Every August, the Oklahoma Pork Congress marks the transition to a new membership year and new leadership of the Oklahoma Pork Council. Beginning this month, our board of directors is led by 2024-2025 board president Joe Locke of Marietta.

Throughout his 30-year pork industry career, Joe has gained valuable experience across several states and production systems. He currently serves as the Director of Operations for Tyson Foods’ The Pork Group (TPG). Previously, Joe worked as the Senior Director of Operations for Seaboard Foods. He was raised on a ranch in southern Oklahoma and graduated from Murray State College and Oklahoma State University before beginning his career. Joe’s involvement with the Oklahoma Pork Council includes previous service as a board member, officer, and volunteer pitmaster. The Locke family is active in the Marietta First Baptist Church. Joe also enjoys cooking, golfing, and watching sports with his family.

“My goal for this year is to focus on things we can do something about,” Joe shared. “Foremost in that will be executing on Oklahoma Pork’s four strategic intentions and building unity around ‘One Pork.’ We want to continue building that foundation of integrity and continuous learning we have set with our members, staff, and board.”

Joe brings decades of leadership development to his presidency, including donating his time over the summer to facilitate "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" for Oklahoma Pork's staff. He has been an intentional and wise board member, and we all look forward to his guidance during the upcoming year. Oklahoma Pork's remaining officer positions will be elected at the upcoming September board meeting