Problem solving. Mock motions. Collaborative discussions. Clever ideas.
There’s a new opportunity for young pork enthusiasts coming to the 2024 World Pork Expo on June 5-6 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet is a new competitive speaking event for young people aged 17-22 as of June 1 organized by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
Competitors will dive deep into current pork industry issues and gain an understanding of the NPPC producer-led policy development process.
“Competitors will engage in open dialogue surrounding a prompted industry issue and bring forth logical and creative solutions. Ultimately, these solutions will be translated into mock motions, simulating the NPPC committee structure,” says Seth Mitchell, NPPC manager of state pork industry relations.
The contest will occur over both days of the World Pork Expo. Rounds 1 and 2 will take place on the morning of Wednesday, June 5, and the Final Four Round will take place on the Bill Riley Stage immediately before the concert on the evening of Thursday, June 6.
Wednesday, June 5
9:30-9:45 am........................Orientation
10:00-10:45 am....................Round 1
11:15-12:00 pm....................Round 2
Thursday, June 6
4:00-4:45 pm........................Final Four
5:15 pm................................Results
The winner of the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet will receive a $2,500 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to NPPC’s Fall Legislative Action Conference (LAC) on Sept. 11-12 in Washington, D.C. Second place will receive a $2,000 scholarship, third place will receive a $1,500 scholarship and fourth place will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
“NPPC seeks to mold tomorrow’s industry leaders into empowered advocates,” Mitchell says. “As issues in the pork industry mount, young people must be prepared to step up and engage in the grassroots policy development process. This contest will exercise competitors’ abilities to analyze issues and bring forth their unique solutions in an exciting, collaborative discussion with their peers.”
The public is also encouraged to watch the competition rounds, Mitchell adds. It will be a great chance to see participants explore current industry issues while competing with preparatory research, creative problem solving, collaborative discussion and mock motion drafting. Competition room doors close at the start time listed for each round. Mitchell asks that out of respect for competitors, the audience remain in the room until each round concludes.
The registration deadline has been extended to May 17. Mitchell says this is a great opportunity for companies and farms to bring their interns to compete and get involved in the industry. Learn more about how to register and what to wear here.
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