On August 2, 2024, the Oklahoma Pork Council hosted the 65th Oklahoma Pork Congress at the Colcord Hotel in Downtown Oklahoma City. The event brought together approximately 70 pork producers and supporters for educational sessions and the annual business meeting to elect new leadership.
A highlight of the congress was the celebration of four award recipients for their outstanding performance within Oklahoma’s pork industry. The 2024 Oklahoma Pork Council award winners are:
Clay Meeks of Meeks Family Farms was inducted into the Oklahoma Pork Council Hall of Fame for nearly 50 years of exemplary work in pork production. Meeks, from Wetumka, Oklahoma, recently retired after 38 years of successfully running his hog farm in cooperation with Tyson’s Pork Group. Known as “the guy to beat” in Tyson’s production rankings, Meeks has held various records and received several accolades throughout his career. The Hall of Fame induction is reserved for leaders who exhibit longstanding character and dedication to the pork industry.
Ash Dennie of Ran-Mar Farms received the 2024 Oklahoma Pork Council Excellence Award. As co-owner and manager of Ran-Mar Farms in Holdenville, Oklahoma, Dennie oversees more than 2,400 sows and has earned a solid reputation for quality animals in partnership with Tyson’s Pork Group. The Excellence Award recognizes pork producers who make the daily work of raising pigs a true calling.
Kelly Haymaker of The HANOR Company also earned a 2024 Oklahoma Pork Council Excellence Award. Serving as the Boar Stud Manager in Ames, Oklahoma, Haymaker is known for her deep love of her boars, commitment to biosecurity, and focus on continuous improvement. The Excellence Award highlights her dedication to animal care and team management.
Ryan Sites of Show-Rite and Sites Livestock was the final recipient of the 2024 Oklahoma Pork Council Excellence Award. Sites has served the pork industry in various roles, from an agricultural education instructor to his current position as a national swine support specialist with Show-Rite. He leads educational clinics nationwide and is a respected swine evaluator, often judging pig shows at all levels. The Excellence Award acknowledges his contribution to teaching young people valuable life skills through pig raising.
“Oklahoma pork producers are leaders on and off the farm,” said Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council. “Our 2024 award winners showcase the integrity, passion, and commitment that exists throughout the pork supply chain. On behalf of our board and our staff, it’s an honor to celebrate these four champions within Oklahoma’s agriculture community.”
To learn more about Oklahoma Pork’s 2024 award recipients, watch their recognition videos on the Oklahoma Pork Council YouTube page.
