Pork Act Delegate Nominating Committee Letter

Dear Pork Act Delegate,

The National Pork Board Nominating committee is pleased to present the 2026 NPB candidates, who have undergone an intensive screening and interview process by the Nominating committee.

The Nominating committee has verified that all candidates meet the minimum requirements to serve on NPB. High-quality candidates ensure you will continue to have the opportunity to elect leadership that reflects the vision, talent, diversity and geographical balance offered by our industry.

Our Nominating committee recognizes the responsibility to judiciously allocate Checkoff dollars to the industry-led priorities that have been established. Thus, we value the variety of skill sets presented to you. We recognize that some candidates may have specialized skills, while others have broader perspectives. Our committee believes that we need both to have a truly diverse board that can serve the long-term commitments of building trust and adding value to U.S. pork production.

The Pork Act Delegate Body will present a ranked list of qualified pork producers to the secretary of agriculture, ranked in order of who you believe would do the best job in carrying out the mission of the Pork Checkoff. The Pork Act requires that no fewer than 12 states be represented on the National Pork Board. The Pork Order specifies that the USDA Secretary may satisfy the 12-state requirement by appointing nominees ranked by Pork Act delegates. The Delegate Body’s voting process ensures the 12-State Rule can be satisfied with your final slate of candidates to the secretary of agriculture.

Regardless of the Nominating committee work, you — the Pork Act Delegate Body — have an obligation under the Pork Act to evaluate each candidate. We are comfortable with the entire list of candidates presented.
Thank you to everyone who submitted applications for NPB. You provide the leadership to keep this organization focused on its mission of service to all U.S. pork producers into the future.

Sincerely,

NPB 2025-2026 Nominating Committee

Al Wulfekuhle, Iowa, Chair

Dustin Boler, Illinois

Joel DeRouchey, Kansas

Paul Knittle, Washington  

Nathan Schroeder, Ohio