Oklahoma Pork Council Announces Hire of Ashton Mese Johnston

The Oklahoma Pork Council is excited to announce the hire of Ashton Mese Johnston as the industry relations manager. Johnston previously served as the press secretary and policy associate for the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. She started her position on Monday, Sept. 27.

"I am thrilled for this opportunity to join the dynamic team at the Oklahoma Pork Council,” Johnston said. “Despite countless barriers facing the agriculture industry each day, Kylee and the board have created a positive culture to solve problems and serve producers. This is meaningful work, and I look forward to helping however I can.".

Prior to working at the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, Johnston spent time in Washington, D.C., where she worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture as a professional staff member and legislative assistant, and for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies as a congressional staff member. She started her career at the Office of the Oklahoma Governor in 2012.

Johnston grew up in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. She received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and agribusiness from Oklahoma State University, where she graduated first in her class. She was also named Outstanding Senior during her time at OSU. She currently resides in Cashion with her husband, Dylan.

“On behalf of the Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors and staff, we are excited announce the hire of Ashton Mese Johnston as the Oklahoma Pork Council Industry Relations Manager,” said Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council. “She brings an unmatched passion for agriculture and a wealth of experience to this position. We are excited to have Ashton join our team as we work to serve Oklahoma’s pork industry.”

The Oklahoma Pork Council Honors Four Excellence Award Recipients at Oklahoma Pork Congress

Click the photo to hear about John.

Click the photo to hear about Aaron & Carla.

Click the photo to hear about Tracy.

Click the photo to hear about Gary.

The Oklahoma Pork Council honored John Brown, Aaron and Carla Koerner, Tracy Sharry and Gary Todd with the Excellence Award during the 62nd annual Oklahoma Pork Congress at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.

The Excellence Award was created to recognize individuals in all areas of pork production for their exceptional commitment to doing their best every day. Excellence Award nominees come from any sector of pork production.

John Brown is the environmental systems manager for Smithfield Midwest Region Oklahoma.  He was nominated by Cathy Vaughan of Smithfield Foods.

 “John has been instrumental in creating great relationships not only with our state agencies,” Vaughan said. “But also with all our farmers and landowners in the areas of our farms.”

Aaron and Carla Koerner are contract growers for The Maschhoffs in Minco, Oklahoma. They were nominated by Thomas Craig, director of production for The Maschhoffs.

“What stands out most is just how much Aaron and Carla are still able to get done every day,” Craig said. “They have been a staple in the swine community in central Oklahoma, both show pig and commercial operations, and have helped mentor a neighboring production partner, and share their experiences and solutions with him as well.”

Tracy Sharry is a farm manager with The Maschhoffs and was also nominated by Craig.

Craig said, “Tracy has always pushed herself to be the best. She has been one of the top-producing managers in the Maschhoffs system throughout the past two decades, and she is always looking for continuous improvement.”

Lastly, Gary Todd is the owner of Todd Showpigs. He was nominated by Tim Guinn, owner and operator of Guinn Farms.

“Gary encourages the kids, helps create feed plans for each hog in the barn, clips pigs for the shows and even helps them haul their animals to and from the shows,” Guinn said. “He is one of the best hog breeders in Oklahoma.”

Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council, said this was a competitive group of nominees.

“As an organization, we are always thrilled to recognize the hard work and dedication to our industry,” Deniz said. “We hope this is just the beginning of the impact these individuals will make in their companies and their communities.”

Sen. Kim David and Rep. John Pfeiffer Receive Outstanding Legislator Award

The Oklahoma Pork Council honored Senator Kim David and Representative John Pfeiffer with Outstanding Legislator Awards during the 62nd annual Oklahoma Pork Congress at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.

In 2010, the Oklahoma Pork Council established the Outstanding Legislator Award to honor members of the Oklahoma legislature for supporting Oklahoma’s pork industry. Since joining the Oklahoma Legislature, both David and Pfeiffer have continually stood behind the pork industry in support of pig farmers.

Senator Kim David represents Senate District 18, serving portions of Cherokee, Mayes, Muskogee, Tulsa and Wagoner Counties. She has served in many leadership roles during her tenure at the Capitol and had the distinction of becoming the first Republican woman to serve as Majority Whip.

Representative Pfeiffer is a fifth generation Logan County farmer and rancher, and Marine Corps veteran. He is the Representative for House District 38 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, in his fourth term and his third term as Deputy Floor Leader. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2009, after graduating from Mulhall-Orlando High School and attending Oklahoma State University.

Kylee Deniz, Oklahoma Pork Council executive director, said, “The Oklahoma Pork Council greatly appreciates the work of Sen. Kim David and Rep. John Pfeiffer in helping us protect the future of our industry.”

VQ-7 Roughnecks, Silvia Aguirre and Carolyn Blum Receive Oklahoma Pork Council Ambassador Award

The Oklahoma Pork Council honored the VQ-7 Roughnecks, Silvia Aguirre and Carolyn Blum with the 2021 Ambassador Award during the 62nd annual Oklahoma Pork Congress at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.

In 2006, the Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors created the Ambassador Award to recognize individuals and businesses that have been constant supporters and promoters of our industry.

“The success of Oklahoma Pork Council’s sandwich sales would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the VQ-7 Roughnecks, Silvia Aguirre and Carolyn Blum,” said Dottie King, Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors President. “The Board of Directors are pleased to honor them with the 2021 Ambassador Award.”

VQ-7 members started supporting Oklahoma Pork Council efforts at the Oklahoma State Fair in 2014. VQ-7 supplied 100 volunteers over a 3-week period every September from 2014 through 2019.

Cali Wimett, VQ-7 spokesperson, said, “we want to thank the Oklahoma Pork Council for providing us the opportunity to volunteer for our community. The VQ-7 team is extremely thankful and look forward to anything we can still do with the Oklahoma Pork Council in the future.”

Additionally, Carolyn Blum and Silvia Aguirre have been longtime partners of the Oklahoma Pork Council sandwich sales, and are also recipients of the Ambassador Award.  

Lloyd Hawkins, Oklahoma Pork Council events and community outreach specialist, said, “Silvia is dedicated, loyal and a hard worker. She would also step up and take charge when needed. Her willingness to do anything and everything made her an invaluable asset for the Pork Chop Shop. Carolyn is a loyal and hardworking individual. She was very protective of the Oklahoma Pork Council brand at the Pork Chop Shop during the Tulsa State Fair, Oklahoma State Fair and the Oklahoma Youth Expo.”

Bread From Around the World

Bringing agriculture into the classroom can excite and impact young students and encourage them to learn more about agriculture, while also exposing them to a new set of opportunities.

Arleen James, an extension agent in Texas County, Oklahoma, contributed to this cause with the students of Hooker Public Schools. 

As one of the recipients of the Oklahoma Pork Council’s Ag in the Classroom grant, James created seven lessons targeting kindergarten through second graders. Her goal was to bridge the gap between farm and fork by serving up tasty dishes to numerous students. 

In a lesson showcasing wheat titled “Bread From Around the World,” students had the opportunity to make loaves of homemade bread. A walk-through of fresh vegetable samples in a farmers’ market were also brought to life in their classroom. The students even made cheese curds and cottage cheese! 

James created a memorable experience for these students, and she enjoyed every moment. 

“My favorite part of the project was the reaction of the students when I entered the classroom,” James said. “They were so excited to see me. 

I truly enjoyed doing each of the sessions with the students,” James said. 

She would not have been able to provide this opportunity to the students without the help from the Hooker 4-H and FFA members, James said.

“Other educators should apply for this grant because it gives [them] the [ability] to provide fun, educational opportunities that will be enjoyed by all who participate,” James said. “The funds provided by the Oklahoma Pork Council and the resources from the AG in the Classroom program allow you to provide quality education that is in compliance with Oklahoma Education standards.”

Public Notice by the Oklahoma Pork Council and the National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2022 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 06, 2021, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Pork Congress and Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown, 1 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. All Oklahoma pork producers are invited to attend.

Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of Oklahoma and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. Nominations will be accepted from the floor.

For more information, contact the Oklahoma Pork Council, 901 N Lincoln Blvd Suite 380, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, telephone 888-729-7675 or 405-232-3781.

World Pork Expo 2021

Kylee, Paige and Tré had a blast connecting with producers and countless industry professionals while at the 31st annual World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, June 9-11. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and ASF biosecurity measures in 2019, pork enthusiasts have not walked the Iowa State Fairgrounds freeway since 2018. This year, the pork community was thrilled to see each other again.  

“It is so nice to meet people I work with virtually every week, but never in person,” said Paige Endres, Oklahoma Pork Council marketing and communications manager. “It was a breath of fresh air to see smiling faces!” 

Whether in workshops, hospitality tents or networking socials, industry leaders were eager to ensure that pork remains the protein on the center of the plate. The 2021 World Pork Expo showcased the resiliency of the pork industry, as well as the immense leadership we have across the nation. #RealPork #RealPigFarming  

Meet Tré Smith, Communications Intern

We are excited to have Tré Smith serve as the communications intern this summer! Tré is incredibly talented and passionate about the swine industry. He’s no stranger to okPORK – he was a YLC camper in 2016, and he was also a member of the inaugural Pork Industry Group at Oklahoma State University in 2019.

He joined our team on May 17, and we can’t wait for you to meet him. Until then, enjoy this Q&A session with him!

Where are you from?
Sand Springs, Oklahoma

What is your area of study and how did you choose that path?
I am a senior at Oklahoma State University pursuing a degree in agricultural communications with a minor in marketing in the Ferguson College of Agriculture.

When I enrolled at OSU, I was pursuing an agricultural business degree. I later found my passion in interacting with people and shedding a positive light on the agriculture industry. This led me to make the change to agricultural communications.

What do you want to do when you graduate?
My dream is to work in producer outreach for a pork-related company.

What did you want to be when you were a little kid?
As a kid, I wanted to be many things. First, a veterinarian, then later in life, I wanted to be a dentist. 

What is your favorite movie EVER?
This is a tough one for me! Possibly, Secondhand Lions, Gran Torino or Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carey version only)! There are just too many good movies to have a favorite for me.

If I were to jump in your car – what would be playing on the radio?
You would hear a plethora of genres. It would range from John Anderson to Chris Brown. You just never know.

What is your favorite food?
I am a huge Cajun food lover. I grew up eating Cajun food, so I am very much so a critic when it comes to cooking. My all-time favorite meal is crawfish with fried pork chops or alligator tail.

What is one fact about yourself that no one would ever guess?
I am actually an LSU fan.

What do you find special about okPORK?
Everyone says this, but it is the people. The Oklahoma Pork Council has a very special place in my heart. I have been around the organization since 2016. The office staff and pig farmers across Oklahoma have taught me so much about the industry, and they have truly watched me grow up. The Oklahoma Pork Council is a part of my family, and it is incredible to see everything come full circle.

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am excited to have a hand in planning the next Pork Industry Group, or PIG, which will be held at Oklahoma State University this fall. This is a huge deal for me because I was introduced to the industry through the Youth Leadership Camp the Oklahoma Pork Council hosted.

YLC was an experience for high school students, but okPORK has since shifted the focus to college students, which is how PIG was established. Group members meet throughout an eight-week period during the fall semester at OSU. They will learn about the Oklahoma pork industry while hearing from industry leaders and touring facilities across the state. I’m excited to give college students the same interactive experience and opportunity I received when I was seventeen.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 
In 10 years, I see myself with a family, still heavily involved in the pork industry and mentoring future leaders. It is important to me to give young people the opportunity to be successful in this field. Who knows – I might be watching my kids in a show ring.

Celebrate Your Favorite Protein for #MeatAllWeek March 22-26

We hope you'll join us in celebrating #MeatAllWeek March 22-26. We are excited to collaborate with our friends in the beef and poultry industries and at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry in this effort.

This week has been designated by Governor Kevin Stitt and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur as a time to celebrate the 110,000 Oklahomans who work in animal agriculture and the protein they put on your plates. Meat production brings a $18 billion economic impact to our state annually while providing you a nutritious, flavorful source of protein.

There are many ways you can get involved and show your support for pork, a flavorful, nutritious, affordable and (we're sure) your favorite protein. Read on to learn more!

Your #MeatAllWeek To-Do List

okPORK staff is diving head first into planning and executing many exciting things for #MeatAllWeek and we want you to join us. Here are some steps you can take to celebrate.

Take & share the #MeatAllWeek pledge - We've put together a pledge that you can take to show your commitment to eating meat on March 22-26. Click here to take that pledge and be sure to share it on your social media pages. The first 250 people to take the pledge get a Made by Meat t-shirt.

Share content from okPORK - All week, we will be sharing content about the benefits of pork, how sustainable pig farming is, and more fun facts. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share this content.

Share your meat eating experience use the #MeatAllWeek hashtag - If you're cooking at home, ordering in or dining out, take some time to share your meat eating experiences on social media and be sure to use #MeatAllWeek so you'll be part of the larger conversation.

Donate to the #purchaseprotein campaign that benefits the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - okPORK has partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma many times in the past and our friends at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry have put together a great giving campaign for next week - #purchaseprotein. The link to donate will be released on the ODAFF Facebook page next week, so be sure you are following them.

Oklahoma Pork Council Announces Executive and Associate Directors

The Oklahoma Pork Council is excited to announce the hiring of Kylee Deniz as the executive director. Deniz previously served as the senior director of consumer marketing at the National Pork Board. She plans to join the okPORK team in early March. 

"The Oklahoma pork industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy and an instrumental player in the global pork sector," Deniz said. "I consider the opportunity to serve Oklahoma’s pork producers a great honor.” 

Deniz grew up on an alfalfa farm outside of Hudson, Colorado. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University. Deniz also has an associate degree in agribusiness from Black Hawk College. 

Prior to working at the National Pork Board, Deniz held positions at Lessing-Flynn Advertising and the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. 

Deniz was named as the 2019 National Agri-Marketing Association Next Gen Marketer and has also been recognized by the American Marketing Association, National Agri-Marketing Association and Public Relations Society of America for her work in advertising, copywriting, social media and magazine development. 

“We are looking forward to having Kylee join okPORK as the new executive director,” said Dottie King, okPORK board president. “We strongly believe Kylee will bring new energy along with a wealth of knowledge and ideas to our organization.” 

Additionally, Nikki Snider will take on a new title of associate director. She has been with the okPORK team for 17 years serving in various roles, but most recently as the interim executive director and director of marketing and communications since 2016. Snider said she is grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of associate director at okPORK. 

“I’m excited to work with Kylee and move okPORK forward as we serve all of Oklahoma’s pig farmers,” she said. 

Snider grew up near Hydro, Oklahoma, where her family farmed wheat, peanuts, cotton and raised cattle. They also had a 600-sow operation under contract with Farmland. She earned two bachelor’s degrees in agricultural communications and agribusiness from Oklahoma State University. 

King said Nikki has been a huge part of our industry for many years and has done a fantastic job handling any task or challenge thrown her way. 

“We believe the duo team of Nikki and Kylee will be phenomenal for okPORK,” she said.