National Pork Board President Dale Norton, a farmer from Bronson, will preside over the board meeting 3-4 September, followed immediately by the Plan of Work meeting 4-5 September. At the latter meeting, pork producers from across the country will work directly with the board to define 2015 Checkoff budget priorities.

"Our annual Plan of Work meeting is critical because we hear directly from the pork producers who pay the Pork Checkoff. Their input is important in defining priorities and ensuring that budget dollars are invested well," Norton said.

"This has been an interesting year for the Checkoff.

"We are facing many issues, but have seen record revenues, giving us an opportunity to invest wisely in innovative programs that will have a long-term positive impact on our industry."

About 40 pork producers participate in the annual Plan of Work meeting. The agenda for the board meeting will include 2015 budget planning and program development, as well as an update on the five-year strategic planning process announced earlier this year.

Checkoff staff will offer comments on programs implemented in 2014, including research priorities, domestic and international marketing efforts and producer education and training programs.

Deadline for 2015 Board Member Nominations is 1 November, 2014

The Pork Checkoff's Board of Directors is now accepting nominations to fill five, three-year terms that will begin July 2015. Nominees may be submitted by state pork producer associations, farm organisations or anyone who pays the Pork Checkoff, including pig farmers and pork importers.

A minimum of eight candidates must be ranked by Pork Act Delegates before the nominees are 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," Norton said."The board plays a significant role, ensuring that the industry voice is heard on a national level."

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

Seats to be elected in 2015 are currently held by:

• Dale Norton, Michigan Second term Not eligible for reelection
• Lisa Colby, Massachusetts Second term Not eligible for reelection
• Brad Greenway, South Dakota Second term Not eligible for reelection
• Carl Link, Ohio First term Eligible for reelection to a three-year term
• Craig Mensink, Minnesota First term Eligible for reelection to a three-year term

Candidates also are being sought for two open positions on the Pork Board Nominating Committee.

Those appointed will serve a two-year term in 2015 and 2016. The Pork Checkoff Nominating Committee will solicit, interview, evaluate and recommend candidates to the Pork Act Delegate Body at the annual meeting 5-7 November , 2015, in San Antonio, Texas.

The application deadline is first November, 2014, with interviews for each candidate to be held in Des Moines 11-12 December, 2014. Please direct application requests and questions to the National Pork Board by mail to 1776 NW 114th St., Clive, Iowa 50325. Or contact Teresa Wadsworth at (515) 223-2612 or at [email protected].