The limited-time packaging is now appearing on Prairie Fresh Natural rib products at grocery stores nationwide. Timed with the start of grilling season, the updated design features a patriotic red, white and blue color palette and a bold��Celebrating America��logo created to recognize the historic milestone.

The commemorative look is designed to carry through key sales periods from early spring grilling through Fourth of July promotions and summer entertaining. Product specifications and quality remain unchanged, delivering the same Prairie Fresh pork consumers expect while offering retailers a timely, high-visibility packaging refresh.

A summer-forward protein anchored in tradition

Grilling season remains a central moment for pork ribs, which continue to serve as a staple across regional barbecue styles and backyard cookouts nationwide. From early-season grillers to holiday-driven demand, ribs consistently anchor seasonal protein sets and promotional activity.

Ribs represent craftsmanship and patience at the grill while offering versatility across flavor profiles and cooking methods, making them a reliable favorite for both experienced pitmasters and everyday shoppers.

Built for the meat case during peak grilling season

As an American-owned pork brand, Prairie Fresh Natural focuses on quality, consistency and supply reliability as retailers prepare for increased summer demand. The commemorative “Celebrating America” packaging reinforces key brand attributes, including American ownership, premium pork and long-standing barbecue traditions.

“Grilling season is when people come together to celebrate, and this year feels especially meaningful as we recognize America’s 250^th��birthday,” said Joe Pearce, champion pitmaster of Slap’s BBQ and a Prairie Fresh brand ambassador. “From spring cookouts to the Fourth of July and all summer long, ribs are at the center of those moments. Prairie Fresh delivers the quality and flavor needed for confident grilling.”

For more information about Prairie Fresh’s “Celebrating America” packaging and seasonal grilling resources, visit��. Additional barbecue tips and techniques are available at��.

About Prairie Fresh

Prairie Fresh® is an American-owned pork brand delivering high-quality, fresh pork products to grocery retailers and foodservice operators nationwide. Known for consistency, reliability and flavor, Prairie Fresh offers a broad portfolio of conventional fresh pork cuts, along with value-added products including seasoned and marinated fresh pork, ground pork, sausage and bacon, designed to perform at the meat case and on the grill. Backed by a connected food system from farm to plant, Prairie Fresh is marketed and sold by ������Ƶ. For more information, visit��

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This marks the third year of the grant program, which is awarded to teachers in the five states where ������Ƶ operates.

“It’s truly inspiring to witness the creativity and commitment of educators who apply for the Educators Lead Tomorrow Grants,” said Davida Gomez, community enrichment specialist at ������Ƶ. “Their innovative ideas and drive to uplift students and communities reflect the very heart of this program. We’re proud to support their vision to bring new learning experiences to their classrooms.”

Teachers could apply for up to $1,000 to support STEM-based education in their classrooms.

From chicken coops to building blocks, these educators are bettering their classrooms to help students engage with content and be excited about different learning opportunities.

One science teacher plans to use the grant money to purchase herb and pollinator garden materials to help students apply chemistry and biochemistry classroom concepts to real-world situations. A third-grade teacher will use their grant to purchase virtual reality headsets and LEGO sets to introduce basic engineering concepts in a multisensory experience.

The grants reflect ������Ƶ’ ongoing dedication to supporting the communities in which it operates. By investing in education, ������Ƶ aims to contribute to the growth and development of local communities.

For more information about ������Ƶ’ Educators Lead Tomorrow Grant and other community initiatives, please visit the ������Ƶ ��dz����ܲԾ��ٲ���page.

Educators in these communities received 2025 Educators Lead Tomorrow Grants:

Colorado:

• Holly
• Holyoke
• Haxton
• Wiley

Iowa:

• Bloomfield
• Jewell
• Marcus
• Orange City
• Storm Lake

Kansas:

• Elkhart
• Liberal
• Moscow
• Scott City
• Tribune
• Ulysses

Oklahoma:

• Beaver
• Forgan
• Goodwell
• Guymon
• Hennessey
• Okeene
• Seiling
• Turpin
• Tyrone

Texas:

• Perryton
• Spearman
• Sunray

About ������Ƶ

������Ƶ, as part of a uniquely connected food system, relentlessly seeks a better way to produce wholesome Prairie Fresh® pork by purposely connecting every step between its farms and family tables around the world. ������Ƶ’ continued commitment to creating the most sought-after pork ensures the well-being of its animals, the environment, employees and the communities they call home.

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The newly acquired farms are in Perryton, Texas, Optima, Oklahoma, and Balko, Oklahoma, and align with ������Ƶ’ connected food system’s goal of maintaining control and quality from its farms to tables across the globe. This move will bolster ������Ƶ market hog supply to the Guymon facility, ensuring a consistent and steady flow of high-quality pork products.

“We are excited about these acquisitions as they strengthen our commitment to delivering premium pork products and embodying The Prairie Fresh Way,” said Chad Groves, president and CEO of ������Ƶ. “Adding these farms into our operations allows us to better manage our supply chain and uphold the high standards our domestic and international customers expect from ������Ƶ.”

The Prairie Fresh Way is a testament to ������Ƶ’ commitment to doing pork the right way, focused on:

• Control: Managing every step of the production process, from raising the animals to processing the meat to ensure consistent product quality and food safety.
• Animal Care: Ensuring the health and proper treatment of animals through rigorous care standards.
• Sustainability: Using sustainable practices, including environmental conservation and responsible resource use.
• Quality Assurance: Meeting high standards for meat quality and product specifications.
• Community Engagement: Supporting local communities, fueling education and bringing people together through food in communities where we operate.

About ������Ƶ

������Ƶ, as part of a uniquely connected food system, relentlessly seeks a better way to produce wholesome Prairie Fresh® pork by purposely connecting every step between its farms and family tables around the world. ������Ƶ’ continued commitment to creating the most sought-after pork ensures the well-being of its animals, the environment, employees, and the communities they call home.

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The introduction of bacon to the Prairie Fresh portfolio reinforces the brand’s commitment to deliver great-tasting pork with uncompromising quality. Backed by a connected food system called the Prairie Fresh Way and a legacy in bacon processing, Prairie Fresh is well-positioned to compete in the $7B bacon category, which boasts 74% household penetration and the highest sales of any processed meat.

��“Prairie Fresh Bacon delivers the flavor, quality and consistency that today’s shoppers are craving, backed by the same connected food system that’s earned our brand trust across retail and foodservice,” said Emma Pierce, senior brand manager for Prairie Fresh bacon. “This launch meets rising demand in a category where brand switching is high, and value and transparency matter more than ever.”

Prairie Fresh® Bacon is:

• Naturally hardwood smoked with real hickory or apple woods
• Made in the USA from pork sourced from Prairie Fresh Way farms and processing plants located in the United States
• Crafted with a signature cure trusted by leading national foodservice chains
• Offered in 12 oz. and 16 oz. L-board packages

The launch will be supported by Prairie Fresh’s “Now THAT’S Pork.” campaign, digital and social advertising, influencer partnerships and on-pack QR codes linking to recipe inspiration.

With 80% of fresh pork buyers also purchasing bacon and a clear shift toward smaller pack sizes, Prairie Fresh Bacon hits the mark on consumer trends and quality expectations.

For more information, visit or contact your Prairie Fresh sales representative.

About Prairie Fresh®
Prairie Fresh® is the brand of a uniquely connected food system relentlessly seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork by purposely connecting every step between its American-owned farms in the Midwest and Great Plains, and family tables around the world. Prairie Fresh pork is produced, sold and marketed by ������Ƶ and processed in Oklahoma, Iowa and Missouri.

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The campaign arrives as the National Pork Board’s “Taste What Pork Can Do” initiative draws renewed attention to pork’s versatility and appeal. Prairie Fresh’s effort builds on that momentum by emphasizing consistent quality, integrity in sourcing and the opportunity to make pork a more frequent and confident choice on consumers’ plates.

“We saw an opportunity to take that national momentum and make it personal for consumers,” said Ozlem Worpel, vice president of marketing and innovation at ������Ƶ. “By spotlighting the quality and care behind Prairie Fresh pork, we’re inviting people to rethink what pork can bring to the table — not just occasionally, but every day.”

“Now That’s Pork.” targets consumers who crave standout experiences in the kitchen but often don’t see meaningful differences between pork brands at the meat case. Prairie Fresh aims to change that perception through a fully integrated marketing effort that includes connected TV and digital ads, influencer and social media content, in-store signage and promotional partnerships across retail and foodservice.

At the core of Prairie Fresh’s approach is the Prairie Fresh Way — a connected food system that allows the brand to control every step of production, from farms and feed to processing and delivery. This model enables consistency, quality and taste in every bite.

The campaign also responds to evolving consumer expectations around transparency, value and trust in the brands they bring home. According to The Power of Meat 2025 report, 72% of consumers frequently or sometimes purchase value-added meat and poultry products, underscoring a growing demand for high-quality, ready-to-cook proteins that feel fresh, intentional and easy to use.

As part of the campaign, Prairie Fresh continues to innovate with new products inspired by direct consumer insights. Recent additions include ground pork/sausage in various flavors, offering convenient, versatile options for everyday meals. Prairie Fresh’s Hatch Chile Tenderloin — a popular flavor uncovered through consumer listening — was recently named one of Progressive Grocer’s Editors’ Best New Products of 2025. With even more new items launching later this month, Prairie Fresh is committed to helping consumers explore pork in fresh, flavorful ways.

��About Prairie Fresh

Prairie Fresh is a brand of ������Ƶ, headquartered in Merriam, Kansas. Through its connected food system, Prairie Fresh controls every step of production, delivering high-quality pork products to families, retailers and restaurants across the U.S. and globally. For more information, visit .

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“At ������Ƶ, we are committed to nurturing the educational aspirations of our future leaders,” Davida Gomez, community enrichment specialist for ������Ƶ, said. “We are proud to support the educational dreams of young individuals within the communities where ������Ƶ operates.”

������Ƶ’ community scholarships targets supporting education in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado and Iowa where the company has operations along with providing scholarships to children of employees. Recipients were chosen based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience and community engagement.

This scholarship program is part of ������Ƶ’ commitment to fueling education, believing strong educational systems build a strong community for future generations. Since 2003, the company has provided nearly $593,000 in scholarships to approximately 530 high school seniors.

For more information, including details about the 2025 recipients of the Community Scholarship and the Children of Employees scholarship, visit seaboardfoods.com/scholarships.

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Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe attended the event, highlighting the importance of this project to the state and local community.

The project represents a substantial investment totaling $95 million for the construction and new processing equipment. This investment underscores Daily’s dedication to advancing its operations and supporting its customers throughout the United States and the world.

“Daily’s is proud to be part of the St. Joseph community and this expansion will not only enhance our production capabilities for premium bacon products but also bring valuable job opportunities, driving the economic growth of St. Joseph,” says Joe Richmond, Daily’s vice president and general manager. “We are immensely grateful to the state of Missouri, Buchanan County, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and the St. Joseph community for their support in our plant expansion. We are excited to continue making a positive and lasting impact on the community.”

The expansion, expected to be completed by summer 2026, will add 111,000 square feet of new space to the existing facility, encompassing new smoke houses, slicing rooms, bacon bit production and warehousing space. Additionally, portions of the existing production areas, which opened in 2016, will be reworked to integrate new technologies and improve efficiency.

The expansion will introduce cutting-edge technology, including in-line slicing to increase efficiencies and yields, and new equipment to optimize the sizing and docking of bellies before palletization, further improving operational efficiency.

The expanded plant will focus on both food service and retail products, with flexibility in the installation of new lines based on market demands. This approach ensures that Daily’s can swiftly adapt to changing market conditions and maximize the potential of the new production capabilities.

Upon completion, the expanded plant is expected to create about 100 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the St. Joseph community.

About Daily’s Premium Meats

Daily’s® Premium Meats is a leading provider of high-quality premium bacon that has been operating for more than 130 years. Founded by John R. Daily in 1893, the company’s commitment to quality and mastery inspires every product produced to this day. Daily’s Premium Meats’ connected food system fosters collaboration among farms, bacon processing plants and a networked supply chain, allowing Daily’s to control the production process from farm to delivery. Daily’s is owned equally by ������Ƶ and Triumph Foods, and products are marketed and sold by ������Ƶ. In addition to the St. Joseph, Missouri, plant, the company has bacon processing plants in Missoula, Montana, and Salt Lake City. For more information, visit .

(left to right)�� Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce; Tyler Shuman, St. Joseph plant general manager of Daily’s Premium Meats; Governor Mike Kehoe; Joe Richmond, general manager of Daily’s Premium Meats, ��Lori Becklenberg, director of Missouri Department of Economic Development; ��and Mayor John Josendale, St. Joseph, Mo.

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Give-A-Ham challenge is an annual campaign by the OPC challenging pork and food industry colleagues to donate pork to Oklahomans facing food insecurity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Household Food Security in the United States Report, 14.6% of Oklahoma families experience food insecurity.

“Protein is one of our most requested items. For a family living with food insecurity, it goes such a long way toward keeping everyone healthy and happy,” Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, said. “By our math, this donation will help provide for more than 8,300 meals for our neighbors living with food insecurity. We are incredibly grateful to our friends at ������Ƶ and the Oklahoma Pork Council for ensuring that Oklahomans have access to the nutrition they need this holiday season.”

Other charities that benefitted from this year’s donation include:

• City Care Night Shelter
• Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City
• City Rescue Mission
• Grace Rescue Mission

“The generosity of Oklahoma’s pork producers continues to inspire,” said Kylee Deniz, executive director of the OPC. “We’re proud to partner with ������Ƶ, our state’s largest pork producer, to make this significant Give-A-Ham donation to hunger-fighting organizations in Oklahoma City. The holiday season can be especially difficult for many families, and this contribution will help provide not just meals but hope and comfort. ������Ƶ’ commitment to giving back reflects the heart of our industry and its unwavering dedication to supporting our communities in meaningful ways.”

Along with donations in Oklahoma City, ������Ƶ and OPC were in action in Seiling, Okla. for a free community meal. Seiling is the hometown of Roy Cansler, OPC board member and ������Ƶ site supervisor.

������Ƶ is committed to making a positive in the communities that it operates in along with organizations that promote the wellbeing of communities through nutrition.

Share your pay-it-forward story on social media using #GiveAHam and #OklahomaPork, or by visiting okpork.org/giveaham to commit to giving this holiday season.

###About Oklahoma Pork Council
Oklahoma Pork Council, a farmer-led organization, represents the interests of all Oklahoma pig farmers. Partially funded by federally collected checkoff dollars, Oklahoma Pork promotes pork and pork products, funds research, and educates consumers and producers about the pork industry. For more information about this or any other programs of Oklahoma Pork visit www.okpork.org or call 405.232.3781.

About ������Ƶ
As part of a uniquely connected food system, ������Ƶ relentlessly seeks a better way to produce wholesome Prairie Fresh® pork by purposely connecting every step between its farms and family tables around the world. Operating in five states and employing more than 5,000 employees, ������Ƶ’ continued commitment to creating the most sought-after pork ensures the well-being of its animals, the environment, employees and the communities they call home. Headquartered in the Kansas City Metro, products sold domestically are marketed under the Prairie Fresh® brand and internationally under the ������Ƶ® brand.

About Prairie Fresh®
Prairie Fresh® is the brand of a uniquely connected food system relentlessly seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork by purposely connecting every step between its American-owned farms in the Midwest and Great Plains, and family tables around the world. Prairie Fresh pork is produced, sold and marketed by ������Ƶ and processed in Oklahoma, Iowa and Missouri. Prairie Fresh is a proud supporter of Operation BBQ Relief, donating pork for more than 4 million meals since 2015.

For more information, visit prairiefresh.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram @prairiefresh.

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“This year has been a whirlwind,” John Shirey II, Chunky BBQ pitmaster, said. “We ended up cooking 41 times, visiting 16 states and driving countless miles. In the end, we finished on the highest of high notes at the American Royal, a year we will never forget,”

Prairie Fresh announced Chunky BBQ as the Honor Roll Team of the Year on Dec. 16. This breakout year included nine grand champion, seven first place pork and two first place rib calls in 12 sanctioned competitions.

With more than 650 inductions, the Honor Roll recognized 280 teams achieving grand championships, first place in pork or first place in ribs competing with Prairie Fresh pork at U.S.-sanctioned competitions. More than 300 of these inductions are for grand championships across 20-plus sanctioning bodies.

“We believe that to put our best meat in the turn-in box every weekend, we have to start with the best product. That’s why we cook Prairie Fresh ribs and pork,” Shirey said.

The Honor Roll Team of the Year distinction is highly competitive as Prairie Fresh Pit Crew teams swept three major barbecue competitions in 2024. Prairie Fresh Pit Crew team, The Shed BBQ of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, started the year with victory at Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest along with Heath Riles BBQ of Olive Branch, Mississippi, winning the Memphis in May World Championship Rib title with Prairie Fresh USA Prime® backribs.

Scuffletown Smokers of Boonville, Indiana, followed up with world champion honors at The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in October. Another Pit Crew team, Razorracks of Pleasant Plains, Arkansas, won the pork and rib categories at The Jack.

Chunky BBQ completed the Prairie Fresh triple crown with their American Royal Barbecue success. Rusty Pig BBQ of Decatur, Illinois, won the American Royal Barbecue Open Contest Rib Category presented by Prairie Fresh.

“When you look at the list of teams competing every weekend with Prairie Fresh products, it’s truly impressive. You have world champions and hall of fame cooks alike. To be in that company is no small feat,” Shirey said.

Mad Hatter BBQ, Roseland, Virginia, was named the Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Backyard Team of the Year. Their year included four backyard grand championships, three first place rib calls and one first place pork.

“At Prairie Fresh, we’re honored to see world champion barbecue teams showcase their talent using our products on the biggest barbecue stages in the industry,” says David Eaheart, Prairie Fresh senior director of communications and brand marketing. “Pitmasters pour their hearts and souls into perfecting their craft, and we’re proud to provide them with the high-quality products they can trust to deliver winning results, time and time again.”

About the Prairie Fresh Honor Roll
To support competition barbecue, the Prairie Fresh Pit Crew Honor Roll recognizes competition teams that win with Prairie Fresh pork products. For more information about Prairie Fresh products, please visit prairiefresh.com.

About Prairie Fresh
Prairie Fresh is the brand of a uniquely connected food system relentlessly seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork by purposely connecting every step between its American-owned farms in the Midwest and Great Plains, and family tables around the world. Prairie Fresh pork is produced, sold and marketed by ������Ƶ and processed in Oklahoma, Iowa and Missouri. Prairie Fresh is a proud supporter of Operation BBQ Relief donating pork for more than 4 million meals since 2015.

.

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Students graduating with a high school diploma or equivalent in 2025 and who attend school in communities where ������Ƶ has business operations are encouraged to complete an online scholarship application before the Jan. 15, 2025, deadline. Scholarships will be distributed to the recipients’ college of choice at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year. Additional information about the scholarship program and the online application can be found on the ������Ƶ website at .

Community Scholarship Program

������Ƶ will offer 40 $1,000 scholarships to students graduating with a high school diploma or equivalent and who plan to attend full-time higher education (four-year, two-year or technical programs) for the 2025-2026 academic year. A complete list of included counties can be found on the ������Ƶ’ website at ��.

Children of Employees Scholarship Program

������Ƶ will also offer 25 $1,000 scholarships for the children of ������Ƶ’ employees. Children must be high school seniors or equivalent, graduating in 2025 and attending full-time higher education (four-year, two-year, or technical education) for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Eligibility

More information about eligibility requirements can be found online at��. For further questions about the ������Ƶ scholarship program, email��scholarship@seaboardfoods.com.

About ������Ƶ
As part of a uniquely connected food system, ������Ƶ relentlessly seeks a better way to produce wholesome Prairie Fresh® pork by purposely connecting every step between its farms and family tables around the world. Operating in five states and employing more than 5,000 employees, ������Ƶ’ continued commitment to creating the most sought-after pork ensures the well-being of its animals, the environment, employees and the communities they call home. Headquartered in the Kansas City Metro, products sold domestically are marketed under the Prairie Fresh® brand and internationally under the ������Ƶ® brand.

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