
Ontario Pork has announced its Board of Directors for 2025, with Tara Terpstra of Huron County returning as Chair for a second consecutive term. Joining her in a key leadership role is newly elected Vice Chair TJ Murray, a producer from Oxford County.
Terpstra emphasized the importance of continuity and collaboration. “We want to continue strengthening collaborations developed last year—this is crucial for making our voice heard,” she noted. She also confirmed that the Board has started developing a new strategic plan, informed by feedback from last year’s policy day, to help define clear priorities and deliver continued value to producers across the province.
Vice Chair TJ Murray brings a unique mix of farming and community service. In addition to working full-time on his family’s pig farm, he serves as a volunteer firefighter. Murray is particularly focused on business risk management and inspiring the next generation of pork producers to get involved and lead.
Two new directors are also joining the Ontario Pork Board:
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Cassandra Van Engelen, elected as a board member at-large.
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Charlie Illick, representing Zone 3.
They join continuing board members Bruce Hudson, Karen Sanders, Tanya Terpstra, Philip Van Raay, and Jolanda Vandenbroek.
Ontario Pork extends its appreciation to retiring board members Eric Schwindt and Arno Schober for their years of service and leadership.
About Ontario Pork
Ontario Pork represents nearly 1,900 pork farms marketing 5.9 million hogs annually. The organization supports producers through research, government advocacy, consumer education, and quality assurance programs. Ontario’s pork sector contributes $3.7 billion in economic output and supports over 16,500 full-time jobs. Learn more at www.ontariopork.on.ca.