Pork Showcased at the 110th PA Farm Show 

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January 17, 2026 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Suggested Caption: Senator McCormick holds a pig during his visit.

Pork Showcased at the 110th PA Farm Show 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork) celebrated a highly successful presence at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, held Saturday, January 10 through Saturday, January 17. With record-breaking attendance throughout the week, PA Pork welcomed thousands of visitors to its exhibit, engaging in meaningful conversations about pork production, animal care, nutrition, and the role of Pennsylvania pig farmers in feeding their communities. 

A highlight of the week was the arrival of 11 piglets born to the PA Pork sow, Truffles, offering Farm Show guests a firsthand look at modern pork production and animal care. The exhibit served as a hub for education and dialogue, supported by PA Pork staff, volunteers, and Pork Pod interns Avah Burke and Nathan Swope, who played a key role in visitor engagement and outreach. 

PA Pork’s exhibit attracted significant media attention, with numerous news interviews conducted throughout the week. On Thursday, January 15, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the PA Pork exhibit alongside Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson. During their visit, they spoke with PA Pork representatives about the importance of high-quality protein, agriculture education, and the pork industry’s contribution to Pennsylvania and the nation. On Saturday, January 17, Senator Dave McCormick toured through the Farm Show and stopped to visit the piglets.

Friday, January 16, marked Pork Day at the Farm Show’s Culinary Connections Stage, where pork took center stage through live cooking demonstrations and competitions. During the popular Bacon Is Just the Beginning contest, two chefs competed using pork collar as the featured cut. Chef Travis Mumma of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse was named the winner, competing against Chef Cody Pricket of the Hilton Harrisburg. 

Additional culinary demonstrations showcased the versatility of pork. Taste What Pork Can Do featured a Peach-Jalapeño Grilled Pork Tenderloin Salad prepared live for attendees. The team from Son of a Butcher demonstrated pork fabrication by breaking down a pork shoulder and transforming it into blueberry sausage. Students from the Community College of Philadelphia also went head-to-head, preparing bacon and bratwursts in a spirited culinary challenge. 

“The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues to be an invaluable opportunity for PA Pork to connect directly with consumers,” said Matt Brandt, Farm Show Committee Chair. “From meeting Truffles and her piglets to watching chefs and students bring pork to life on the Culinary Connections stage, this week allowed us to share the story of pork in an engaging, transparent, and meaningful way.” 

For further information regarding the PA Farm Show and PA Pork’s attendance please visit whypapork.com or follow us on Instagram @whypapork and Facebook under PA Pork.  

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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. 

Secretary Rollins Visits the Pennsylvania Farm Show 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 15, 2026 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Suggested Caption: Secretary Rollins hold a pig during her tour at the Pennsylvania Farm Show 

Secretary Rollins Visits the Pennsylvania Farm Show 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the Pennsylvania Farm Show today and stopped by the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork) booth to meet with members and learn more about the state’s pork industry. During her visit, PA Pork representatives thanked Secretary Rollins for her continued support of America’s pork producers and for encouraging the inclusion of high-quality proteins in the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

Secretary Rollins spoke with state pork leaders about the work that she has been doing to advocate for the industry. Members expressed appreciation for her advocacy on behalf of U.S. agriculture and her recognition of pork as a valuable part of a balanced diet. 

“We were honored to welcome Secretary Rollins to the PA Pork booth and share the story of Pennsylvania pig farmers,” said Courtney Gray, PA Pork Producers Council Executive Director. “Her support for high-quality protein sources in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is important for both consumers and farmers, and we appreciate her commitment to ensuring science-based nutrition guidance.” 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council is proud to represent the state’s pig farmers and to educate consumers about how pork is raised, its nutritional benefits, and the dedication of farm families who care for their animals every day. 

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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. 

Kolton Reasy selected for 2026 Pork Leaders Institute 

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January 7th, 2026 

Editors Note: Photo(s) Attached Suggested Caption: Kolton Reasy 2026 PLI  

Kolton Reasy selected for 2026 Pork Leaders Institute 

Kolton Reasy, a dedicated member of Pennsylvania’s swine industry, has been selected to join the 2026 class of the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI). Reasy grew up in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong interest in the pork industry through hands-on involvement in breeding and raising show pigs. That early experience sparked his passion for agriculture and led him to pursue a career in pork production. 

Reasy attended Delaware Valley University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a specialization in Livestock Science and Management. Following graduation, he was accepted into the Manager Trainee Program at Country View Family Farms, gaining comprehensive experience across all stages of pork production. He continues to advance within the company and currently serves as an Assistant Manager at one of Country View’s sow units. 

Reasy credits mentors Courtney Gray, Ben Barcovtch, and Sarah Lazar for their guidance and support throughout his career.  

Funded by the National Pork Board (NPB) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the Pork Leadership Institute is a premier leadership development program focused on preparing individuals to serve as effective voices for the U.S. pork industry. The program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the industry as a whole and equip them to step into leadership roles that represent pork producers at both the state and national levels. Many alumni of the program continue their involvement through service on state pork boards and national committees, with a significant portion of NPB and NPPC board members being PLI graduates. 

Through comprehensive education and hands-on experiences, PLI builds participant knowledge in key areas including public policy, trade, sustainability, animal health, and industry communications. In addition to technical learning, the program emphasizes leadership development and relationship-building, allowing participants to leave with a strong professional network and the skills needed to confidently advocate for the future of the pork industry. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to broaden my understanding of the pork industry beyond on-farm production and become more involved in leadership and advocacy efforts that support producers,” Reasy said. “PLI will allow me to gain valuable insight into policy development, consumer engagement, and industry initiatives, while building relationships with others who are committed to advancing U.S. pork production.” 

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.