Kansas Pork Farmers

Our Story

The year was 1956, and Kansas pork farmers were faced with a challenge. The industry and the nature of which a farmer conducted his business were changing. The days of a farmer who raised his pigs to meet the demand for pork lard were diminishing. The need for communication and collaboration between pork farmers was growing and demand for lean pork at the grocery store was rising. Kansas pork farmers were in need of an organization and leadership.

At the request of farmers, Wendell Moyer, an extension specialist in the Kansas State College Animal Husbandry Department, invited 30 pork farmers to a meeting on campus and the Kansas Swine Improvement Association was created. Dues were set at $1.00 per member. A president, vice president and secretary-treasurer were elected, and the first board of directors consisted of presidents of each of the breed organizations in the state and nine pork farmers. Their purpose was to work together to insure that pork farmers had a future for their families.

As the state’s farms continued to grow and evolve, so did its farmer’s needs. In 1958, a relationship between the Association and Kansas State University was established. That union is still going strong today. Pig farming in the 1970’s was improving and farmers were now working toward creating a lean meat option and nutritious food for families to enjoy. Farmers realized that to sell pork, they needed to be on the front lines talking to grocery shoppers and promoting their product. It was then that the organization changed its name to the Kansas Pork Producers Council and began working with educators, dietitians and home cooks.

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