The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) has announced the Class of 2026 for the Pork Leadership Institute, selecting 19 people from across the country to participate in the yearlong leadership development program.

The Class of 2026 includes:

Iowa: Ryan Bartachek, Macie Reeb
Idaho: Rick Roper
Illinois: Emmalee Haege, Tyler Main
Indiana: Ethan Baldwin
Minnesota: Matt Boerboom
Missouri: Morgan Weinrich
Mississippi: Donny Ray
North Carolina: Jennifer Hasty, Yolanda Castelo
Nebraska: Austin Zimmerman
Ohio: Kevin Stuckey, Stacey Voight
Oklahoma: Suzanne Genova
Pennsylvania: Kolton Reasy
South Dakota: Tanya Torguson
Tennessee: Katie Sherman
Texas: Clay Eastwood

“As we welcome the Class of 2026, it’s exciting to see these producers stepping up to lead for their farms, their communities and the industry,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys.

“The Pork Leadership Institute gives them the tools and know-how to tackle the challenges that really matter – from policy and trade to sharing the story of pork production with neighbors and lawmakers. These graduates are already in the trenches, and this program helps them roll up their sleeves even further to speak up for producers, strengthen their operations and keep the industry resilient for years to come.”

The yearlong Pork Leadership Institute program features five intensive sessions covering critical industry knowledge and advocacy skills. Participants gain insight into federal legislative and regulatory processes, the importance of international trade, and the workings of national and state pork organizations. In addition, hands-on media and communications training equips graduates to be confident and effective voices for the industry.

The Pork Leadership Institute is a collaborative effort between NPPC and the National Pork Board to cultivate leaders who will champion the industry and advocate for its continued success.

[RELATED: IGA, National Pork Board Partner To Drive Pork Category Growth At Retail]

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