New Iowa Pork Queen Crowned in Des Moines
Lilly Bru of Gladbrook was named the 2024 Iowa Pork Queen during the Iowa Pork Congress. She is a senior at Green Mountain-Garwin Secondary School in Garwin. Bru is the daughter of Ryan and Laura of Gladbrook in Tama County. She serves as president of her FFA chapter and is a member of 4-H and the Tama County Pork Producers Leadership team. She will study agribusiness at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny this fall.
Meanwhile, Abby Elsamiller of Waverly and Aubrey Johnson of Iowa Falls were selected to serve on the Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team.
Elsamiller is the daughter of Jon and Becca Elsamiller of Waverly in Bremer County, and is a senior at Waverly-Shell Rock High School. She is the Bremer County Pork Queen, and farrows and raises purebred Berkshire pigs to show and sell. After graduation, she plans to pursue an elementary education degree at Iowa State University in Ames.
Johnson is the daughter of Ryan and LaRae Johnson of Iowa Falls in Hardin County. She is a senior at Iowa Falls-Alden High School. She has served in numerous officer positions for her FFA chapter and 4-H club. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree related to agriculture, possibly in communications or agricultural business.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) sponsors this contest where participants are judged on their knowledge about pork and pig production as shown in presentations, interviews and a written test about pork industry topics. As well, community involvement and experience are also considered.
"The female contestant with the highest score is crowned Iowa Pork Queen, and the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named youth ambassadors," IPPA said in a release.
These young women will receive a $4,000 scholarship and plaque noting their award.
Others who completed the contest will receive a $200 scholarship. They include Riley Troendle of Lansing, Miranda Rickels of Lost Nation, Ella Cole of Manchester, Ashlee Tomlinson of Norwalk and Hannah Tice of Story City.
The IPPA Youth Leadership Team will assist with public activities promoting and educating about pork and pig production, from county events around Iowa to the World Pork Expo and Iowa State Fair, IPPA explained.
"Past team members have valued the connections established with fellow industry advocates, as well as the many growth and learning opportunities provided by these positions," IPPA said.
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