At the 2025 World Pork Expo, leaders from the National Pork Producers Council delivered a clear message: the pork industry’s future will be strengthened by a united, proactive approach to advocacy. During a live panel discussion and media briefing, NPPC leaders outlined how a comprehensive, coordinated strategy is delivering results for America’s pork producers.

From local legislation to global trade, the panel emphasized that challenges facing producers require alignment across all levels of policy influence—state, federal, international and corporate.

“NPPC’s number one priority is ensuring economic certainty and long-term sustainability for pork producers,” said Duane Stateler, NPPC president and Ohio pork producer. “Our advocacy is focused on defending the freedom to operate — and making sure every producer, regardless of size or location, has a voice.”

Joining Stateler were Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO, Maria C. Zieba, NPPC vice president of government affairs, and Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council, representing grassroots and state-level advocacy.

Humphreys spoke on the importance of persistence and bipartisan engagement in Washington. He emphasized the need for continued action to advance policy initiatives that provide certainty—such as fixing the patchwork of state-by-state confusion created by Proposition 12’s rules in California. He urged action through a farm bill or other moving legislation.

“Wins take time, and there is a lot of important work that happens behind the scenes,” Humphreys said. “Staying at the table — across administrations and political divides — is how we make lasting change.”

Zieba addressed domestic and international affairs, highlighting NPPC’s engagement in Washington, as well as the need for long-term focus on trade and continued participation in organizations that set global standards. Zieba highlighted the importance of opening pork market access to Vietnam.

“NPPC is persistent in our efforts to ensure producers have a voice in rooms where decisions are being made that impact their future,” said Zieba.

She also cited recent progress with USDA’s move to make higher plant processing line speeds permanent and securing registration renewals for more than 300 US pork facilities eligible to export to China—both key priorities for NPPC.

Deniz highlighted the significant role state associations play in shaping policy closest to the farm and helping to lead grassroots efforts.

“So much focus goes to Washington, but major decisions often start in state legislatures,” Deniz said. “We work closely with NPPC’s national team to maintain consistency and make sure producers are heard at every level.”

Source: National Pork Producers Council