Larry Sitzman retiring as executive director of Nebraska Pork Producers Association

LINCOLN, Neb. -- With appreciation for his dedication and service to the pork industry, pork board and affiliates, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Larry Sitzman effective January 4, 2016. Sitzman announced his retirement after serving for eight years as executive director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA). Since 2007, Sitzman in his capacity as executive director of NPPA has been promoting pork products, protecting the interests of pork producers and monitoring state and national legislation and regulations.

"During his time as executive director and throughout his career, Sitzman has shared his passion for agricultural in Nebraska," said Scott Spilker, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, from Beatrice, Neb. "Larry has steered our industry through times of great challenge, defining moments and major developments. We wish him the best as he transitions to the next phase of his life."

A native of Culbertson, Nebraska, Sitzman grew up on the family's diversified farm, attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and served with the U.S. Army as a C.I.D. agent in Vietnam. He was engaged in full-time farming and livestock production prior to being asked to serve as Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture from 1991-1999 where he initiated agricultural trade missions to promote sales of Nebraska agricultural products overseas. As Vice President of Sand Livestock International of Columbus from 1999-2003, he conducted business and fostered relationships with international markets. Sitzman was involved in farm machinery marketing prior to accepting the position of NPPA's Executive Director. He and his wife Sally, have three married sons: Eddie, Eric and Jason and five grandsons.

Service and contributions to Nebraska agriculture has been a staple during his life. Ranging from years spent on the farm, being directly involved in production agriculture, to years serving as a member or holding leadership positions for various boards, organizations and foundations whose missions were related to production agriculture. Throughout the years, Sitzman has been recognized for his visions of bettering the groups he is involved with and the people around him. He has been awarded the National Agri Marketing Association (NAMA) State and National Award for Public Service; Ag Relations Council Award; Nebraska Agribusiness Club Public Service Award; LEAD Alumni of the Year; Nebraska Corn Board Honoree of the Year; Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Award and has been inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Agriculture Achievement.

President Spilker stated, "the NPPA Board of Directors will begin the process of filling the executive director position immediately".

Nebraska Pork Producers Association is a grassroots, incorporated, non-profit organization established in 1961. NPPA was developed to promote the pork industry through the enhancement of consumer demand, producer education and research. For more information, visit NPPA's website at www.NEpork.org.