The Pork Checkoff’s Board of Directors is now accepting nominations to fill five three-year terms. State pork producer associations, farm organizations or anyone who pays into the Pork Checkoff, which includes pig farmers and pork importers, may submit nominees.

Pork Act Delegates must rank a minimum of eight candidates before being sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for approval.

Serving on the National Pork Board is a great opportunity for producers to show their support of the industry, while helping to plan for a successful future. Any person who is a pork producer or importer and has paid all Checkoff assessments due, or is a representative of a producer or company that produces hogs and/or pigs, is eligible to serve on the National Pork Checkoff Board.

The 15 positions on the Checkoff board are held by pork producers or importers who volunteer their time. Seats to be elected in 2016 are currently held by:

Candidates are also being sought for three open positions on the Pork Board Nominating Committee. Those appointed to the nominating committee will fill two, two-year terms in 2016 and 2017 and one one-year term in 2017. The Pork Checkoff Nominating Committee will solicit, interview, evaluate and recommend candidates for the Board to the Pork Act Delegate Body at the National Pork Industry Forum.

The application deadline is Nov. 1, with interviews for each candidate to be held in Des Moines on Dec. 10-11. Direct application requests and questions to the National Pork Checkoff Board either by mail to 1776 NW 114th St., Clive, IA 50325, by telephone to Ashley Lowrey at 515-223-2600, or email [email protected]. More information and applications are available at www.pork.org/about-us/get-involved.

The National Pork Checkoff Board consists of 15 members, each serving a maximum of two three-year terms. The Pork Act requires that no fewer than 12 states be represented by the 15 Pork Board members.