There’s no question it’s an interesting time in history to be preparing for the workforce and looking for a job. Farm Journal’s PORK asked five youth pig enthusiasts from Oregon to Pennsylvania to share why they want to pursue a career in the pork industry and how to continue to attract future leaders to animal agriculture.
Reagan Gibson, 17
Panora, Iowa
I plan to attend Iowa State University this fall and double major in animal science and ag education.
Q. How have youth organizations opened your eyes to opportunities in the swine industry?
A. There are so many amazing youth organizations in the swine industry. Through these organizations, I have been able to make connections within the industry and participate in contests that will help me develop personal and career skills.
Q. What makes a future in the pork industry appealing to you?
A. To me, the pork industry is more of a family than an industry. I value the connections I’ve made, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that I chose an industry that will benefit the world.
Q. How can we get more youth interested in pork industry careers?
A. When people think of the pork industry, they think of a farmer raising pigs. Although this is true, there are so many other career opportunities within the industry that don’t directly involve raising pigs at all. There’s something for almost every interest from nutrition to accounting. I think it’s important to make it better known that there are a multitude of opportunities for youth in the industry.
Kalvin Hrutkay, 17
Bentleyville, Pennsylvania
I plan to attend Iowa State University or Western Illinois University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in animal science and agribusiness. I would then like to find a career in research and development of the swine and cattle industries.
Q. How have youth organizations opened your eyes to opportunities in the swine industry?
A. The National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) has shown me that there is more to the livestock industry than just the show aspect. It has given me a great respect and understanding for the men, women and animals who create the swine industry.
Q. What makes a future in the pork industry appealing to you?
A. I believe there are a lot of opportunities as you consider the state of the swine industry right now. One of the big questions on my mind is when will China’s swine industry recover from African swine fever and what will be the rate of their growth building mega sow farms.
Q. How can we get more youth interested in pork industry careers?
A. I believe that you need to know that animals don’t provide just nutrients. Pork byproducts are used in a lot of common everyday items. The industry has a lot of opportunities.
Keri Landry, 19
Jeanerette, Louisiana
I will be a junior this fall at Oklahoma State University, studying animal sciences with a biotechnology option. As I continue to further my education, I plan on applying to vet school, where I hope to focus on large animal medicine. From there, I would like to actively be involved in both production livestock and show industries.
Q. How have youth organizations opened your eyes to opportunities in the swine industry?
A. I genuinely believe that junior livestock organizations have shaped me into the person I am today. These organizations have allowed me to make industry connections that will follow me as I graduate and aim to be involved in the swine industry. These contacts have directly aided in my ability to get internships around the country and experience the world of production and livestock shows.
Q. What makes a future in the pork industry appealing to you?
A. The pork industry is truly the backbone of our youth organizations. By being involved in a pork industry career, I would give back to the wonderful industry that raised me. Especially in this day and age where much of society is outwardly opposed to agriculture as a whole, and more specifically animal agriculture, this involvement will give me the opportunity to put forward a reputable image for this industry.
Q. How can we get more youth interested in pork industry careers?
A. As a leader in a youth organization, I think it is essential that we provide opportunities for kids to continue to make connections in the pork industry. I believe that by working with major companies and offering a variety of internships from communication, marketing, husbandry, and any other position, that would allow youth to get a foot in the door and become more interested in a future career. Additionally, over the past year of the pandemic, the pork industry has taken the necessary steps for safety like much of the world; working remotely has become a large part of our industry. This option, if it remains, would give individuals who aim to be involved in the show side as well as production the opportunity to work in a pork-related job without the need for extreme relocation or biosecurity threats.
Brody Nemecek, 19
Iola, Kansas
I will be a sophomore this fall at Butler Community College and a member of the livestock judging team. After I complete my sophomore year at Butler, I plan to transfer to Kansas State University to obtain a degree that will position me as an asset to the swine industry. A career in the swine industry continues to drive my ambition and goals in choosing my educational objectives.
Q. How have youth organizations opened your eyes to opportunities in the swine industry?
A. Opportunities through FFA and 4-H are what got me involved in the swine industry and encouraged me to join the NJSA. It has taught me the importance of how family and the swine industry go hand in hand. Through multiple World Pork Expos and National Junior Leadership Conferences, I have been able to learn about the different career opportunities in the swine industry.
Q. What makes a future in the pork industry appealing to you?
A. I have lived and worked on a farm my entire life and raising hogs has always been the focus of our family operation. Now I am ready to learn more about the industry from a higher education viewpoint. My career objective is to not only continue to raise purebred hogs, but to help youth succeed in their agricultural pursuits and make sure that others have the opportunities to show at local, regional and national events like I have been privileged to do.
Q. How can we get more youth interested in pork industry careers?
A. I think the best way to encourage more youth to be involved in the pork industry would be to host more engaging events. A great example is the National Junior Leadership Conference that the NJSA hosts every year. One of the challenges of getting more kids to this event is that the location varies and there is a cost to attend. I believe that if we could showcase all the aspects of the swine industry at more of our shows and activities, we could encourage more youth to get involved in agriculture and be a part of the swine industry someday!
Kekoa Taipin, 18
Klamath Falls, Oregon
I will be a freshman at Texas Tech University this fall majoring in animal science and ag communications.
Q. How have youth organizations opened your eyes to opportunities in the swine industry?
A. I have been involved in youth organizations since the fourth grade when I first started showing pigs in 4-H. Over the past several years, I have been given the opportunity to travel with family and friends to shows around the nation. Being involved in many youth organizations has opened my eyes to an entirely different world. I have made countless friends and I have learned who I am and who I can become. Not only have youth organizations led me to countless opportunities, these organizations have taught me life skills such as communication and leadership skills.
Q. What makes a future in the pork industry appealing to you?
A. The pork industry is an amazing industry! Being involved in the industry for almost 10 years, I have been able to grow as an individual and have found my true passion. What is appealing to me is how family-oriented the swine industry is. There is always a place for you and your family. You are always being supported by each other. Being a part of this amazing industry pushes me to do better for the future and for the youth members and families who are a part of the industry. I want to be able to advocate for animal agriculture and show others what great things the swine industry has done for me.
Q. How can we get more youth interested in pork industry careers?
A. I think the best way to get youth interested is to promote swine career paths to other organizations such as FFA and 4-H. Introducing youth to the industry is half of the work. Teaching kids what the industry is all about is very important. The opportunities are endless, and youth need to see that there is a place for everyone. Not only can you find a career in the industry, you can truly find your place.
We will be uniting together June 7-13 for PORK Week across all of our Farm Journal platforms to elevate the important role the pork industry plays in feeding the world. Share your stories and post photos on social media using #PORKWeek21 to help us honor the pork industry. From “AgDay TV” to “AgriTalk” to “U.S. Farm Report” to PorkBusiness.com and everything in between, tune in and join us as we acknowledge the most noble profession there is: feeding people.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Modern Mythbuster: Eric Stonestreet Sets Out to Bust Pig Farming Myths
Celebrate #PORKWeek with Farm Journal’s PORK
