Indiana pork farmer to be president of National Pork Board

DES MOINES, Iowa — Indiana pork producer Heath Hill was elected to serve as president of the National Pork Board.

Hill co-owns a 600-sow, farrow-to-finish operation with her husband and his parents.

“Real Pork is about real farmers, leading efforts to ensure the public understands our product is real nutritious and real sustainable,” Hill said.

“Along with my fellow volunteer leaders on the board of directors, we will deliver real results to help protect producer freedom to operate and promote continuity of business should a foreign animal disease, like African swine fever, challenge the U.S. herd.”

The board’s 15 producer directors represent the 60,000 U.S. pig farmers who pay into the Pork Checkoff — a program funding research, promotion and education efforts for the benefit of the whole industry.

In addition to Hill, other members of the 2022-2023 officer team include:

• Vice President Bob Ruth from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

• Treasurer Al Wulfekuhle from Quasqueton, Iowa.

• Past President Gene Noem from Ames, Iowa.

“I really like the direction this board is headed in,” Wulfekuhle said. “We have a good group of talented, passionate people who want to make a difference.

“I’m looking forward to being in leadership and working more closely with staff to use Pork Checkoff dollars for the maximum effect for the industry.”