Our Oklahoma Pork team is excited it's almost time for one of our favorite programs of the year! If you know any Oklahoma State University students studying agriculture, please encourage them to apply for Pork Industry Group this fall. The program, led by the Oklahoma Pork Council and Dr. Scott Carter, is an eight-week learning experience for Ferguson College of Agriculture students who want to better understand the swine industry and expand their network of agricultural professionals in Oklahoma.

Students will grow their knowledge of commercial pork production, diverse career opportunities, agricultural advocacy, professionalism and more. Each weekly session will also include a free dinner, door prizes and helpful advice from industry experts. The group will hear from dynamic speakers with a variety of pork-related careers and take part in an exciting two-day trip to visit a commercial sow operation and a large-scale pork processing plant. Pork Industry Group culminates with a final banquet where students present their workforce ideas to Oklahoma Pork's Board of Directors. Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding participants.

Applications are due Friday, September 13, through the Oklahoma Pork Council website. Each applicant must also submit their resume and one recommendation letter via email to be considered for this experience. Check out the program schedule and other helpful information on the Oklahoma Pork Council website. If you have questions or comments about Pork Industry Group, please contact Oklahoma Pork's Ashton Mese Johnston. This unique experience continues to gain momentum each year, and we are proud of the ways we engage the next generation of agriculture leaders with pork production!