October 2025

The National Pork Board and TN Pork Producers are proud to recognize 40 years of progress for people, pigs and the planet thanks to the vision and support of producers through the Pork Checkoff. The TN Pork Producers Association looks forward to celebrating 40 years at our January 8, 2026 Taste of Elegance for invited guests. We continue to promote our chefs who create new pork entrees and increase market appeal. The reception begins at 5:00 p.m. (CST) with the popular Bid for Auction immediately following.

In 1985, pork producers across the country came together with a shared vision: to create a more unified, forward-thinking pork industry. They voted to establish the Pork Checkoff to invest in their own future — to strengthen consumer trust, improve on-farm practices and ensure long-term sustainability. The legacy of producer leadership remains the foundation of the Pork Checkoff today.  

Producers led the development of some of the industry's most impactful programs, aligning with the Pork Act & Order mandate to support the industry with promotion, research and outreach. Through local efforts and state collaborations, producer voices have shaped initiatives like the Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) program. This began as a residue prevention program and evolved into a comprehensive focus on animal welfare, housing and transport.

“PQA Plus® and other industry training opportunities are great examples of how the Pork Checkoff responds to industry needs,” Spronk said. “Today we’ve also turned the page to be consumer-focused, focusing on meeting demands for safety, quality and flavor.”

Marketing efforts have evolved in the past 40 years to meet changing consumer habits. The latest campaign, Taste What Pork Can Do™, uses data-driven strategies to connect with younger generations through social media and digital spaces.

“We used to visit the grocery store and spent time searching for the right pork chops for dinner. I remember seeing pork ads in newspapers or in magazines,” James Mathis, President of TN Pork Producers said. “Today, to reach the next generation of consumers, social media is the market to be in.”

Our state association and producers are sharing the national message of Taste What Pork Can Do and bring this directly to producers and local consumers. That is where the story really connects — in our communities, at events and on our farms at the local level.

2025 was the Year of Pigs and Pork at the Wilson Co/TN State Fair. This provided a great opportunity to showcase our industry with the greater than 795,000 fair attendees. From the live sow and piglets, to the pork information displays, and numerous new pork items to enjoy at the fair, anywhere you looked a bit of the pork industry was found.

As the Pork Checkoff marks four decades of impact, its mission remains clear: to support producers who invest not only their resources but their time and leadership in driving the industry forward.