2025 Pork Careers Program Begins at OSU

Last Tuesday night, Oklahoma Pork's annual 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 50 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, helps lead the program alongside Oklahoma Pork staff. Former Oklahoma Pork intern Ethan Drake also assists while serving as our OSU campus liaison for the semester.

The 2025 Pork Industry Group membership includes:

  • Ava Voth from Enid, OK - Animal Science Pre-Vet Senior

  • Bailey Langemeier from Mead, NE - Animal Science Senior

  • Blakelee Pugh from Gore, OK - Animal Science Senior

  • Brody Wallis from Allen, OK - Agricultural Education Senior

  • Carmen Kuiper from Hico, TX - Animal Science & Ag. Business Junior

  • Drew Geiman from North Liberty, IA - Agribusiness Pre-law Junior

  • Garrett Case from Skiatook, OK - Agricultural Education Junior

  • Gracelynn Rodriguez from Marietta, OK - Agricultural Education Junior

  • Griffin Henry from Mckinney, TX - Animal Science Junior

  • Halle Pullen from Stratford, OK - Agricultural Communications Junior

  • Jacey Bordwine from Dibble, OK - Animal Science & Ag. Communications Junior

  • Jaden Kindt from Burkburnett, TX - Animal Science & Ag. Business Pre-Law Senior

  • Kyra Cole from Orlando, FL - Animal Science Junior

  • Lacy Brinegar from Springville, IN - Agricultural Education Senior

  • Laela Begley from Elgin, OK - Agricultural Education Freshman

  • Maebrey Wallace from Allen, OK - Agricultural Communications Junior

  • Maysen Garrett from Crescent, OK - Agricultural Education Junior

  • Neilee Guinn from Porter, OK - Agricultural Leadership Pre-Law Senior

  • Rachel Swinford from Morrison, OK - Agribusiness Pre-Law Junior

  • Ty McCorkle from Morrison, OK - Agricultural Education Senior

This week's first session included an overview of Oklahoma's unique pork industry, information about the Oklahoma Pork Council, and expectation setting 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. Our team kept saying this was our "chattiest" first session in memory, so there's no doubt our semester mentoring these students 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, and somehow this year marks our fifth round coordinating this special experience together. 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.