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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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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Swaminathan Jayaraman, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, explains how integrated data systems can improve disease surveillance in swine production. He discusses combining diagnostics, animal movement data, production records, and spatial analytics to identify risks earlier and support proactive decision-making for PRRS, PED, and swine influenza. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Disease surveillance remains largely reactive because outbreaks are often confirmed only after transmission has already occurred across multiple connected production sites."

Meet the guest: Swaminathan Jayaraman / swamjay is a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. With academic training in management information systems and engineering, he focuses on integrating diagnostic, production, and movement data to improve disease surveillance and decision support in swine production systems. Listen to Swaminathan Jayaraman on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.