FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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.
