The Ohio Pork Council recognized the people and organizations helping shape the future of Ohio’s pork industry during the 2026 Ohio Pork Congress, held February 4 in Lima, Ohio.
Presented during the annual Awards Luncheon, the honors celebrated leadership, innovation, and service across pork production, education, animal health, and marketing — highlighting the individuals and teams whose work continues to strengthen Ohio pork at both the state and national levels.
“These awards are truly the highest our organization has to offer,” said Jarred Black, president-elect of the Ohio Pork Council. “This year’s recipients represent the absolute best of what it means to be part of our Ohio Pork family — recognizing hard work and a long-term commitment to making our industry better every day.”
Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award
The Hord Family — Hord Family Farms
The Ohio Pork Council’s most prestigious honor, the Pork Industry Excellence Award, was presented to the Hord Family of Hord Family Farms, headquartered in Bucyrus, Ohio.
Guided by a hands-on leadership team including Pat, Janel, Duane, Colleen, and Phil Hord, the multi-state pork production operation has built a reputation rooted in integrity, innovation, sustainability, and stewardship. The family remains actively involved in daily operations while prioritizing employee development, animal care, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.
Their commitment to empowering people and preparing future leaders continues to set a high standard for modern pork production in Ohio and beyond.
Swine Managers of the Year
Chayo Rosario Salgado — Fine Swine LLC
Alan Adam — Heimerl Farms
Two individuals were recognized with the 2025 Swine Manager of the Year Award, honoring excellence in daily farm leadership and animal care.
Chayo Rosario Salgado was recognized for her rapid advancement and measurable impact at Fine Swine LLC. Her leadership has contributed to improved sow care, reduced mortality, and stronger performance across multiple sites, while also mentoring team members and raising production standards.
Alan Adam, who brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Heimerl Farms in Johnstown, Ohio, was honored for his steady leadership, reliability, and problem-solving approach. His work in herd health, pig marketing, and mentoring emerging leaders has made a lasting impact on the operation.
Pork Promoter of the Year
Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter
The Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter received the Pork Promoter of the Year Award for its innovative, hands-on approach to educating students and the local community about pork production.
Through its Pig Project curriculum and extensive outreach efforts, the chapter successfully connected classroom learning with real-world agriculture, generating enthusiasm and awareness that extended well beyond Morrow County.
OPC Service Award
Andréia Arruda, DVM — The Ohio State University
The OPC Service Award was presented to Andréia Arruda, DVM, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at The Ohio State University.
Recognized for her tireless service to producers, applied research in swine health, and leadership in disease preparedness and biosecurity, Arruda also serves on the Ohio Pork Council’s Swine Health Committee and actively mentors the next generation of swine veterinarians and researchers.
Friend of Pork Award
Jeff Karshner — United Producers, Inc.
The Friend of Pork Award was presented to Jeff Karshner, vice president of United Producers’ Advanced Hog Marketing Division, recognizing more than four decades of service supporting Ohio pork producers.
Karshner’s leadership in hog marketing, combined with his long-standing commitment to youth programs and industry service, has left a meaningful and lasting mark on Ohio’s pork community.
Together, the 2026 award recipients reflect the leadership, dedication, and work ethic that continue to drive Ohio pork forward. The Ohio Pork Council’s annual awards program remains a reminder that progress in the pork industry is built not only on innovation, but on people committed to doing the work — every day.
Additional award recipient photos are available through the Ohio Pork Council.
