SIP

Ohio lawmakers pose with their show ring honors after learning what it takes to show a pig at the Ohio State Fair during the Battle for the Bacon event sponsored by the Ohio Pork Council and Ohio Department of Agriculture. (Ohio Pork Council)

Delighted Fairgoers, Celebrity Judges Determine Top Honors

Annual event highlights show-ring mentoring

NEW ALBANY, OHIO – After much political debate, Ohio’s pig farmers are thanking Gov. Mike DeWine for signing the $90.5 billion 2026-27 operating budget into law earlier this week as it will help to protect areas of vital importance to keep the state’s number one industry—agriculture—including key provisions critical to the future of the pork industry. “Although the governor did veto some budget items, the priorities of Ohio’s family pig farmers were all passed into law, allowing our members to rest a little easier knowing that their current and future livelihoods are better protected going forward,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. “This was a hard-fought win to ensure that Ohio’s swine herd was better protected from foreign animal disease and also ensuring data privacy for our farms who use the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.” Specifically, the biennial budget approved dedicates funding for the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, keeping the state’s diagnostic labs ready for emerging threats. In addition, $10 million is earmarked to combat the rural veterinary shortage in Ohio, and to establish an emerging infectious disease center. Finally, the H2Ohio water quality program will receive funding to allow for ongoing environmental stewardship needs.  “We truly appreciate Governor DeWine and Ohio’s legislative leaders for recognizing the vital role pork producers play in our state’s economy, food system, and rural communities,” Day said. “Your support ensures a stronger, safer, and more resilient future for Ohio agriculture.”

On behalf of Ohio’s pig farmers, Nathan Schroeder, president of the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) and farmer from Leipsic, Ohio (left), presented a check for $5,000 to Rod McGuire, vice president of food resources for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to purchase pork for distribution throughout the organization’s six-county area. 

(Left: Hannah Schroeder, summer 2025 policy and communications intern. Right: Anna Meyer, summer 2025 communications intern.)

Jarred Black, president elect of OPC (left) presented a check for $5,000 of pork on behalf of Ohio’s pig farmers for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. The funds will be used to distribute pork throughout 20 counties across Ohio. 

(left to right: John H. Davis, Bill Isler, John Linder, Steven D. Maurer)

Jess Stevens, pork producer from Waynesville, Ohio (second from left) presented a check for $5,000 of pork on behalf of Ohio’s pig farmers for the Freestore Foodbank. The funds will be used to distribute pork throughout the 20 county region the nonprofit serves.