PORK PROMOTER OF THE YEAR Awards

The Pork Promoter of the Year Award is given to an individual or company that excels in promoting the pork industry. This year, the Ohio Pork Council is pleased to honor Ken Garee as the Pork Promoter of the Year.

Ken has been an active member of the Ohio Pork Council’s Board of Directors and currently serves as the president-elect for the organization. He has been an integral part of the success of events such as the annual PAC Auction at the Ohio Pork Congress and the pork stand at the Ohio State Fair. Along with his efforts within the Ohio Pork Council, Ken works at Kalmbach Feeds as a swine logistics coordinator.

The success of the pork stand at the 2022 Ohio State Fair is due in part to Ken’s service as the “grill master.” His dedication and willingness to learn the art of grilling, smoking, and preparing the pork that is served at the Taste of Ohio Café went above and beyond his duties.

Along with being the one cooking up all of your favorite pork dishes at the state fair, Ken saw an opportunity to connect with the public and ran with it, full speed ahead. If you follow the Ohio Pork Council on Tiktok, Instagram, or Facebook there is a good chance you’ve seen Ken in action in the pig costume, or otherwise known as “Mr.Pig.” Ken spent many hours in this pig costume during the Ohio State Fair; taking pictures with fair goers, marching in parades, riding the big slide, and taking several trips on the skylift. The time Ken spent as “Mr. Pig” helped to bring attention to the Ohio pork industry at the state fair and increase the presence of OPC on social media.

While there is no doubt that Ken has become quite famous for his grilling skills and his “Mr. Pig” appearances, his ability to educate and promote all things Ohio pork is what truly sets him apart from others. His passion for promoting Ohio’s pork industry radiates through his work with the Ohio Pork Council.

Congratulations, Ken!

Ken Garee