The Pork Checkoff

08/28/2026

💡 In a recent New York Times article about cooking on a budget, pork stood out as an affordable, versatile choice that stretched across several meals.

Pork shoulder, bacon and chorizo were among the meats purchased, with one three-pound pork shoulder stretching into multiple meals, including carnitas and fried pork cutlets. It’s a real-world example of the affordability and versatility at the heart of the Taste What Pork Can Do® campaign.

Seeing these messages reflected in mainstream media is another sign that pork has a relevant story to tell consumers looking to make their grocery dollars go further without sacrificing variety or flavor.

See how pork made the most of the weekly grocery budget at the link below. 🧾

It’s not for everyone, but meal planning, sticking to the grocery list and not letting any leftovers go to waste made it possible for one recipe creator, but not easy.

08/27/2026

Producers have identified the swine health challenges that need greater industry-wide action. Now, the focus is making sure research dollars, expertise and projects are working together to address those priorities.

Recently at the National Swine Health Strategy Research Summit, researchers, funding organizations and industry leaders came together to identify research gaps and opportunities around National Swine Health Strategy priorities.

Why it matters: Better coordination can help reduce duplicated efforts, focus investments on the biggest knowledge gaps and keep practical, on-farm solutions at the center of future research.

The goal isn’t simply more research. It’s research that delivers tools and information producers can use to protect herd health.

Read the full article to see the research opportunities identified at the summit.

https://bit.ly/46bNMfr

08/21/2026

Pork Leadership Institute visits The Windy City 🏙️

During their most recent session, PLI participants visited four supermarkets in the Chicago area serving a range of consumers and communities. At Tony’s Fresh Market, the group learned more about NPB’s market growth efforts and how retailers are reaching Hispanic consumers. During the visits, they also saw firsthand how pork innovation, merchandising and product variety are showing up in the meatcase.

“I think the different items that are in these grocery stores and the different cultures that they represent is a really cool aspect to see within the pork industry. We work everyday to feed the world, and this is just a small glimpse of what the world actually eats.” - Emmalee Haege, 2026 PLI Member

Experiences like these help PLI participants understand the full pork supply chain and the opportunities that exist to grow demand for pork. Through this partnership with the National Pork Producers Council, NPB is proud to invest in PLI and the producers, veterinarians and industry professionals who will help lead the pork industry.

08/20/2026

📬 Stay connected with the latest from the Pork Checkoff.

Did you know NPB sends a weekly email packed with the latest industry updates for pork producers? Be the first to hear about:

Swine health updates
Market growth initiatives
Export insights
The latest articles and industry news
Resources and opportunities to help support your operation

💡 Sign up today at the link below and don’t miss on the latest stories, research and updates shaping the future of pork.

Stay connected with the latest insights, innovations and news from the National Pork Board.

08/04/2026

Welcome Sara Kennedy as NPB's Nutrition Intern this summer. 🍽️

Sara is dual majoring in Animal Science and Human Nutrition at Penn State University. She stays active on campus in the Dairy Science Club, working as Yearbook Editor, serving as the Show Manager for the 100th Spring Dairy Expo and presenting at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meetings.

Sara grew up on a small dairy farm in Pennsylvania as a seventh generation dairy farmer. She served as the Tioga County Dairy Princess in high school while assisting her family’s creamery and traveling for dairy cattle shows. Although having mostly a background in dairy, Sara is excited to dive into the pork industry this summer, working to connect dietitians and health professionals with the tools they need to successfully communicate about pork’s nutritional value.

After completing her undergraduate education, Sara plans to pursue her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences to obtain her credentials to be a Registered Dietitian. After, she aspires to work for a commodity organization and connect with consumers through education and promotion.

🐷 Let’s give a big welcome to Sara for joining this summer!

07/28/2026

Meet NPB’s summer Producer and State Engagement intern, Cody Messer. 🤝

Cody is working toward his undergraduate degree in Animal Science and International Agriculture at Iowa State University while starting an Ivy College Business Concurrent MBA program. He is actively involved in Block and Bridle, where he is continuing to expand his knowledge of the livestock industry. Cody grew up exhibiting and evaluating swine and cattle, competing on livestock judging teams, holding numerous leadership positions in FFA and 4-H, all while gaining hands-on experience in commercial swine production.

Through his experience, Cody has developed a strong understanding of the livestock industry and the role agriculture plays in feeding the world, making him the ideal person to connect directly with pork producers and state associations.

Upon graduating, Cody plans to utilize his passion for agriculture and supporting American farmers by pursuing a career working for a commodity organization.

🐷 Welcome, Cody, to this summer!

07/27/2026

Always moving, always improving.

On the farm, progress is made through the daily commitment to caring for pigs, people and the planet. At NPB, that same commitment drives our work every day. Not every step forward happens at full speed, but we're always moving.

Whether it's on the farm or across the industry, progress comes from showing up every day with purpose.

07/24/2026

How do we create more value from every pound of pork?

In his latest article, NPB CEO David Newman explores how growing demand isn't just about increasing volume, but creating greater value for every pound of pork produced. From evolving consumer expectations to industry collaboration, he shares why this mindset matters for the future of U.S. pork.

Read One More Pound: Believing We Can Grow Value and Volume at the link below.

https://bit.ly/4gSxtdR

NPB CEO David Newman asks U.S. pork producers to believe the industry can capitalize on growing value and volume.

07/22/2026

Behind everything we do is one purpose: supporting the people who raise pork.

That's our why.

07/21/2026

This summer, we're excited to welcome Brianna Stockwell as NPB's Sustainability Intern. 🌱

Brianna is pursuing a master's degree in Agricultural Education with a focus on Agricultural Communications at Iowa State University. She grew up in southwest Michigan on a small show pig and cattle operation and has spent years exhibiting livestock, competing in judging contests and serving in agricultural leadership roles through 4-H, FFA and collegiate organizations.

Her passion for agriculture and storytelling makes her a great fit for helping communicate the work pork producers do every day and the industry's commitment to continuous improvement.

After graduation, Brianna hopes to build a career in agricultural communications, marketing or industry relations where she can combine her passion for agriculture with opportunities to serve producers and strengthen the livestock industry.

🐷 Join us in welcoming Brianna to this summer!