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From the National Pork Producers Council

LOUISVILLE, KY, March 11, 2022 – The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today installed new officers and elected members to its board of directors at its annual business meeting — the National Pork Industry Forum — held here.

Terry Wolters of Pipestone, Minnesota, was elevated to president of the organization for 2022-2023. Wolters owns Stoney Creek Farms, which consists of several sow farms, and is a partner in the Pipestone System. He also is a member of Wholestone Farms and is active in the Pipestone County Pork Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, South Dakota Pork Producers Council and the Minnesota Farm Bureau. He is chairman of NPPC’s Animal Health Food Security Policy Committee.

Wolters takes over from Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa, who becomes NPPC immediate past president and chairman of the council’s trade and nominating committees.

Scott Hays of Monroe City, Missouri, became NPPC president-elect. He is a fifth-generation pork producer and the CEO of Two Mile Pork, LLC. He is chairman of NPPC’s Competitive Markets Committee and active on the Missouri Pork Association board and committees, Missouri Corn Growers, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow, Monroe City FFA and Missouri Institute of Cooperatives.

The NPPC board of directors elected Lori Stevermer as vice president. Lori is co-owner of Trail’s End Farm in Easton, Minnesota, where she served on the executive board of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association. Stevermer has a history of advocating for the pork industry at the local, state and national levels.

Pat Hord of Ohio and Dwight Mogler of Iowa were elected as new members of the board, and Lori Stevermer of Minnesota and Russ Vering of Nebraska were each reelected to another three-year term. Steve Malakowsky of Wells, Minnesota, with Compeer Financial, was elected to a two-year term as the allied industry representative. They join current directors Craig Andersen of Centerville, South Dakota; Rob Brenneman of Washington, Iowa; Jason Brester of Sioux City, Iowa; Bob Ivey of Goldsboro, North Carolina; Dr. Jeremy Pittman of Waverly, Virginia; Jeb Stevens of Osgood, Indiana; and Duane Stateler of McComb, Ohio.

For NPPC’s nominating committee, Curt Zehr of Illinois was reelected, and Bill Knapke of Ohio was elected to the panel. Both will serve two-year terms.

“We have great leadership in Terry, Scott and Lori,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. “Along with the board, including our new members, they will represent the interests of pork producers and the organization very well.”

Additionally, delegates at the meeting approved resolutions affirming the recommendations of the Pork Industry Taskforce.

David Preisler, long-time CEO of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and Minnesota Pork Board, announced his plans to retire from the organization effective June 1, 2022.  Preisler notified the Board of his plans at its Board meeting on December 16. His retirement will mark nearly 28 years leading the Pork association and representing the interests of Minnesota’s family pig farmers.

 

“It has been a privilege to work with some of the country’s best livestock farmers here in Minnesota who are not only excellent farmers but outstanding industry leaders at both the state and national levels,” Preisler said.  “Minnesota is the second largest state in pork production (value and number of market pigs raised) and we are fortunate to have a very strong producer-led organization with knowledgeable and committed Board members, a dedicated staff, and strong relationships across the agricultural community and beyond. It has been an honor to serve Minnesota’s pig farmers who are committed to doing what is right for their animals, their people and communities, and the environment. My career has really been about the people, and I have had the joy of working with exceptional staff who also believe in serving farmers. I really feel like I’m stepping away from the organization at the right time and in very good hands.”

 

John Anderson, a Stearns County pig farmer and current president of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, commented, “Dave has provided excellent leadership to Minnesota Pork and has effectively represented the interests of pork producers throughout Minnesota and nationally. Over the years, Dave has helped producers navigate the intricacies of government policy, permitting, sustainability, animal wellbeing, and the importance of consumer outreach and engagement. The pork industry has faced difficult situations over Dave’s career and his steady leadership and commitment to Minnesota pig farmers helped see us through the challenging seasons of farming. Minnesota Pork is in a good place today because of Dave Preisler and we wish him the very best in future years.”

 

Preisler has committed to assisting Minnesota Pork with the transition to a new leader. The Board intends to conduct a search of potential candidates to replace Preisler over the coming months.