An incredible opportunity for emerging leaders in Pennsylvania, scholarship winners in Illinois, and new faces and promotions in Minnesota have been announced. Here’s a look at the most recent updates and opportunties from pork industry associations across the nation!
Introducing PA Pork Emerging Leaders Academy: Apply Now!
The PA Pork Producers Council (PPPC) announces applications are now open for the Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA). This year-long program engages future pork industry leaders, offering on-site tours of production facilities, feed mills and more supporting businesses, as well being introduced to the National Pork Board, Pork Checkoff and the National Pork Producers Council. Anyone with a passion for or a career in pork is encouraged to apply now through November 2023 for the limited program spaces.
Attend the ELA Meet and Greet event on June 20, 2023, to meet current members and PA Pork leaders and to learn more about the program. To register for the Meet and Greet event or to apply for ELA, visit the PA Pork Producers Council website.
Introducing the 2023 Scholarship Winners by IPPA
Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) awards scholarships to students pursuing higher education in the pork industry. Selection criteria include activities, IPPA involvement and an essay on recruiting new talent, focusing on high school, college or the workforce.
“We had a record number of applicants this year for our IPPA scholarship and continue to be impressed by the ambition and effort from these young men and women,” says Chad Leman, IPPA President. “It is vital that we continue to reach out and recruit the best and the brightest people to get involved in pork production.”
IPPA presents $13,500 in scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year through the Wilbert & Carol Keppy Foundation. Awards include gold ($2,000): Haley Bode, Waterloo; Carter Daniel Hoge, Macomb; Jared Dawkins, Beach Park; silver ($1,500): Madisen Winter, Kewanee; Halie Kohl, Herscher; Gage Miller, Cambridge; bronze ($1,000): Hailey VanOpdorp, Geneseo; Emma Frank, Atkinson; Carlie Mettler, Highland.
Minnesota Pork Producers Association Names Director of Communications and Director of Public Policy Strategy and Sustainability
Minnesota Pork Producers Association (MPPA) has appointed Bailey Ruen as director of communications and promoted Lauren Servick to director of public policy strategy and sustainability.
Ruen will be responsible for developing digital content, video, audio and print media, website management, and external media relations to enhance the image and public relations of Minnesota’s family pig farmers. Ruen’s passion for the industry started while growing up on her family’s pig and crop farm.
“Bailey’s desire to serve Minnesota pig farmers, her communication background, and agrarian roots will serve our industry well as we continue to build trust in Minnesota’s family pig farmers,” says Jill Resler, CEO of the Minnesota Pork Board and MPPA.
Servick will lead the development of public policy strategy and sustainability efforts. She joined the MPPA as director of communications and marketing in January 2017 to later become more involved in public policy efforts, most recently serving as the director of marketing and public policy engagement since June 2018.
“Lauren’s demonstrated experience in the sustainability and public policy arenas will be invaluable as we continue to defend Minnesota pig farmer’s permission to operate,” says Resler. “Her passion to serve Minnesota pig farmers in a dynamic and complex operating environment is unmatched – we are fortunate to have Lauren on the team as we work to ensure opportunities for future generations of pig farmers in Minnesota.”
