Charlie Wieland | 2005

Charlie Wieland has been involved in the swine industry all his life. He has held many diverse roles but his love of the industry and leadership ability has always been strong.

Charlie began showing barrows while a young boy at Hydro Schools. He traveled to Oklahoma State University and received his degree in animal science in 1975.  While at OSU Charlie was active on the livestock judging team and received the Bob Jessup Award as the outstanding team member. After college, Charlie served as the southwestern regional field representative for the National Hampshire Registry.

From 1977 to 1979, Charlie served as herdsman for the OSU swine farm. He was then able to return home to Hydro and begin his own farrow-to-finish herd and swine feed and equipment business and he served part time as a field man for the National Spotted Swine Registry. During this time, Charlie was also active as a judge for local, state and national swine shows. He has judged every district show in Oklahoma and judged the National Barrow Show twice. In 1997 Charlie took a job as Environmental Specialist for Land O’ Lakes in Hinton where he works today. 

In addition to his work, Charlie has served in many leadership roles for industry organizations. He was elected as the Hampshire director of the Oklahoma Swine Breeder’s Association in 1978 and served on the OSBA board for 14 years. Charlie was elected president of the Oklahoma Swine Breeder’s Association in 1989 and served in this role until 1998. Charlie was selected to be a National Pork Forum delegate 3 times and a National Pork Board delegate 2 times. He also received the Pork All-American Award.

Charlie’s service to OPC has been outstanding. He served two terms on the OPC Board of Directors. His first term was in 1985 when the transition was made from a state to national Checkoff program and Charlie was instrumental in developing OPC’s associate membership program. Charlie’s second term concluded Feb. 2005 and he served as president in 2004. Charlie has been a part of the OPC industry image showcasing how he is committed to his community, the swine industry and Oklahoma. Charlie’s leadership as President has provided a ‘voice of reason’ while preparing OPC programs.

Charlie and his wife, Denise, have four children and are very active in the Hydro community. Charlie continues to be a great leader as he serves on the local and county fair boards and he recently was a candidate for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

For his outstanding commitment to swine genetics, leadership to industry organizations and role in today’s modern pork production, the Oklahoma Pork Council proudly inducts Charlie Wieland into the Hall of Fame.