FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2026
Editors Note: Photo(s) Attached Suggested Caption: Neal Hull speaks at Keystone Pork Expo
2026 Keystone Pork Expo
The 2026 Penn Ag Expo, held on Tuesday, April 2, welcomed over 600 producers, and industry professionals for a full day of education, networking, and collaborating across Pennsylvania agriculture. The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council once again hosted the Keystone Pork Expo sessions, delivering timely updates for producers across the state.
Dr. Melissa Billings of Boehringer Ingelheim opened the keynote sessions with updates on animal health advancements impactingpork production. Dr. Meghann Pierdon from Penn Vet followed with a detailed overview of GIS and swine health, highlighting emerging data and trends shaping herd management.
Courtney Gray, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council, provided a review of the efforts out forth by the PPPC board throughout the past year. Gray highlighted the efforts surrounding National Pork Boards campaign, Taste What Pork Can Do and how it is being utilized in the state of Pennsylvania.
Neal Hull of the National Pork Board highlighted how the Taste What Pork Can Do campaign has proven to be resonating with consumers across the nation. Hull spoke on the increases in sales as well as the changes in perspectives that have been made from packers and processors as they move more pork. Mykenzie Darg from the National Pork Producers Council concluded the morning session with updates on policy priorities, industry challenges, and engagement with the current administration in Washington, D.C.Darg also shared about the Pork Industry Immersion program that she is currently a part of. Through the Immersion program, Darghas had the opportunity to spend 8 months working at the National Pork Board, is now in her 8-month rotation at the National Pork Producers Council and will continue to Oklahoma Pork to spend 8 months. Darg is the third participant of this program.
Throughout the day, attendees explored the trade show floor, connecting with industry partners, discovering new technologies, and strengthening relationships within the pork community.
“The Keystone Pork Expo remains an essential event for Pennsylvania pork producers, providing new connections and keeping them up to date on the work being done across the state and nation,” said Gray. “We are grateful for the speakers and participants who continue to invest in the future of Pennsylvania pork production each year.”
To learn more about the PA Pork Producers Council visit www.whypapork.com or follow along on social media @whypapork.
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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) administers the Pork Checkoff on behalf of the state’s nearly 3,000 pig farmers. PPPC acts as a steward for Pork Checkoff funds at the state level and is charged with executing specific programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. No funds may be used for lobbying or to influence government policy. Checkoff-funded promotions are designed to increase domestic pork sales through consumer, retail and food service outreach. Additionally, Checkoff-funded research is administered in all areas of pork production, processing and human nutrition to develop a higher quality, more profitable and innovative product in the competitive meat protein market.
