Regional partnership aims to strengthen pork production and advocacy
Six state pork organizations have officially joined forces to create the Southeast Pork Alliance, a new regional partnership focused on supporting and strengthening the pork industry across the southeastern United States.
The Alliance was announced during the Southeast Summer Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. Founding members include the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, Tennessee Pork Producers Association, Mississippi Pork Producers Association, Alabama Pork Producers, Georgia Pork Producers Association, and the Florida Pork Improvement Group.
Although these organizations are working together under the Alliance, each state association will remain independent with its own leadership, membership, and governance structure. A Joint Council made up of representatives from each state will help guide regional efforts and collaboration.
The Alliance’s mission is to strengthen the pork industry through education, advocacy, innovation, and cooperation. Leaders say the partnership will help state organizations share resources, improve efficiency, and create greater opportunities for pork producers.
Katie Sherman serves as Chairwoman of the Southeast Pork Alliance, while Daniel Tubbs will serve as Vice Chairman. Together with council members from all six states, they will oversee the Alliance’s activities and future direction.
"I believe our greatest strength is each other. The Southeast Pork Alliance is about sharing resources, building relationships, and using our collective strengths to bring value back to the producers and state associations we serve while keeping our industry strong for the future," said Katie Sherman, Chairwoman of the Southeast Pork Alliance.
"The Southeast Pork Alliance isn't about building a bigger organization -- it's about building a smarter one. By sharing the talent and expertise of our people across state lines, we're maximizing human capital, eliminating unnecessary duplication, and delivering greater value to producers," said Niki Ellis, Executive Director of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association.
One major goal is to help state pork associations remain strong and sustainable through shared staffing, management support, and coordinated programs. The Alliance also plans to encourage leadership development and increase involvement from younger producers.
The organization sees significant opportunity in the Southeast, one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. States such as Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida continue to experience rapid population growth, increasing demand for food products, including pork.
"The Southeast Pork Alliance will benefit Kentucky producers and producers across the Southeast by creating a united front. This coalition of states will allow us to protect our entire region from unfair and unrealistic practices that threaten our ability to provide the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. Not only will this Alliance help protect our freedom to operate; it will also help drive pork consumption across the region," said Michael Williford, Vice President of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association.
He added, “Right now, large metropolitan school districts like Nashville and Chicago restrict or deny pork on school menus. It's our job as producers and farmer leaders to share the story of our product and promote pork as a healthy, lean source of protein for all. Kentucky Pork Producers is strong on its own, but being part of the Southeast Pork Alliance makes us even stronger.”
Industry leaders believe the Alliance will help producers reach new consumers, strengthen agricultural advocacy, and address challenges facing the pork sector. By working together, member organizations hope to promote pork consumption, support responsible farming practices, and ensure the industry remains competitive.
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