Oklahoma's Department of Agriculture does a phenomenal job empowering students from rural backgrounds to become advocates for agriculture. Oklahoma Pork enjoyed engaging with some of these young people during the AgHERculture conference at the Fordson Hotel and hosting the Agriculture Youth Council at our office.

Over the past week, the Oklahoma Pork Council participated in two special events focused on developing young leaders. Both were hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's (ODAFF) as part of Secretary Blayne Arthur and her team's authentic commitment to fostering a passionate and engaged next generation. What an incredible asset to have a largely regulatory agency that devotes time and resources toward such an impactful mission. We applaud Secretary Arthur and the ODAFF crew for the generational difference their leadership is making!

First up, our team enjoyed helping last weekend with ODAFF's 2024 AgHERculture Conference for high school and college students looking to strengthen their professional skills alongside other young women. The two-day event allowed more than 100 students to learn more about agricultural careers, meet with role models from across the state, and reflect on their own goals for the future. Staff from the Oklahoma Pork Council served as mentors where we promoted opportunities in pork production and our Oklahoma Pork programming. Oklahoma Pork's Kylee Deniz also continued her conference-favorite role as the event's closing speaker where she proudly shared her pork story and led participants through a meaningful "letter to your future self" experience.

Then on Wednesday of this week, Oklahoma Pork hosted ODAFF's Agriculture Youth Council (AYC) to discuss our state's expansive swine industry, our role as a producer organization, and the importance of mentorship and advocacy. This year-long leadership program for 25 high school seniors digs into Oklahoma's diverse agriculture industry and government service. Our team was proud to be part of the AYC inaugural session for 2024, where students also visited ODAFF for the first time, toured Blue & Gold Sausage Co. in Jones, then finished their day at the Oklahoma Pork Council office. We look forward to other chances to engage this leadership group throughout the year.

Thanks to communications pros Lee Benson and Kirsten Hollansworth from ODAFF for sharing some of their event photos from this past week with us for this story!