ORLANDO — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced new officers and elected members to its board of directors during the annual National Pork Industry Forum on March 10.

“The NPPC board of directors is a critical part of NPPC’s success,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC chief executive officer. “All of the easy problems have been solved, and it is the outstanding leaders on our board that guide this industry through the mountain of challenges we face.”

Scott Hays, fifth-generation pork producer from Monroe City, Mo., is replacing current NPPC President Terry Wolters, producer from Pipestone, Minn. Hays represents producers on state and national committees. He is a member of the Missouri Pork Association Board, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Agri-leaders of Tomorrow president, Missouri Farm Bureau, Monroe City FFA Alumni and Missouri Institute of Cooperatives.

Lori Stevermer, co-owner of Trail’s End Farm in Easton, Minn., was named NPPC president-elect. Stevermer has served on the executive board of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and is noted for her history advocating for the pork industry at the local, state and national levels, NPPC said.

Duane Stateler, a fourth-generation pork producer and owner of Stateler Family Farms, was elected vice president. Stateler is a member of the Ohio Pork Council Board and is active in Ohio Pork Council Committees.

Francis Forst of Missouri and Todd Marotz of Minnesota were elected as new members of the board. Bob Ivey of North Carolina and Dr. Jeremy Pittman of Virginia were each reelected to another three-year term. Jason Brester, vice president of pork procurement at Tyson Foods, was elected to a two-year term as the allied industry representative.

They join current directors Craig Andersen of South Dakota, Rob Brenneman of Iowa, Steve Malakowsky of Minnesota, Pat Hord of Ohio, Dwight Mogler of Iowa, Jeb Stevens of Indiana and Russ Vering of Nebraska.

For NPPC’s nominating committee, Adam Dohrman of Missouri and Adam Krause of South Dakota were elected to the panel to serve two-year terms.