Biography
Heidi Flory co-owns a 4,800-head nursery, a Hereford cow/calf operation and manages more than 50 tons of hay annually. She embodies diversified experiences with her farm, consumer and science in the classroom priorities, and her role at Penn State College of Medicine. Her influence with Princess and the Pig Farmer on social media and former Pennsylvania Elite Ms. United States Agriculture and Pennsylvania Miss Agriculture Advocacy Ambassador are a few examples of advocation.
In addition to project management and grant and contract writing skills, her resume of education and specialized experience is vast, including a master’s in professional studies in Homeland Security: Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense; Animal and Poultry Welfare Officer; Preventive Controls Qualified Individual; and FEMA Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness and Community Planning, among others.
Nominating Committee Comments
National Pork Board and Industry Knowledge
Flory is a 2022 Pork Leadership Institute graduate, where she received comprehensive training from both the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council. This curriculum outlines the collaborative and singular responsibilities of both organizations to develop professionals to serve the industry as spokespeople. She recognizes the industry’s goal of bringing groups together for the producer-developed priorities.
Leadership, Communication, Attitude and Passion
Flory is skilled in listening and reading a room, which is vital for a 15-person board and can help her identify when to speak up and how she can help a board gain understanding.
She interacts with consumers with Farm Family Table, a unique initiative she started during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring local foods to consumers. She also has a presence on social media (Princess and the Pig Farmer) and is passionate about advocacy for agriculture with high school and youth programs.