FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 24, 2025 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Weis Markets recipe of a Spicy Asian Ground Pork Burger 

PA Pork Strengthens Retail Partnerships with Weis Markets and Allegiance Retail Services 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork), continues to build strong retail connections through strategic collaborations with Weis Markets and Allegiance Retail Services, reaching thousands of consumers with engaging, educational content promoting fresh pork. 

In September, PA Pork teamed up with Weis Markets for a social-media campaign featuring registered dietitian Kimberly Varner, RD, who shared simple, flavorful pork recipes that inspire confidence in the kitchen. The campaign’s videos, featured on Weis’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages, generated significant viewership. 

To encourage trial and engagement, Weis hosted a $25 gift-card giveaway and distributed pork coupons through social media and Penn State tailgate prize packs. Weis Quality Ground Pork saw notable increases in month-over-month and year-over-year sales Compared to the month prior to the promotion: 23% increase in sales and 21% increase in units sold. Year over year for the month of September: 103% increase in sales and 55% increase in units sold 

The partnership extends beyond Weis through PA Pork’s collaboration with Allegiance Retail Services, a cooperative serving independent supermarkets across the Northeast. Through a custom recipe, email blast, and a cooking class, the Allegiance partnership helps highlight pork’s versatility and nutritional value at member stores including Foodtown, Brooklyn Harvest and Fresh Grocer. 

The video shorts and longer-format content illustrate this multi-channel approach: 

• Short video 1 – Weis Markets partnership  

• Short video 2 – Allegiance partnership 

• Video – “Trim & Tasty Protein – Cooking with Lean Pork!”—featuring a cooking class with a registered dietitian teaching about lean pork’s benefits.  

• Video – “Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Fall Vegetables” —demonstrating a recipe that pairs pork with fall produce for a nutritious meal.  

Together with its retail partners, PA Pork continues to strengthen the connection between farmers, retailers and consumers, ensuring pork remains a trusted and loved protein across Pennsylvania and beyond. 

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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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 1, 2025 

Editors Note: Photo Attached; PA Pork Sponsored swag for locker rooms.  

PA Pork Highlights “Taste What Pork Can Do” Campaign at State Farm Volleyball Classic 
 

Pittsburgh, PA -The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork) proudly wrapped up its sponsorship of the State Farm Volleyball Classic, where pork took center stage in fueling athletes and engaging fans throughout the weekend. 
 
As part of practice day activities on Saturday, August 30, all participating teams were treated to a pork lunch, emphasizing pork’s role as a lean, high-quality protein that supports performance, strength, and recovery. 
 
Participating teams also received “Taste What Pork Can Do” branded giveaways, including phone charging cords, stickers, and volleyball socks, connecting athletes with pork in a fun and memorable way. 
 
Throughout the tournament, fans experienced the “Taste What Pork Can Do” campaign across the stadium concourse and on the jumbotron, where they learned more about the important role pork plays in a balanced diet. 
  

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 1, 2025 

Editors Note: Photo Attached; PA Pork represented at Pittsburgh Ribfest. L:R –  Ben Barcovtch, Jaylen Warren, and Chris Hoffman.  

PA Pork Celebrates Successful Weekend at Pittsburgh Rib Festival 

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork) celebrated the Rib Fest at Acrisure Stadium. Thousands of attendees enjoyed world-class barbecue, live entertainment, and the chance to connect with local pig farmers and rib fanatics. 
 
A highlight of the festival was the opportunity for fans to meet Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Jaylen Warren at the PA Pork booth. Warren’s appearance drew enthusiastic crowds and added to the energy of an already vibrant weekend. Warren is a proud supporter of pork in his diet, recognizing its dynamic protein makeup.  
 
PA Pork also had the honor of serving as the official sponsor of the Pittmaster Awards, which recognized the top pitmasters and their outstanding barbecue creations. The awards celebrated the hard work, creativity, and dedication of the competitors who make Ribfest a summer favorite year after year. 
 
2025 Pittmaster Award Winners 
Best Ribs: Off the Bone 
Best Sauce: After Hours 

“We were proud to be part of such a signature event in Pittsburgh,” said Katelyn Fessler of the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council. “From celebrating the skill of pitmasters to giving fans the chance to meet Jaylen Warren, this weekend was all about bringing people together around pork and community.” 
 
PA Pork’s presence at Ribfest highlights its ongoing mission to connect with consumers, support pork producers across Pennsylvania, and showcase the versatility and value of pork. 
 

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 25, 2025 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Emerging Leaders Group at Pik Rite in Lewisburg, PA. 

PA Pork Producers Council Hosts Emerging Leaders for Summer Program in Lewisburg 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council welcomed its 2025 Emerging Leaders class to Lewisburg on July 25^th, for a summer event focused on expanding knowledge of the pork industry and its allied sectors. 

The day began with a presentation from Kevin Sheehan, Senior Director of Processor Engagement at the National Pork Board. His session, titled Packer 101, offered attendees an inside look at the pork processing sector, highlighting how pork products move from farms to consumers and the vital role packers play in the supply chain. 

The class then heard from Nat Stas, Technical Services Director at Pig Improvement Company (PIC) and a board member of the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council. Nat shared his expertise on swine genetics, explaining how genetics influence multiple aspects of pork production—including feed efficiency, animal health, and overall product quality. 

To conclude the day, the group toured Pik Rite, a manufacturing company based in Lewisburg specializing in agricultural equipment. The Emerging Leaders learned about Pik Rite’s history, future business plans, and experienced a comprehensive tour of the facility—from initial fabrication in the warehouse to the final assembly of spreaders and trucks ready for delivery. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Kevin Sheehan, Nat Stas, and the team at Pik Rite for taking the time to speak with our Emerging Leaders,” said Katelyn Fessler, communications specialist. “These experiences provide invaluable insight into the diverse sectors that support pig farming in Pennsylvania and beyond.” 

The Emerging Leaders program, coordinated by the PA Pork Producers Council, aims to develop the next generation of advocates and professionals in the pork industry through hands-on learning, leadership development, and industry networking. 

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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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 20, 2025 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Suggested Caption: Attendees of the Meat Me event enjoy a meal together after preparing pork dishes during the hands-on culinary experience.

“Meat Me in the Kitchen”- NJAND 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council, in partnership with the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI), a subcontractor to the Beef Checkoff, and the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, hosted its first-ever “Meat Me in the Kitchen” Culinary Masterclass on Tuesday evening, May 20th at Ninety Acres Cooking School in Peapack, New Jersey. 

The event welcomed an exclusive audience of New Jersey-based registered dietitian nutritionists from a variety of specialty areas for a hands-on culinary workshop designed to highlight the versatility and nutritional value of pork and beef. Attendees worked in groups under the direction of the Ninety Acres culinary team to prepare and enjoy two featured recipes: Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Pecan Mustard Sauce and Beef Filet Steak with Roquefort Rosemary Sauce. 

In addition to the cooking experience, attendees engaged in a lively discussion about pork and beef’s role in a balanced diet. This was conducted through an “icebreaker” style activity where participants were asked a question and had to reflect upon their perceptions and experiences. Representatives from the PA Pork Producers Council and NEBPI were on hand to answer questions, share insights and facilitate the conversation. 

PA Pork Producers Council would like to thank NEBPI and the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for their collaboration in making this event a success. The “Meat Me in the Kitchen Culinary Masterclass marks a continued effort to build trust in animal agriculture and create engaging educational experiences that connect nutrition and health professionals with the people and processes behind their food. 

 Follow along as we promote pork and pig farmers throughout the year on Facebook and Instagram or on our website www.whypapork.com.  

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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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 21, 2025 

Editors Note: Photo(s) Attached Suggested Caption: PPPC attends the Keystone Pork Expo 

2025 Keystone Pork Expo 

The 2025 Penn Ag Expo, held on Tuesday, March 18, brought together over 645 industry professionals, producers, and experts for a day of learning, networking, and innovation in the agricultural industry. The PA Pork Producers Council hosted  the Keystone Pork Expo sessions.  

Dr. Melissa Billing from Boehringer Ingelheim kicked off the keynote sessions with valuable insights into animal health advancements. Dr. Meghann Pierdon from Penn Vet followed with a comprehensive update on GIS and swine health, highlighting the latest data and trends shaping the industry. Dr. Billings and Dr. Pierdon both discussed the new PRRS task force that has been put together by the National Pork Board.  Courtney Gray, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council, shared updates on the council’s ongoing initiatives, emphasizing efforts to support consumer education.  

Rick Smith from the National Pork Board introduced an exciting new consumer campaign set to launch in early May. This initiative aims to connect younger generations with the diverse flavors profiles that pork has to offer. Over the past 18 months the National Pork Board has worked to categorize consumers into 7 segments to better understand their buying habits as they prepare for the launch. Stephanie Carlson from the National Pork Producers Council closed the morning session with an overview of the industry’s recent challenges and successes, as well as insights into working with the new administration in Washington, D.C. Carlson noted that recently, they had a large win when Secretary Rollins made the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) permanent.  

In the afternoon, Dr. Meghann Pierdon led a Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) training session, offering producers the opportunity to renew their certifications and stay up to date with best practices in pork production.  

Throughout the day, attendees had the chance to explore the trade show, where they engaged with industry partners, networked with fellow producers, and discovered the latest advancements in pork production and management. 

“The Keystone Pork Expo continues to serve as a vital event for Pennsylvania’s pork producers, providing them with the tools, education, and connections needed to succeed in today’s evolving industry,” said Courtney Gray. “We’re grateful for the support of our speakers, exhibitors, and attendees who make this event a success 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.