Five young Missouri swine enthusiasts were named Missouri Youth Pork Ambassadors during the 2024 Missouri Pork Expo on Feb. 20. During the next year, these young leaders will attend events such as the Annual Golf Tournament and Missouri State Fair. At the end of the program, they will receive a $1,000 scholarship payable to a technical school, community college or four-year university.
“The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador program combines a scholarship opportunity with the chance to actively participate in Missouri’s pork industry. It provides an opportunity for youth to develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members, while improving communication and leadership skills,” the organization said in a release.
Emma Robinson of Republic, Mo.
Robinson is the daughter of Andrew Robinson and Heather Rook. She is a senior at Republic High School where she will graduate in May of 2024. After graduation, she plans to attend Crowder College and hopes to be an agricultural educator someday. She currently works for Robinson Farms. Robinson also owns and operates her own business, Sac River Meat Market, where she butchers hogs and then markets and advertises the pork. In addition, she currently serves as the president for the Republic FFA as well as Area XII FFA. She was selected for the Missouri Agribusiness Academy in 2022.
Bailey Schneider of Warrenton, Mo.
Schneider is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Schneider. She is a senior at Warrenton High School where she will graduate in June of 2024. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Missouri to major in agricultural education with an emphasis in leadership and communications. Not only does Schneider help out on her family farm, Rock Branch Farm, she also currently works for 4W Country Aire Kennels and Wright City Vet Clinic. Along with growing up on a hog operation, raising show pigs, and selling packaged pork, she is also involved in 4-H, FFA, MO Youth Show Pig Circuit, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and many other organizations. Schneider was selected as an FFA Star Chapter Farmer in 2022 and is the president of the Warrenton FFA as well as Area V FFA.
Lena Stricklin of Rolla, Mo.
Stricklin is the daughter of Alicia and Ken Stricklin. She is a senior at Rolla High School where she will graduate in May of 2024. After graduation, she plans to attend State Fair Community College to study dental hygiene. Stricklin currently works for Pork & Piston’s Feed Store and Elevated Show Supplies. She lives on her family farm where she and her parents raise fat hogs to sell to customers for slaughtering purposes. She also raises a group of show pigs each year to sell to junior members for local county fairs. She is currently the president for her 4-H club. Along with 4-H, Stricklin is also actively involved in FFA, Student Council, FBLA, FCCLA, Key Club and NHS.
Leah Thompson of Fredericktown, Mo.
Thompson is the daughter of Amy and Dmitri Thompson. She is a senior at Fredericktown High School where she will graduate in May of 2024. After graduation, she plans to attend Mineral Area College to pursue a degree in business administration and communications. After completing her associates, she would like to transfer to Central Methodist University. Thompson currently works for Cedar Creek Hardwoods, Jayce Mountain Pork and Laut’s Hog Farm. She is involved in FFA where she currently serves as chapter vice president. While in high school, she was selected to attend Missouri AgriBusiness Academy, HYMAX academy and HYPE academy. She also serves as Missouri’s Youth Leadership Council Representative for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and is active in the Fredericktown United Methodist Church.
Nicholas Van Schyndel of Mexico, Mo.
Van Schyndel is the son of Matt and Leah Van Schyndel. He is a senior at Mexico High School where he will graduate in May of 2024. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Missouri to major in animal sciences. Van Schyndel currently works for Hedge Holler Harvest, Hickory Haven Ranch and Cauthorn Farms. He lives on his family farm where they raise and butcher hogs and then sell the meat at the Columbia Farmers Market. He is involved in FBLA, 4-H, DECA, and FFA. He was selected as Star Greenhand for his FFA chapter and currently serves as the student advisor for Mexico FFA. Van Schyndel is also an officer for the Area IV FFA.
