Youth Tackle Pork Industry Issues
NOVUS and Nutra Blend are again partnering to support the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet at this year’s World Pork Expo, taking place June 4-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The event, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), gives young individuals aged 17 to 22 a chance to showcase their communication skills, offer solutions to industry issues, and gain a better understanding of how decisions are made in U.S. pork production.
Participants in the competition presented their views on current pork industry challenges. They propose practical solutions, which are then turned into mock policy motions—mirroring NPPC’s actual policy-making process. This unique experience helps participants learn how producer-led decisions shape the pork industry.
“Animal agriculture is continuing to follow a similar trend as most businesses in the U.S.,” said Ron Praska, Western Regional Sales Manager for Nutra Blend. “With the “graying” of America, we are seeing an immediate need for younger people to join our industry and bring fresh perspectives, openness to technology, and new approaches to the industry. All of us at Nutra Blend recognize that there are talented individuals available for the great opportunities to continue to feed the world.”
“The young people who participated in last year’s event were so intelligent and knowledgeable; they did the industry proud,” said Eric Sanny, Swine Regional Sales Manager for North America and Canada at NOVUS. “We know they really enjoyed it too because they are already promoting this year’s event to a new batch of potential participants.”
Winners of the competition will receive a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to the NPPC’s Fall Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C., where they will witness policy work in action.
The first two rounds will take place on June 4 at the Varied Industries Building. Final rounds will be held June 5 on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage, just before a live concert ends at the Expo.
Photo Credit: novus-logo