Nebraska Pork Producers Association Announces 2024 Ambassadors 

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) has selected its 2024 Pork Ambassadors. Five college students, under the direction of Sophia Lentfer, NPPA education director, will participate in the year-long program. 

This year's ambassadors include:

• Olivia Vanderford, freshman studying agricultural communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is the daughter of Jon and Taryn Vanderford of Lincoln, Neb.
   
• Danielle Burge is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in animal science and is a member of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. She is the daughter of Dan and Julie Burge of Grant, Neb.
   
• Whitley Rut is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying agribusiness with a pre-law option and minoring in business and law. Her parents are Tom and Kris Rut of Arthur, Neb.
   
• Kylie Beard is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in animal science and minoring in agricultural economics. She is the daughter of Eric Beard and Sara Mertens of Nelson, Neb. 
   
• Trevor Parde is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln  studying animal science with a focus in livestock production and management. He is the son of Doug and Cindy Parde from Adams, Neb. 
   

"This is an elite program that focuses on developing leadership and communication skills through a variety of firsthand experiences," NPPA said in a release. "Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to gain experience about pork promotion, research, and consumer information, while examining the industry’s future and discovering what their role is in the future of our industry."

The ambassadors will have opportunities to meet state and national industry leaders, and examine industry challenges. They will graduate from the program with a $750 scholarship and an impressive understanding of the swine industry, NPPA noted.