On Tuesday night, Oklahoma Pork's collegiate leadership program for agriculture students with an interest in swine-related careers officially kicked off in Stillwater. Pork Industry Group - a key component in our organization's Workforce At All Levels strategic intention - allows young people actively looking for internships and careers within agriculture the opportunity to learn more about Oklahoma's commercial pork industry and expand their networks of agricultural professionals in the state.
After more than 60 students applied to participate, 20 impressive Oklahoma State University (OSU) students representing a variety of backgrounds, academic majors and career goals have been accepted into this year's program. Dr. Scott Carter, OSU professor and Oklahoma Pork ex-officio board member, leads the program alongside Oklahoma Pork staff. Former Oklahoma Pork intern Gus Ward also helps with the program while serving as our OSU campus liaison for the semester.
The 2024 Pork Industry Group membership includes:
Brett Hoffman from Poteau, Oklahoma - Animal Science Junior
Brooke Vrba from Forney, Texas - Animal Science Senior
Cade Harris from Brock, Texas - Animal Science / Pre-Vet Senior
Chyann Emerson from Tuttle, Oklahoma - Ag. Business and Ag. Comm. Junior
Colten Jasper from Jones, Oklahoma - Animal Science Junior
Ethan Drake from Mountain Grove, Missouri - Agricultural Education Junior
Hannah Giaudrone from Tecumseh, Oklahoma - Animal Science and Ag. Ed. Senior
Jalyn Collier from Oblong, Illinois - Animal Science Senior
Kinley Bratcher from Rush Springs, Oklahoma - Ag. Comm and Agribusiness Junior
Kloie Nation from Sapulpa, Oklahoma - Animal Science Senior
Krysha Green from Madill, Oklahoma - Agricultural Education Junior
Lauren Chaney from Bluejacket, Oklahoma - Animal Science / Pre-Vet Senior
Maria Shea from Owasso, Oklahoma - Animal Science Junior
Molly Buckmaster from Porter, Oklahoma - Ag. Communications Sophomore
Paige Vierra from Maxwell, California - Agricultural Education and Animal Science Junior
Preston Alberti from Ripon, California - Plant and Soil Science and Agribusiness Senior
Raylee Stuckey from Ardmore, Oklahoma - Agribusiness/Pre-Law Junior
Riley Luginbill from Stillwater, Oklahoma - Agricultural Education Senior
Taylor Epperson from Wyandotte, Oklahoma - Animal Science & Ag. Comm. Junior
Taylor McConnell from Wellston, Oklahoma - Animal Science / Pre-Law Senior
This week's first session included an overview of Oklahoma's unique pork industry, the Oklahoma Pork Council, and expectations for the remaining seven sessions throughout the fall semester. We also enjoyed pizza together, shared Oklahoma Pork swag and prizes, and bonded as strong supporters of production agriculture. This semester is going to be a lot of fun!
Pork Industry Group is one of our staff and board's favorite experiences we lead throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of the students chosen for this competitive program, and we look forward to connecting these next generation leaders with opportunities throughout our industry.