Report of the National Pork Board Nominating Committee
Report of the National Pork Board Nominating Committee
Report of the National Pork Board Nominating Committee
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<strong>Report</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
<strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong><br />
to <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Producers<br />
(<strong>Pork</strong> Act) Delegate Meeting<br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Industry Forum • <strong>Pork</strong> Act Delegate Session<br />
Phoenix, Arizona • March 3-5, 2011
Dear <strong>Pork</strong> Act Delegate:<br />
The <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> <strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> is pleased to present <strong>the</strong> candidates listed<br />
in this booklet. These candidates have all undergone an intensive screening and interviewing<br />
process by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong>. The <strong>Committee</strong> would like to extend a special thanks to<br />
all <strong>the</strong>se candidates who are willing to commit <strong>the</strong> time and effort to be involved in <strong>the</strong> election<br />
process. The high quality <strong>of</strong> candidates assures that you will continue to have <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
to elect <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> leadership that reflects <strong>the</strong> great vision, talent, diversity and geographical<br />
balance <strong>of</strong>fered by our industry.<br />
3<br />
The <strong>Committee</strong> considered <strong>the</strong> requirement that no less than 12 states be represented on <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>, and it does not believe that this presents a problem this year. As in every year, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Committee</strong> carefully followed a comprehensive set <strong>of</strong> protocols as it conducted its business to<br />
ensure an ethical and fair process that affords equal opportunity to every candidate.<br />
Ranking: Whe<strong>the</strong>r or not to rank candidates has generated considerable controversy over <strong>the</strong><br />
years. Ra<strong>the</strong>r than giving each candidate only one single overall score, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Board</strong> asked <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> to evaluate each candidate in <strong>the</strong> 5 essential components needed for<br />
<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> Member success:<br />
a. Industry Knowledge – Big picture<br />
b. <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> & Check<strong>of</strong>f knowledge, programs, ideas<br />
c. Leadership - Active involvement/experience<br />
d. Communications<br />
e. Attitude: Passion and commitment to <strong>the</strong> pork industry<br />
Regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> work, you who comprise <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Act Delegate Body have<br />
an obligation under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Act to thoroughly evaluate each candidate. We trust that this additional<br />
breakdown will assist you in making a more informed decision about who to support, based on which<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 5 essential components you believe is most important for quality service on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>. You<br />
can <strong>the</strong>n present a prioritized list <strong>of</strong> qualified pork producers to <strong>the</strong> Secretary <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, ranked in<br />
order <strong>of</strong> who you believe would do <strong>the</strong> best job in carrying out <strong>the</strong> check<strong>of</strong>f’s mission.<br />
Of course, <strong>the</strong> Secretary can appoint any 5 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 8 candidates – all are qualified. While we urge<br />
<strong>the</strong> Secretary will respect <strong>the</strong> wishes <strong>of</strong> delegates and appoint <strong>the</strong> top 5 nominees as <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
members in accord with Delegate ranking, we are comfortable that we have presented <strong>the</strong><br />
names <strong>of</strong> 8 quality pork producers who can serve our US pork industry well.<br />
Thank you to everyone who submitted an application for <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> <strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong>. You provide <strong>the</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> leadership to keep this<br />
organization focused on its mission <strong>of</strong> service to all US pork producers into <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
2010-2011 <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> <strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong>,<br />
Steve Weaver, CA, Chair<br />
Jan Archer, NC<br />
Kim Balfe, MN<br />
Karen Brewer, OK<br />
Jim Fisher, MO<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Hora, IA<br />
Brad Thornton, ID
4<br />
<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> Candidates: 2011 Analysis<br />
• The <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> consists <strong>of</strong> 15 members each serving a maximum <strong>of</strong> two, 3-year<br />
terms<br />
• In 2011 <strong>the</strong>re are vacancies for five (5) members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>: five, 3-year<br />
terms.<br />
• The <strong>Pork</strong> Act specifies that one and one-half names be submitted to USDA.<br />
• A minimum <strong>of</strong> eight (8) candidates must be ranked by <strong>Pork</strong> Act Delegates.<br />
• They must meet <strong>the</strong> 12-state requirement before being sent to <strong>the</strong> Secretary.<br />
• In July 2011 five (5) <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> members will be appointed by <strong>the</strong> Secretary <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />
from <strong>the</strong> list <strong>of</strong> 8 nominees elected by Delegates to serve 3-year terms.<br />
Seats to be elected in 2011 are currently held by:<br />
Roy Henry, KS Eligible for reelection to a 3-year term<br />
Conley Nelson, IA Eligible for reelection to a 3-year term<br />
Karen Richter, MN Eligible for reelection to a 3-year term<br />
Alan Wilhoite, IN Not eligible for reelection<br />
Brian Zimmerman, NE Not eligible for reelection<br />
12 State Rule:<br />
The <strong>Pork</strong> Act requires that no less than 12 states be represented by <strong>the</strong> 15 <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
members. At <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> election, <strong>the</strong> following ten (10) states will be represented<br />
by <strong>the</strong> 10 incumbent board members:<br />
Ohio, Randy Brown<br />
Missouri, Everett Forkner<br />
Oklahoma, Wathina Luthi<br />
Arkansas, Gene Nemechek<br />
Iowa, Derrick Sleezer<br />
Massachusetts, Lisa Colby<br />
South Dakota, Brad Greenway<br />
Illinois, Julie Maschh<strong>of</strong>f<br />
Michigan, Dale Norton<br />
Oregon, Steve Wuergler<br />
In order to meet <strong>the</strong> 12-state requirement, candidates from at least two (2) “new” states beyond<br />
<strong>the</strong>se ten (10) must be ranked in <strong>the</strong> top 5 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> eight (8) nominees sent to <strong>the</strong> Secretary <strong>of</strong><br />
Agriculture. No more than 3 duplicate states can be represented in <strong>the</strong> top 5 ranked candidates.<br />
In 2011 that will not be an issue, since <strong>the</strong>re is only one board member from a duplicate state.<br />
Since 7 <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> candidates are from new states, <strong>the</strong>re will NOT be a duplicate state issue this<br />
year. Delegates may rank <strong>the</strong> candidates in any order at all without triggering <strong>the</strong> duplicate state<br />
rule.
The 2011 Candidates for <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
5<br />
James Coates • Franklin, KY<br />
James Coates is <strong>the</strong> sow production manager for Tosh Farms, a farrow-t<strong>of</strong>inish<br />
operation that markets 450,000 hogs annually. Tosh <strong>Pork</strong> also grows<br />
corn, soy, wheat, barley and cotton on 10,000 acres.<br />
<strong>National</strong>ly, Coates serves on <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f’s Producer and State Relations<br />
<strong>Committee</strong> and is a 2009 graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Leadership Academy. At<br />
<strong>the</strong> state level he is <strong>the</strong> vice president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kentucky <strong>Pork</strong> Producers<br />
Association where he also serves on <strong>the</strong> Executive <strong>Board</strong> and Swine<br />
Welfare <strong>Committee</strong>.<br />
Coates believes that public perception <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pork industry is <strong>the</strong> number<br />
one issue day in and day out. Producers have to continually defend<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves regarding animal welfare, environment and antibiotic use. While<br />
<strong>the</strong>se issues have a direct effect on producers, consumers are receiving misinformation leading to<br />
fewer pork purchases. Secondly, he believes that if <strong>the</strong> pork industry is to remain viable in <strong>the</strong> future<br />
it is imperative to recruit young people to build upon <strong>the</strong> leadership we currently have.<br />
Coates feels that one <strong>of</strong> his strengths is communication and maintaining a positive employee<br />
work environment. He stands up for <strong>the</strong> industry day in and day out. He is seeking this position<br />
because it is important that producers continue to represent <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong> management <strong>of</strong><br />
Check<strong>of</strong>f dollars. <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> programs are crucial to <strong>the</strong> producers <strong>the</strong>y represent. Coates wants<br />
to help in <strong>the</strong> continued development and execution <strong>of</strong> such programs to benefit pork producers<br />
at all levels.<br />
Randy Curless • Wabash, IN<br />
Randy Curless is <strong>the</strong> owner and manager <strong>of</strong> Liberty Swine Farms. Liberty<br />
Swine Farms is a farrow-to-finish operation with 1,000 sows and markets<br />
23,000 hogs annually. Curless also raises corn and soybeans on 900 acres.<br />
<strong>National</strong>ly, Curless has served on <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f’s <strong>Pork</strong> Safety <strong>Committee</strong>. At<br />
<strong>the</strong> state level he is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Indiana <strong>Pork</strong> Producers Association<br />
and served as president in 2009. Locally he was a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wabash<br />
County <strong>Pork</strong> Producers from 1981-2003. He also is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wabash<br />
County Soil and Water District Advisory <strong>Board</strong> and is a past president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Wabash County Extension <strong>Board</strong>.<br />
Curless outlined three major issues facing <strong>the</strong> pork industry: 1) <strong>the</strong><br />
disconnect between <strong>the</strong> agriculture and <strong>the</strong> non-agriculture communities<br />
allowing groups like PETA and HSUS to get a large following in <strong>the</strong>ir efforts to regulate our industry;<br />
2) new environmental and animal welfare laws and regulations; 3) volatile market swings helping to<br />
fuel consolidation and hurting smaller farms access to capital funding.<br />
Curless says <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> should provide backing to state programs and do for states what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
cannot individually do for <strong>the</strong>mselves. Curless notes his biggest strength is his ability to listen and<br />
hold back comments and judgment until he has heard all <strong>the</strong> facts. He is passionate toward things<br />
he chooses to get involved with. He has opened his farm to many tours and open house events in an<br />
effort to stand up and defend <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry. His farm has a website and Facebook account<br />
where he reaches out and explains <strong>the</strong> pork industry. He is seeking this position to expand his<br />
knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> and Check<strong>of</strong>f programs, to bring new ideas to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Board</strong> and<br />
to continue to support <strong>the</strong> pork industry.
6<br />
Roy Henry • Longford, KS<br />
Roy Henry is owner <strong>of</strong> a farrow-to-finish hog operation. He is involved in<br />
marketing, oversight <strong>of</strong> maintenance and purchasing. Henrys LTD. has<br />
2,000 sows and markets 32,000 hogs per year. Henry also raises wheat,<br />
milo and soybeans on 900 acres.<br />
Henry is completing his first three-year term on <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>.<br />
He serves on <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f’s Environmental <strong>Committee</strong> and Budget<br />
<strong>Committee</strong>. He also has served on <strong>the</strong> Air Quality <strong>Committee</strong>, Animal<br />
Welfare <strong>Committee</strong>, Audit <strong>Committee</strong>, <strong>Pork</strong> Quality Solutions <strong>Committee</strong><br />
and <strong>Pork</strong> Safety <strong>Committee</strong>. At <strong>the</strong> state level, he is a past president <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Kansas <strong>Pork</strong> Association.<br />
Henry believes <strong>the</strong> major issues facing <strong>the</strong> pork industry include<br />
environmental issues, animal welfare issues and <strong>the</strong> image <strong>of</strong> pork. He also notes feeds costs<br />
and labor are becoming more important issues. He views <strong>the</strong> main goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> as helping producers stay competitive in a global market through research,<br />
promotion and education. He states all <strong>of</strong> this helps create an image that is positive for <strong>the</strong><br />
consumer, our customer.<br />
Henry notes he works well with o<strong>the</strong>rs because he tries to listen first and <strong>the</strong>n respond. As an<br />
Operation Main Street presenter he is standing up for <strong>the</strong> industry talking to civic groups and<br />
dieticians. He is seeking this position because <strong>the</strong> pork industry has been a positive economic<br />
benefit for rural America and he would like to see that opportunity for future generations.<br />
Janice Miller • Belden, NE<br />
Janice Miller is an owner <strong>of</strong> J Miller Farms LLC, a farrow-to-finish<br />
operation with 140 sows that markets 2,600 annually. She also raises<br />
corn, soybeans and alfalfa on 2,100 acres.<br />
<strong>National</strong>ly, Miller has served on <strong>the</strong> Plan <strong>of</strong> Work Taskforce and is a<br />
graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Leadership Academy. At <strong>the</strong> state level she is <strong>the</strong> Second<br />
Vice President for <strong>the</strong> Nebraska <strong>Pork</strong> Producers Association, is state<br />
director and serves on <strong>the</strong> Outreach <strong>Committee</strong>. Locally, she is a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cedar County <strong>Pork</strong> Producers and Cedar County Extension <strong>Board</strong>.<br />
Miller outlined three major issues facing <strong>the</strong> industry: 1) market access<br />
for all pork producers; 2) animal right groups; 3) public perception <strong>of</strong><br />
farming.<br />
Miller has a passion for <strong>the</strong> pork industry and wants to see it thrive in <strong>the</strong> future. She is willing<br />
to stand up and defend <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry by being involved in <strong>the</strong> working plan that <strong>the</strong><br />
Nebraska <strong>Pork</strong> Producers and o<strong>the</strong>r commodity organization will implement to take on <strong>the</strong><br />
challenge <strong>of</strong> animal rights groups targeting Nebraska. She is seeking this position to be a voice<br />
for <strong>the</strong> producers on a <strong>National</strong> level.
Henry E. Moore III • Clinton, NC<br />
Henry Moore owns and manages Bobcat Farms, LLC, a 5,300 farrow-to-wean<br />
and 8,800 head finishing facility used for gilt development and breeding.<br />
Bobcat Farms markets 115,000 hogs per year. The farm also includes a 200<br />
head cow/calf operation and 750 acres for hay and small grain.<br />
Moore has served one 3-year term on <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>. He serves on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Producer and State Relations, Producer Services and Trade <strong>Committee</strong>s.<br />
He served on <strong>the</strong> Environmental, Administrative and Audit <strong>Committee</strong>s. He<br />
is an Operation Main Street and OMS.2 speaker, a 2005 <strong>Pork</strong> Leadership<br />
Academy graduate and a 2006 <strong>National</strong> Environmental Steward winner.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> state level, he serves on <strong>the</strong> North Carolina <strong>Pork</strong> Council board <strong>of</strong><br />
directors and has served on <strong>the</strong> Executive <strong>Committee</strong>.<br />
Locally, Moore serves on numerous agricultural and community boards and associations.<br />
The major issue facing <strong>the</strong> pork industry today is pr<strong>of</strong>itability and <strong>the</strong> ability for producers to continue<br />
producing quality pork for global consumers, Moore states. The <strong>Pork</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f must be well prepared<br />
to adapt and change strategies as different issues arise. While financial issues have commanded<br />
our attention, animal welfare and environmental folks try to distort <strong>the</strong> industry image, noted Moore.<br />
Moore feels that one <strong>of</strong> his strengths is maintaining a positive attitude and considering all options<br />
before forming opinions or developing strategy. He cites <strong>the</strong> enormous recent financial challenges that<br />
have affected his family and most producers. He believes that perseverance through those difficult<br />
times has made him a better person and leader.<br />
Moore is willing to stand up and defend <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry. He has participated in numerous<br />
community outreach activities. Outside <strong>of</strong> his role on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>, he sends letters and emails to key<br />
influencers on a weekly basis. He is seeking a second term on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Board</strong> because he wants to see <strong>the</strong><br />
industry survive for future families, as well as his own.<br />
Conley Nelson • Algona, IA<br />
Conley Nelson is <strong>the</strong> general manager <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Murphy-Brown LLC<br />
Midwest operation with 75,000 sows and markets 3.4 million hogs a<br />
year. He also owns a 4,400 head wean-to-finish operation.<br />
<strong>National</strong>ly, Nelson is completing his first three-year term on <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>. He serves on <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f’s Domestic Marketing<br />
<strong>Committee</strong>, Trade <strong>Committee</strong> and Budget <strong>Committee</strong>. He has served on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Animal Welfare and Audit <strong>Committee</strong>s and is 2005 graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Pork</strong> Leadership Academy. At <strong>the</strong> state level, he serves on <strong>the</strong> Iowa <strong>Pork</strong><br />
Producers board <strong>of</strong> directors, and <strong>the</strong> finance, membership, leadership<br />
and animal well-being committees. He is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kossuth<br />
County <strong>Pork</strong> Producers and <strong>the</strong> Humboldt County Farm Bureau.<br />
Nelson outlined three issues facing <strong>the</strong> pork industry: 1) pulling toge<strong>the</strong>r all <strong>the</strong> agriculture<br />
groups to speak as one to promote trust and image; 2) stabilizing pr<strong>of</strong>itability in <strong>the</strong> industry<br />
through increased demand, not downsizing; 3) leveraging <strong>the</strong> limited dollars to keep productive<br />
research moving <strong>the</strong> industry forward.<br />
Nelson lists his strengths as creating a positive environment and getting people on <strong>the</strong> same<br />
page. He has had extensive experience in developing people and teams to operate at high levels<br />
with people working toge<strong>the</strong>r well. He is ready to stand up and defend <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry.<br />
He is an Operation Main Street speaker and conducts interviews with <strong>the</strong> media talking about<br />
<strong>the</strong> positives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pork industry. He is seeking this position because he believes <strong>the</strong> current<br />
vision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> is more focused and is hitting <strong>the</strong> critical needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industry<br />
and he wants to see that vision through with ano<strong>the</strong>r three-year term.<br />
7
8<br />
Karen Richter • Montgomery, MN<br />
Karen Richter owns a wean-to-finish operation with 600 hogs and<br />
contracts 3,000 gilts as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir feeder-to-finish operation. She also<br />
raises corn, soybean, and wheat on 550 acres.<br />
<strong>National</strong>ly, Richter is completing her first three-year term on <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong><br />
<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>. She chairs <strong>the</strong> <strong>Board</strong>’s Administrative <strong>Committee</strong> and serves<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f’s Animal Welfare and <strong>Pork</strong> Products <strong>Committee</strong>s. She<br />
has chaired <strong>the</strong> State and <strong>National</strong> Relations Taskforce and <strong>the</strong> 2009/10<br />
<strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong>. She has also served on <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f’s Audit and<br />
Resolutions <strong>Committee</strong>s. Richter served on <strong>the</strong> Minnesota <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
executive board where she held <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> president and secretary and<br />
was <strong>the</strong> chair <strong>of</strong> numerous committees. Locally, she is active in <strong>the</strong> Le<br />
Sueur County <strong>Pork</strong> Producers.<br />
Richter feels that operating freedom and pr<strong>of</strong>itability are <strong>the</strong> major issues facing <strong>the</strong> pork<br />
industry and is <strong>the</strong> main goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f and <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>. She notes that over <strong>the</strong><br />
past 25 years, our Check<strong>of</strong>f investment has been utilized to improve our product and to increase<br />
product demand both domestically and globally, to educate consumers, industry partners and<br />
producers, and to provide <strong>the</strong> scientific knowledge to continually make us better at what we do.<br />
Richter believes her strengths are her ability to look at all aspects <strong>of</strong> an issue, consider various<br />
perspectives, perception and outcomes, <strong>the</strong>n to make a decision and implement a plan. She is<br />
willing to stand up for <strong>the</strong> industry and first did so at county feedlot hearings (1995-1998). As a<br />
trained Operation Main Street presenter, she has worked diligently to support <strong>the</strong> pork industry’s<br />
practices and product throughout her local community, state and nationally.<br />
Glen Walters • Barnesville, GA<br />
Glen Walters is a partner in Walters Farms, a feeder pig-to-finish<br />
operation that markets 15,000 hogs annually. He also grazes cattle on<br />
450 acres <strong>of</strong> winter wheat and rye.<br />
<strong>National</strong>ly, Walters has served as <strong>Pork</strong> Act Delegate. At <strong>the</strong> state level he<br />
has served as vice president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Georgia <strong>Pork</strong> Producers Association<br />
and received <strong>the</strong> Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award in 2006.<br />
He also is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Georgia Agri-Leaders, Georgia Cattlemen’s<br />
Association and Georgia Army <strong>National</strong> Guard.<br />
Walters outlined three issues facing <strong>the</strong> industry: 1) Exports in <strong>the</strong><br />
global market capitalizing on <strong>the</strong> U.S. competitive advantage in<br />
pork production; 2) Effective marketing and consumer awareness<br />
communication; 3) Production/environmental research development using fewer natural<br />
resources. He also thinks that <strong>the</strong> main goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f and <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> is to<br />
prioritize <strong>the</strong> spending to create a collaborative industry that will maintain dominance in <strong>the</strong><br />
world market.<br />
Walters describes himself as analytical. He is not afraid to make tough decisions. In 2008, his<br />
family farm transitioned from 30 years <strong>of</strong> growing a 1,000 sow farrow-to-finish production site to<br />
contract feeding because <strong>of</strong> issues <strong>the</strong> pork industry is struggling to balance today. He is willing<br />
to stand up for <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry to talk to people about misconceptions <strong>of</strong> pork and <strong>the</strong><br />
production industry. He is seeking this position to serve an industry that has provided him with<br />
a comfortable, fulfilling lifestyle in which to raise his family.
Ranking <strong>of</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> Candidates by Category<br />
9<br />
Candidate Name<br />
(Listed<br />
Alphabetically)<br />
Industry<br />
Knowledge<br />
<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>/Check<strong>of</strong>f<br />
Knowledge<br />
Leadership<br />
Communication Attitude/Passion/<br />
Commitment<br />
Score † Rank Score † Rank Score † Rank Score † Rank Score † Rank<br />
James Coates, KY 7.92 5 6.64 6 8.57 8 8.35 4 8.28 6<br />
Randy Curless, IN 7.71 6 6.64 6 12.71 5 7.28 6 7.42 7<br />
Roy Henry, KS 8.14 4 8.21 4 14.85 4 7.57 5 8.57 4<br />
Jan Miller, NE 7.0 0 7 7.0 0 5 11.00 7 7.0 0 7 8.57 4<br />
Henry Moore, NC 9.00 2 9.50 1 15.00 3 9.00 1 9.07 3<br />
Conley Nelson, IA 9.21 1 9.28 2 15.42 2 8.71 2 9.28 2<br />
Karen Richter, MN 8.85 3 9.21 3 17.85 1 8.57 3 9.35 1<br />
Glen Walters, GA 7.0 0 7 6.42 8 12.71 5 6.42 8 7.42 7<br />
† Averaged.<br />
Criteria evaluated in each <strong>of</strong> 5 categories<br />
to assess level <strong>of</strong> relevant experience:<br />
1. Industry Knowledge – Big Picture (10 pts. max)<br />
a. Agriculture in General<br />
b. <strong>Pork</strong> production knowledge<br />
c. Global view/exports<br />
d. How US pork industry/chain works<br />
e. Structure <strong>of</strong> US pork industry<br />
2. <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>, Check<strong>of</strong>f Knowledge, programs,<br />
ideas (10 pts. max)<br />
a. <strong>Pork</strong> Act/Order general knowledge/<br />
awareness<br />
b. Limitations <strong>of</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Act, requirements on<br />
<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
c. Understanding <strong>of</strong> role <strong>of</strong> check<strong>of</strong>f<br />
d. Check<strong>of</strong>f vs. non-check<strong>of</strong>f sensitivity<br />
e. NPPC role vs. <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>; who served<br />
f. <strong>Pork</strong> Forum knowledge; role <strong>of</strong> Delegates<br />
g. Website awareness/<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> program<br />
knowledge<br />
3. Leadership - Active Involvement/Experience<br />
(20 pts. max)<br />
a. <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> – (4 pts max)<br />
b. <strong>Pork</strong>: State President, <strong>National</strong> <strong>Committee</strong><br />
chair (3 pts max)<br />
c. <strong>Pork</strong>: State <strong>Board</strong>, <strong>National</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> mbr.<br />
(3 pts max)<br />
d. O<strong>the</strong>r organization Nat. <strong>Committee</strong> or State<br />
Presidents (3 pts max)<br />
e. Local involvement: School, church, co-op,<br />
etc. (2 pts max)<br />
f. Discretionary pts for overall leadership (5<br />
pts max)<br />
4. Communications (10 pts. max)<br />
a. Effectively conveys his/her message<br />
b. Understands subject<br />
c. Good listener, provides feedback<br />
d. Provides good examples to clarify his/her<br />
meaning or intent<br />
e. Will find a way to have you understand his/<br />
her message<br />
5. Attitude: Passion and commitment to <strong>the</strong><br />
pork industry (10 pts. max)<br />
a. Positive proactive approach to industry<br />
issues<br />
b. Has taken initiative to address issues<br />
c. Enthusiastic about <strong>the</strong> industry<br />
d. Participates because <strong>the</strong>y want to, not<br />
because <strong>the</strong>ir state sent <strong>the</strong>m<br />
e. Has been, and is willing to continue to be a<br />
spokesperson for <strong>the</strong> pork industry<br />
f. Is willing to stand up and represent <strong>the</strong><br />
industry well, ei<strong>the</strong>r formally or informally
10<br />
The 2011 Nominees<br />
for <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> <strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong><br />
James Lamb • Clinton, NC<br />
James Lamb is contract grower with 3,040 wean-to-feed pigs and markets<br />
22,000 hogs annually. He raises Bermuda hay and millet grazed on 10 acres.<br />
He also works fulltime as an Environmental Specialist for Prestage Farms, Inc.<br />
Lamb is a graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f’s <strong>Pork</strong> Leadership Academy. He also is<br />
a North Carolina <strong>Pork</strong> Council board member.<br />
Lamb believes one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major issues facing <strong>the</strong> pork industry is high input<br />
costs. With <strong>the</strong> down economy, we can’t afford to pass <strong>the</strong> cost on to <strong>the</strong><br />
consumer and if we are not pr<strong>of</strong>itable, we can’t stay in business. The o<strong>the</strong>r issue facing <strong>the</strong> pork<br />
industry is <strong>the</strong> increasing age <strong>of</strong> today’s farmer. If farmer age increases along with demand,<br />
we will eventually run out <strong>of</strong> producers. He believes <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f and <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong><br />
<strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> is to assist producers in dealing with <strong>the</strong> impacts <strong>of</strong> high costs, educating producers,<br />
extending information to <strong>the</strong>m to help <strong>the</strong>m be most efficient in <strong>the</strong>ir operations, and providing<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r outreach to <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Lamb is willing to stand up for <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry. He cites as an example <strong>the</strong> interview he did<br />
<strong>the</strong> foreign press defending <strong>the</strong> pork industry after <strong>the</strong> H1N1 scare.<br />
Dwight Potter • Cedar City, UT<br />
Dwight Potter is <strong>the</strong> general manager <strong>of</strong> Circle Four Farms and Murphy<br />
Brown Yuma Colorado, which has 100,000 sows and markets 1,300,000 hogs<br />
annually.<br />
Potter is <strong>the</strong> president elect for <strong>the</strong> Utah <strong>Pork</strong> Producers Association and serves<br />
on <strong>the</strong> board <strong>of</strong> directors. He is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Utah Farm Bureau and <strong>the</strong><br />
American Institute <strong>of</strong> CPA’s.<br />
Potter identified three issues that are facing <strong>the</strong> industry. The first issue is<br />
costs. The volatility in corn and o<strong>the</strong>r ingredient prices have significantly hurt <strong>the</strong> industry in <strong>the</strong><br />
last few years. Secondly, <strong>the</strong> demand and market value in an era <strong>of</strong> increasing costs is an issue.<br />
And lastly, environmental, animal welfare and human health (antibiotics) concerns, especially<br />
educating <strong>the</strong> public on <strong>the</strong> good that we are doing and <strong>the</strong> myths that are out <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
Potter is willing to stand up and defend <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry. He recently worked with Utah<br />
producers to produce over 3,200 comments on GIPSA.
John Rauser • Toston, MT<br />
John Rauser is <strong>the</strong> owner <strong>of</strong> Rauser Durocs a farrow-to-finish and seedstock<br />
operation with 21 sows and markets 300 hogs annually.<br />
<strong>National</strong>ly, Rauser has served as a <strong>Pork</strong> Act Delegate for 14 years. At <strong>the</strong> state<br />
level he served as president and vice president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Montana <strong>Pork</strong> Producers<br />
Council and served on <strong>the</strong> Executive <strong>Board</strong>. Locally, he has been a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Broadwater County Rural Fire District <strong>Board</strong> for 10 years, <strong>the</strong> Montana<br />
Bankers Association for 10 years, and 4-H leader for 14 years.<br />
Rauser believes that pr<strong>of</strong>itability is <strong>the</strong> most important issue facing <strong>the</strong> pork industry followed<br />
by industry image, animal welfare, pork promotion and environment. He thinks <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Check<strong>of</strong>f and <strong>the</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong> should be to promote <strong>the</strong> pork industry via <strong>the</strong> organization’s<br />
mission and strategic plan <strong>of</strong> work while following <strong>the</strong> Act and <strong>the</strong> Order. He also notes one also<br />
needs to understand that if <strong>the</strong> strategic plan is not working, it needs to be re-evaluated to optimize<br />
<strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> Check<strong>of</strong>f dollars.<br />
Rauser is willing to stand up for <strong>the</strong> U.S. pork industry. He believes it is very important that <strong>the</strong><br />
people <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States understand and realize that pork producers are an integral part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
entire agriculture industry.<br />
11<br />
Ranking <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Nominating</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Candidates by Category<br />
Candidate Name Industry <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Board</strong>/Check<strong>of</strong>f<br />
Attitude/Passion/<br />
Leadership Communication<br />
(Listed Knowledge Knowledge<br />
Commitment<br />
Alphabetically) Score † Rank Score † Rank Score † Rank Score † Rank Score † Rank<br />
James Lamb, NC 7.92 2 7.42 2 9.35 3 7.64 2 8.71 1<br />
Dwight Potter, UT 8.21 1 6.42 3 10.85 2 8.42 1 7.71 3<br />
John Rauser, MT 7.28 3 7.71 1 11.42 1 7.57 3 8.14 2<br />
† Averaged.