NPPC Hosts Pork Action Group Meeting for Top Producers

Dec 18, 2023

The country’s top pork producers convened at the National Pork Producers Council's (NPPC) annual Pork Action Group (PAG) meeting in Marco Island, Fla., on Dec. 13-15. The event provided a platform for insightful discussions on critical issues within the industry, featuring expert insights on retailer and foodservice dynamics, as well as the continuing challenges facing the industry throughout the value chain.

Distinguished speakers included the Animal Ag Alliance President and CEO Hannah Thompson-Weeman, C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. Corporate Manager of Perishable Meat Purchasing Jay Pooler, and Bryan Valladares, director of sustainability for Darden Restaurant Group, one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies, which owns Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and many others.

NPPC Vice President of International Affairs Maria C. Zieba moderated a panel on international trade with updates from former deputy U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Rufus Yerxa, who now is senior adviser with McLarty Associates; and former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative of Agricultural Affairs Sharon Bomer, principal and founder of AgTrade Strategies. Brett Stuart, Founder and President of Global AgriTrends spoke about trends and issues in global red meat trade and policy.

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner (R-OH) and retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral William McRaven, a Navy SEAL renowned for his inspirational commencement speech about making your bed — “If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right” — delivered captivating keynote addresses.

Why it Matters
The annual Pork Action Group conference brings together the diverse components of the pork industry value chain. This forum provides a unique platform for industry leaders to engage with nationally renowned experts on the pressing issues and challenges confronting the U.S. pork industry, creating an environment where collective wisdom can drive impactful solutions.

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Video: What Drives Pork Eating Quality - Dr. Ben Bohrer

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ben Bohrer from The Ohio State University discusses what shapes consumer experience with pork. He explains why juiciness and flavor matter, how stunning and chilling affect pork quality, what consumer research reveals about pork chops, and why education and guidance on pork preparation are critical to improving demand. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Consumer education may be one of the pork industry’s biggest opportunities to improve eating experience."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ben Bohrer / ben-bohrer-57b35bb2 is an Associate Professor of Meat Science and Muscle Biology at The Ohio State University and Owner/Operator of Meat Science Solutions, LLC. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his M.S. and B.S. from The Ohio State University. His work connects animal science, food science, meat quality, processed meats, and consumer eating experience. Learn more from Dr. Ben Bohrer on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.