GIPSA Appointment Rings Pork Producers' Approval Bell

April 3, 2002

National Pork Producers Council President Dave Roper praised the naming of Illinois farmer and livestock producer Donna Reifschneider as administrator of USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA).

Reifschneider and her husband, Jim, have a 600-sow farrow-to-wean operation and grow corn, soybeans, milo and wheat on their farm in Smithton, IL. Reifschneider served as president of NPPC from 1998-1999. She will begin her new post on April 15.

"Donna Reifschneider is a great leader and a determined problem solver," Roper said. "When prices hit historic lows in 1998 and panic swept through our industry, Donna's leadership was steady and focused."

She was instrumental in implementing programs that helped all pork producers weather the storm. Secretary (of Agriculture Ann) Veneman could not have picked a more qualified and experienced individual than Donna Reifschneider to ensure that producers and consumers are protected in the marketplace."

In her tenure on the NPPC Board of Directors, Reifschneider served as chair of the Demand Enhancement Committee, Food Safety Committee, Pork Quality Assurance Committee and the Trade Committee.