Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 6/1/16


The National Pork Board has named William Even as its Chief Executive Officer, to begin later this month, the organization said in a news release. Even succeeds Chris Hodges, who left the position at the end of 2015 after less than a year in the position.

Even joins the Pork Board from DuPont Pioneer, where he has been Global Industry Relations Lead. From 2007 to 2010, immediately prior to joining DuPont Pioneer, Even served as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture.

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I have deep, personal knowledge of the challenges facing today’s pork producers and I am impressed with and completely support the Pork Checkoff’s strategic plan that guides and directs its programs,” Even said. “I look forward to working on behalf of America’s more than 60,000 pig farmers to build consumer trust, drive sustainable production and grow consumer demand for pork.”

Even has a degree in agricultural production from Lake Area Technical Institute, a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business and minor in economics from South Dakota State University; and a Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School, where he was an Opperman Scholar.

He and his family own and operate a fifth-generation diversified crop and livestock operation near Humboldt, S.D.
“On behalf of the National Pork Producers Council, … I congratulate Bill Even on being chosen as CEO of the National Pork Board,” said Neil Dierks, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). “I look forward to working with him on promoting the interests of America’s pork producers.”

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