California Represented at the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum

Each year, pork producers and industry leaders from across the country gather for the National Pork Industry Forum. The 2026 National Pork Industry Forum, held in Kansas City, Missouri, brought together representatives from state pork associations and national organizations to participate in meetings, educational sessions, and governance activities for both National Pork Board (NPB) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

California was proud to have five representatives attending and contributing to the national conversation on behalf of our state’s producers and industry partners.

Representing the California Pork Producers Association were President Jared Lamle and Vice President Russell McKeith, both served as National Pork Board Delegates during the Forum. In this role, they participated in key delegate sessions such as state caucuses for National candidates, advisements brought to the National Pork Board as well as voting on the 2026 National Pork Board of Candidates.

Director Shelby Sopocy attended the Forum as a National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Delegate, participating in discussions surrounding advocacy efforts, policy development, and industry challenges facing pork producers across the United States.

Director Morgan Wonderly also attended, currently serving as a Director on the National Pork Board. In this leadership role, Morgan works alongside fellow board members from across the country to guide how Pork Checkoff funds are invested in areas such as research, promotion, and consumer education. At this year’s Forum, Morgan once again stood for reappointment to the National Pork Board and will await the final board appointments made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins later this year.

Executive Director Mackenzie Bressler also attended the Forum, supporting California’s delegation and engaging with industry leaders and state organizations from across the country to bring insights and information back to California producers.

Beyond the formal meetings and governance sessions, Forum also provided an opportunity for California’s representatives to connect with fellow pork producers from across the country. From family operations to large-scale production systems, these conversations allowed producers to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas that strengthen the entire industry.

Throughout the Forum, industry leaders discussed key issues shaping the future of pork production, including animal health and biosecurity, protecting our producers freedom to operate, strengthening domestic and international demand for pork, and ongoing policy and regulatory challenges impacting producers. These conversations help guide the strategic priorities of national organizations and ensure producers across the country remain aligned in advancing a strong and resilient pork industry.

Our states representation at this year’s event reflects the continued commitment of our state’s producers and leaders to staying engaged, informed, and involved in national discussions that impact pork production.

Events like National Pork Industry Forum rely on strong state participation and leadership. Producers interested in representing California at future National Pork Industry Forums are encouraged to watch for CPPA’s call for interested delegates in the coming months or reach out to Executive Director Mackenzie Bressler for more information.