The Nebraska Pork Producers Association held its 3rd annual Pork Industry Day on February 24th at Lincoln’s Cornhusker Hotel. The event featured more that 50 exhibitors and over 200 attendees.
Newly elected officers for the Association are Troy McCain, DeWitt, President; David Harrington, St. Paul, President-Elect; Shane Meyer, Exeter, Vice President; and Jan Miller, Belden, Nebraska was elected as 2nd Vice President. Alden Zuhlke of Brunswick and Scott Spilker of Beatrice will serve as Directors for the Association for the next two years. Alternate Directors will be Derrick Damrow of Plymouth and Jason Mullenhoff of Leigh, Nebraska. Gary Doerr and Greg Wortman both of Creighton, Nebraska, are retiring Directors and were honored for their years of service.
Each year the Industry honors individuals, companies, and organizations that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote pork in Nebraska. The Association presents the Outstanding Service Awards in four areas. Promotions, Producer Outreach, Industry Outreach, and Outstanding Allied member.
Kenneth Rhoades, Chairman for the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission accepted the Outstanding Pork Service Award in Promotions. The Outstanding Pork Service Award for Producer Outreach recognized Dr. Don Levis who has been actively involved with the Nebraska pork industry for over 27 years. Hormel received the Outstanding Pork Service Award for Industry Outreach for its leadership in supporting the “We Care” responsible pork initiative developed by the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council. Tyson Fresh Meats, received the Outstanding Pork Service Award for Allied Membership as an Allied Member to the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. Tyson offered their financial and personnel to help to bring the PQA Plus and TQA certification, PQA Plus self site assessment training, and rebate programs to a successful conclusion.
Dave Hansen of Hartington, Nebraska was inducted into the Checkoff Hall of Fame. Inductees are recognized for their long time support of the industry, community service and service to the Nebraska Pork Producers organization.
The Wiechman Pig Company, headquartered in Fremont, Nebraska has grown to become one of the largest and most well respected companies in the swine market industry and was a unanimous choice to be inducted into the Voluntary Checkoff Hall of Fame.
