Jay Archer to serve as president of NC Pork Council

Four new members elected to Board of Directors

Jay Archer, the newly elected president of the NC Pork Council, receives the gavel from outgoing president Jennifer Daniels.

RALEIGH (February 17, 2025) — Jay Archer of Tarboro, a sow farm manager with Smithfield Hog Production, has been elected to serve as president of the NC Pork Council Board of Directors. Josh Coombs of Clinton will serve as vice president; Lorenda Overman of Goldsboro will serve as secretary/treasurer; and Jennifer Daniels of Autryville will continue to provide leadership and guidance to the Board of Directors as past president.

“Jay grew up around the pork industry and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry,” said Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the NC Pork Council. “He has been a strong advocate for our farmers and I’m excited about the leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication he brings to our Board of Directors.”

Archer was raised on a family farm in Wayne County. After graduating from Wayne Community College with a degree in agribusiness, he worked with Maxwell Foods in North Carolina and then helped the company expand its operations in Indiana. He returned to North Carolina 14 years ago to work with Smithfield.

“I am excited about the year ahead and the opportunity to serve this industry that means so much to me,” Archer says. He is focused on getting more pork producers involved in advocating for the industry and attracting the next generation of hog farmers.

“Every farmer has a story to tell, but for too long we’ve let other people tell it for us. The truth is, much of what people believe about our industry just isn’t true,” Archer says. “When people learn where their food comes from, they appreciate the care and effort we put into raising pigs the right way.”

Four new members join NC Pork Council Board of Directors

Following elections in December 2024, four new members were elected to the Board of Directors:

·         District 1: Douglas Jones Jr., Greensboro

·         District 2: Rod Smith, Pink Hill

·         District 3: Dell Murphy, Wallace; Samantha Raynor, Beulaville

“We’re grateful for the commitment these individuals have made to help shape the future of North Carolina’s pork industry,” Lindsey said. “Their collective knowledge and passion will be invaluable as we advocate for our producers.”

About the North Carolina Pork Council

The NC Pork Council is the voice of North Carolina’s pork industry, advocating for the family farmers and industry partners who work hard every day to produce quality pork the right way — safely, responsibly, and sustainably. North Carolina is one of the top pork-producing states in the country, ranking third nationwide and contributing $10.8 billion to our state’s economy each year. Whether through advocacy, education, or community outreach, the NC Pork Council works to support responsible, smart farming practices and to ensure the continued success of the industry. Learn more at www.ncpork.org.