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Pork Leadership Institute taps 17 for 2025 class

The National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board are excited to announce the Class of 2025 for the Pork Leadership Institute, a premier program dedicated to equipping pork producers with the knowledge and skills to lead the industry into the future. This year, 17 exceptional individuals from across the country have been selected to join the program, representing a diverse group of leaders poised to drive innovation and advocacy within the pork sector.

The Class of 2025 includes:

  • Colorado – Jennifer Martin
  • Illinois – Andrew Erickson
  • Illinois – Randy Kuker
  • Indiana – Matt Paschen
  • Indiana – Tanner Smith
  • Iowa – Matt Thome
  • Iowa – Mikel Jones
  • Iowa – Nathan Nieuwendorp
  • Michigan – Forrest McKenzie
  • Mississippi – Alanna Paden
  • Missouri – Brian Gordon
  • North Carolina – Samantha Raynor
  • North Dakota – Nicholas Bundermann
  • Pennsylvania – Weston Specht
  • South Dakota – Dan Howell
  • Tennessee – Brian Strobel
  • Wisconsin – Bailey Fritsch

"As we step into 2025, ensuring the long-term success of America’s pork producers remains our priority," said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC’s CEO. "The Pork Leadership Institute equips participants with the tools and knowledge to advocate for their operations and the broader industry. These individuals are the future of pork production, serving as steadfast voices on the issues that matter most—from navigating legislative challenges to securing the freedom to operate. The graduates of this program will play a pivotal role in shaping a stronger, more resilient pork industry."

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New Solution Powers Efficient Pork Growth

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Alltech has introduced Olerix, an innovative phytogenic blend created to promote growth and feed efficiency in pigs. Through a proprietary coating process, the bioactive blend of phytogenic compounds used in Olerix is designed to outlast the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent outcomes from feed to finish. The result is a high-impact efficiency solution that provides consistent support for gut health, feed efficiency, immune function and growth performance. Olerix is backed by validated trials conducted under modern pork production conditions.

“As the industry searches for technology to drive profitability forward in a more sustainable manner, we’re thrilled to join that effort with our Olerix technology,” said Mark Hulsebus, general manager for U.S. pork at Alltech. “Our work in this phytogenic space is yielding very encouraging results, and we’re excited to make this new opportunity available to pork producers focused on optimizing feed efficiency and growth rates.”

“Olerix represents the next generation of phytogenic technology — combining feed efficiency, livability and immune support into a practical commercial solution producers can implement today,” said Andy Rash, U.S. monogastric director at Alltech.