California Pork Producers Association Celebrates 2026 with Annual Meeting

On Saturday, November 7, the California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) brought back the tradition of hosting a stand-alone Annual Meeting, welcoming members, producers, families and industry enthusiasts to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Modesto.

California Pork wanted to create an evening dedicated to celebrating the association, recognizing the individuals who contribute to our industry and bringing its membership together to celebrate. The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on a year of continued growth, expanded programming and increased engagement throughout the state. From educational opportunities for producers and youth exhibitors to consumer outreach and industry advocacy, 2026 was a year of building connections and creating new opportunities for California's pork community.

Beyond reflecting on the year's accomplishments, the evening also celebrated CPPA's Certified California Bred County Fair Champions, introduced a new tradition with the inaugural Russell Gunland CCBP Memorial Trophy, recognized the 2026 Bill Silveria Scholarship recipient and shared a look at what's ahead in 2027.

A highlight of the evening was recognizing our youth exhibitors who earned Certified California Bred Program (CCBP) honors at county fairs throughout the state.

Through the CCBP County Fair Champion Recognition Program, eligible Grand and Reserve Champion Market Hog exhibitors are recognized for their accomplishments, while also highlighting the California breeders behind their projects.

Congratulations to our CCBP breeders whose animals earned county fair recognitions: GnG Genetics, Golden State Genetics, Loya-Pfaff Showpigs, Modesto Junior College Swine Unit, Ottenwalter Showpigs, No Limit Genetics, Outlaw Showpigs, Sierra Nevada Farms and Small Town Genetics.

This year also marked the beginning of a special new tradition with the inaugural presentation of the Russell Gunland Memorial CCBP Perpetual Trophy. Named in memory of Russell Gunland for his dedication, leadership and impact on the California pork industry, this trophy will be passed down to Grand Champion CCBP Market Hog Exhibitors at the California Youth Ag Expo.

The association was proud to recognize Reese Vierra as the first recipient of this award following her success as a CCBP Market Hog Grand Champion bred by Ottenwalter Showpigs.

We also extend a sincere thank you to all of our California breeders who enrolled in the Certified California Bred Program in 2026. Your participation and continued support make this program possible. Thank you to Aber 1, BB Livestock, BK Livestock, Blake Livestock, Cal Poly Swine Unit, College of the Sequoias, Deschaine Livestock, Double G Livestock, Edwards Family Showpigs, GNG Genetics, Golden State Genetics, Highland FFA Breeding Swine, Helberg Showpigs, JDL Farms, Loya Livestock & Pfaff Showpigs, MJC Swine Unit, MRC Farms, No Limit Genetics, Ottenwalter Showpigs, Outlaw Showpigs, Priority One Showpigs, Red Fever Showpigs, Redwood Genetics, Sierra Nevada Farms Showpigs, Small Town Genetics and W-D Swine Farm.

Continuing CPPA's commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders, the association was proud to announce Jake Lewis as the recipient of the 2026 Bill Silveira Scholarship.

The scholarship represents an investment in young individuals who are passionate about agriculture, California’s pork indsutry and committed to furthering their education. Congratulations to Jake on this achievement! CPPA is proud to support him as he continues his educational journey. We look forward to seeing the contributions he will make to agriculture and the pork industry in the years ahead.

As CPPA reflects on the accomplishments of 2026, the association is already looking forward to building on that momentum in the coming year. CPPA remains focused on creating opportunities that bring value to California's pork industry, from commercial producers and show pig breeders to youth exhibitors, students and consumers.

In 2027, members can look forward to additional producer education and training opportunities, including foreign animal disease preparedness, continued Certified California Bred recognition, youth educational activities and consumer outreach events throughout the state. As the association continues to grow, so does its ability to develop meaningful programming, strengthen industry connections and encourage the next generation to remain involved in California agriculture.

We'd like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who joined us in Modesto for the 2026 Annual Meeting. We are especially grateful to our Board of Directors, Junior Directors, volunteers, members and industry supporters whose dedication has helped make another year of growth and expanded opportunities possible.

Whether you are a producer, breeder, youth exhibitor, parent, industry partner or supporter, you are an important part of the California pork community. We look forward to another year of connecting, learning, growing and celebrating the people who make California's pork industry special.