In addition to helping run one of the largest pig shows in the world this week, the Oklahoma Pork Council also made time to host several workshops at the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) for students eager to learn about improving their biosecurity and setting goals for the future.
First, as part of our continued partnership with the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU-CVM), Oklahoma Pork hosted two rounds of fun biosecurity cleaning versus disinfecting workshops at the "OSU ExpOSUre: Livestock Docs at OYE" event. Targeting middle and high school students with an interest in veterinary medicine, ExpOSUre introduced attendees to several agricultural and scientific activities to grow their understanding of what animal health careers involve.
With resources from our friends at the other OSU (Ohio State University), our Oklahoma Pork crew used glo-germ and black lights to teach more than 200 young people about the mind-blowing reality of how easily germs can spread. A perfect example of our "Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness" strategic intention, this eye-opening activity will certainly be remembered by students as they work to keep their animals and equipment as clean as possible after the show.
In addition to our more science-focused trainings through the ExpOSUre events, our reigning "Oklahoma Agriculture Woman of the Year" Kylee Deniz got to inspire more than 100 OYE exhibitors during her hands-on vision board activity at the Diamond Hats "This One's for the Girls" leadership seminar. Kylee used her opportunity helping lead this special event to educate attendees about the pork industry, while encouraging them to set goals for their future plans related to agriculture and beyond. What a special way to "leave the ladder down" for young people looking to find their own path for school, work, and more.
So much good happens during the jam-packed two weeks of OYE that we don't get the chance to celebrate every event. But we want to thank Oklahoma's Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur, OSU-CVM's Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, leadership from the Diamond Hats, and others who invited the Oklahoma Pork Council to lead each of these exceptional events. See more of Shay Stegmann's beautiful photos from OYE by checking out Oklahoma Pork's social media here!