"Our annual Plan of Work meeting has become an important tradition in ensuring that we are investing Pork Checkoff dollars in a manner that meets the needs of pork producers and captures opportunity for the pork industry," said Karen Richter, board president.

"We do have fewer dollars to work with this year, but I'm excited about the innovative and aggressive programs that our team has put together. With nearly 40 pork producers taking part in this year's Plan of Work meeting, we look forward to a great discussion regarding how the Checkoff can best help producers meet the challenges of the coming year."

The agenda for the board meeting includes a focus on the 2014 budget, a report on the summer domestic marketing campaign, a briefing on recent communication initiatives, and an update on Pork Checkoff Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus research and education. Meetings of the National Pork Board are open to the public. Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Jamie Lowrey at [email protected], or (515) 223-2600.

Deadline for 2014 Board Member Nominations Changed to November 1, 2013

The Pork Checkoff's Board of Directors is now accepting nominations to fill five, three-year terms commencing in July 2014. Nominees may be submitted by state pork producer associations, farm organizations or anyone who pays the Pork Checkoff, which includes pork producers and pork importers.

A minimum of eight candidates must be ranked by Pork Act Delegates before being sent to US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for approval.

"Serving on the National Pork Board is a great opportunity for producers to show their support of the industry, while helping to plan for a successful future," said Richter. "The Board plays a significant role, ensuring the industry voice is heard on a national level."

Any person who is a pork producer or importer and has paid all Checkoff assessments due, or is a representative of a producer/company that produces hogs/pigs, is eligible to serve on the National Pork Checkoff Board. The 15 positions on the Checkoff board are held by pork producers or importers who volunteer their time.

Candidates are also being sought for two open positions on the Pork Board Nominating Committee. Those appointed to the nominating committee will serve a two-year term in 2014 and 2015. The Pork Checkoff Nominating Committee will solicit, interview, evaluate and recommend candidates to the Pork Act Delegate Body at the annual meeting March 6-8, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo.

The application deadline has been moved up from past years to November 1, 2013, with interviews for each candidate to be held in Des Moines on December 12-13, 2013. Please direct application requests and questions to the National Pork Checkoff Board either by mail to 1776 NW 114th St., Clive, Iowa 50325, by telephone to Teresa Wadsworth at (515) 223-2612 (email: [email protected]).