For Oklahoma Pork, the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas gets to be packed full of holiday cheer thanks to our generous farmers and our annual Give-A-Ham Challenge. As you have likely witnessed, each year the challenge looks a little different as we continue to better focus on feeding as many Oklahomans as possible while also promoting pork production among several important audiences.
While our special community feeds across the state and our partner giving days have taken center stage for 2024, we also want to commend the fantastic champions who have proudly stood with pig farmers while donating hams to deserving charities and families in every corner of Oklahoma. Thanks to each of our board and staff members working to strategically spread the challenge through their own networks, we know thousands of people will enjoy quality pork meals this Christmas who may not have otherwise been able to do so.
In addition to Governor Stitt, we have impressive government support through our incredible Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur and key policy partners like incoming Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert. More government shout outs to come as other state and federal policymakers expect to be tapped during Give-A-Ham's homestretch the next week.
Throughout education, we appreciate fun Give-A-Ham involvement from Oklahoma State University (OSU) President Dr. Kayse Shrum, OSU College of Agriculture Dean Dr. Jayson Lusk, the OSU Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC), and other great friends in academia. Shout out to our stellar 2024 Pork Industry Group members who all jump-started the generosity at OSU, tapping leaders and student organizations across campus to give.
Countless other pork industry champions and friends of agriculture have accepted the challenge, and it's not too late for YOU to give, too! Visit the Oklahoma Pork Council Give-A-Ham page here to see more details, and to let us know how you plan to give back this holiday season. You can also keep up with the challenge via Oklahoma Pork's social media pages, and don't forget to tag us in your own acts of pork generosity!