In a special effort to recruit more young people into animal husbandry, the Oklahoma Pork Council helped launch the first annual "Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby" program on Thursday with a "Draft Day" event held at Oklahoma State University (OSU).

This months-long experience creates a life-changing opportunity for 4-H and FFA students who would not otherwise have the chance to raise, train or show livestock. The Pork Partners Derby program will culminate next spring at the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) with a specialty swine show specifically for the Derby students and their pigs.

A total of 47 students from 32 counties were nominated into the program by their local 4-H or FFA advisors who have pledged hands-on assistance over the next five months as the first-time livestock exhibitors work to properly raise their selected animals. At Thursday's "Draft Day" for participants, the students were able to learn more about feeding, training and biosecurity in addition to selecting their hogs from the available OSU Swine Farm options.

Although there will continue to be key learnings throughout the first trial year of this program, the Oklahoma Pork Council is excited to support more eager Oklahoma agriculture students learning what it takes to raise quality pigs. We are confident some of these students will find a true passion for the pork industry that could translate into fulfilling careers throughout the pork pipeline. Click here to learn more about the "Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby" program!