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Pennsylvania Pork Industry Leaders Attend the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 6, 2026 

Editors Note: Photo Attached; From left to right: Kurt Good, Aaron Ott, Matt Brandt, Jim Lee, Ben Barcovtch, Coleman Wagner, Nat Stas.  

Pennsylvania Pork Industry Leaders Attend the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum 

The 2026 National Pork Industry Forum was held March 4–6 in Kansas City, Missouri. The annual event is hosted by the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council and brings together pork producers and industry leaders from across the country to discuss important issues shaping the future of the pork industry. 

Pork Forum provides an opportunity for industry members to collaborate on priorities impacting pork production. Throughout the event, producers participate in educational sessions, discuss challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and vote on policy resolutions while also electing national leadership. 

Pennsylvania was represented this year with seven members in attendance.  

  • Ben Barcovtch, Matt Brandt, Nat Stas, Aaron Ott, and Coleman Wagner (serving as an alternate) served as National Pork Board Representatives on behalf of Pennsylvania.  
  • Representing Pennsylvania as National Pork Producers Council candidates were Aaron Ott, Jim Lee, Ben Barcovtch, Matt Brandt, and Kurt Good.  

For more information on the PA Pork Producers Council and how to get involved, please contact Courtney Gray, cgray@papork.com or visit www.papork.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. 

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Weston Spect- PLI 2025

Weston Spect, has recently been selected to join the 2025 class for the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI). Weston grew up on a small horse farm in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and raising fair pigs. He attended Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science.

After graduation, Weston began his career in feed sales before joining Country View Family Farms. Over the past two years, he has advanced through their Manager Trainee Program and is now the Farrowing Lead at a 5,500-head Prop 12-compliant farm.

Weston credits mentors at Country View Family Farms, for fostering his growth, stating, “The knowledge and support from my colleagues have been invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to learn from a team that prioritizes continuous improvement and innovative problem-solving.”

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected for PLI,” Spect shared. “The program offers a unique opportunity to meet industry professionals from across the country, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives that I can bring back to my farm and community.”

As Weston embarks on this journey, he reflects on his growing passion for pork production. “I never imagined how rewarding this industry could be. It’s incredible to walk into a grocery store and see a product you’ve worked hard to produce on the shelf. I encourage young adults to step out of their comfort zones and explore a career in the pork industry—it’s a truly fulfilling experience.”