Who We Are
Serving North Carolina's Pork Industry Since 1962
For more than 60 years, the North Carolina Pork Council has advocated for producers, supported research and education, and helped people better understand the role North Carolina pork plays in our state.
Promoting a Responsible & Profitable Industry
The North Carolina Pork Council exists to ensure that our state’s pork industry is socially responsible and profitable.
Today, we engage in public policy and advocacy, fund research and producer education, and deliver programs to help people better understand North Carolina pork.
North Carolina's pork industry is an economic powerhouse, generating more than $10.8 billion in economic output. For every job in pork production, 2.2 additional jobs are created, supporting 42,000+ total jobs statewide.
– NC Pork Council Impact Report
Chartered in 1962, the North Carolina Pork Council is the oldest state pork producer organization in the nation. Since our founding, we have operated under a mandatory checkoff funding system.
Established
1962
Our Commitment
Our Values
The people behind North Carolina pork share a commitment to doing things the right way.
- We provide safe, nutritious food.
- We care for animals and promote their well-being.
- We use natural resources responsibly.
- We support safe workplaces and ethical practices.
- We contribute to strong communities.
- We work to earn and maintain public trust.
The Evolution of the NC Pork Industry
1962
The Beginning
The NC Swine Industry Association was chartered as a North Carolina non-profit corporation.
1970s
Growing Influence
As the state’s pork industry became more established, the NC Pork Council broadened its work to support producers through education and advocacy.
1990s
National Leadership
North Carolina emerged as one of the leading pork producers in the nation.
1997
A Turning Point
A statewide moratorium on new swine farms took effect. Farmers focus on making continuous improvements to environmental practices.
Today
Looking Ahead
What We Do
The Work That Drives Our Mission
Every day, the North Carolina Pork Council works to strengthen our industry through advocacy, education, research and public engagement.
Public Policy & Advocacy
We represent producers and the industry's interests in public policy discussions at the local, state and federal levels.
Research Funding
We support research that helps producers address challenges related to animal health, food safety, waste management and environmental stewardship.
Producer Education
We connect producers with the latest information and expertise from veterinarians, researchers and industry professionals.
Consumer Outreach
We provide accurate information to help people better understand North Carolina pork production.
Meet the Staff
A small but dedicated team with deep experience and a shared passion for agriculture and the people behind it.
Roy Lee Lindsey
After living his entire life in Oklahoma and serving as Executive Director of Oklahoma Pork Council for 22 years, Roy Lee found his way to NC in 2021. He grew up on a small farm and has been integrally involved in agriculture ever since. As he puts it, our farmers “are good people out here trying to feed the world.” Beyond the office, he loves golf, darts, cooking, and a good glass of wine or bourbon.
Bailee Arnold
Caitlyn Randall
Todd Ellis
Katherine Dils
Board Officers
Josh Coombs
President
Reggie Strickland
Lorenda Overman
Jay Archer
Districts
- District 1 - Western & Piedmont NC
- District 2 - Central & Southeastern NC
- District 3 - Eastern NC & Coastal Plains
Board of Directors
The North Carolina Pork Council is governed by a Board of Directors made up primarily of pork producers from across the state, with additional perspectives from allied industries, meat processors and national pork leadership.
Non-voting members from NC State University, NC A&T State University, the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide additional expertise and guidance.
The Board includes 18 district directors who represent three regions of the state, along with appointed representatives from allied industries, meat processors, and national pork leadership. Elected members serve rotating three-year terms.
Industry
Industry Representatives
Dr. Sara Hough
Associate Representative – Dunn
Tommy Neese
Chad Herring
National Pork Board Director, Mount Olive
Neill Westerbeek
Academic Advisors
Ex Officio Members*
Representatives of N.C. A&T State University, N.C. State University, N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services serve as non-voting members of the board.
Dr. Ray McKinnie
NC A&T State University
Katie Williams
NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Marketing Division
Dr. Garey Fox
Dr. Gustavo Machado
Dr. Todd See
* The membership voted at the 2023 annual meeting to change the district structure and the allocation of board members among districts. Beginning with the elections for the 2024 Board of Directors, the state will be divided into three (3) districts. District 2 and 3 have been combined to make District 2. District 4 will change to District 3. All districts will be guaranteed three (3) elected directors with the remainder of the directors allocated in proportion to the hog population in each district as determined every five years by the USDA Census of Agriculture.
** The state officers and any individual from North Carolina serving in a national pork industry position serve as directors at large. Representatives of N.C. A&T State University, N.C. State University, N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services serve as non-voting members of the board.
Want to Learn More About NC Pork?
Investing in the Future
Programs & Initiatives
Investing in people is one of the most important ways we strengthen the future of North Carolina pork. Through scholarships, leadership development and mentorship, we help prepare the next generation of industry leaders.
Annual Scholarships
Each year, the North Carolina Pork Council provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in agriculture and the pork industry.
Pork Leadership Carolina
Created for producers and others who want to take a more active role in our industry, this program helps participants strengthen their leadership skills, engage with policymakers, and become more effective advocates for North Carolina pork. Offered every other year.
Emerging Pork Leaders Carolina
Designed for high school and college students, this program introduces career opportunities while building leadership skills through mentorship and professional development. Offered every other year.
Why Become a Member?
You already have a stake in the future of North Carolina pork. Membership gives you a voice in shaping it. Together, members support the advocacy, education and leadership programs that strengthen our industry and the communities we call home.