National Pork Board elects officers: David Newman to serve a second term as president

DES MOINES, Iowa — David Newman, a pork producer representing Arkansas, was elected to serve a second term as president of the National Pork Board at the organization’s November board meeting.

The National Pork Board’s 15 producer directors represent America’s 60,000 pig farmers, who pay into the Pork Checkoff — a program that funds research, promotion and education efforts benefiting the industry.

“Like everyone, U.S. pig farmers have faced significant challenges this year,” Newman said. “Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 and the real threat of African swine fever have made this one of the most difficult years to be a pig farmer. But it has also shown us how resilient and agile our industry and the Pork Checkoff are in the face of adversity.”

Despite the numerous challenges the pork industry has faced, Newman is optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

“I am excited to be able to lead the Pork Checkoff for a second term as we implement key learnings from the past year, continue to build on retail sales growth for pork seen during the pandemic and show consumers the values of the pork industry from farm to fork through our Real Pork master brand,” said Newman, who owns and operates a farrow-to-finish Berkshire farm that markets pork directly to consumers and food-service operators.

Rounding out the Pork Board’s executive officer team are Vice President Gene Noem, from Ames, Iowa, and Treasurer Heather Hill, from Greenfield, Indiana. Both are serving their second of a three-year term on the board.

Other producers appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and signed in to serve second terms on the Pork Board include: Scott Phillips, Drexel, Missouri; Deb Ballance, Fremont, North Carolina; and Todd Erickson, Northwood, North Dakota. Al Wulfekuhle, from Quasqueton, Iowa, was appointed to serve his first term.