15 members, each serving a maximum of two three-year terms. The Pork Act requires that a minimum of 12 states be represented by the 15 Pork Board members.

Source: PorkCheckoff