We blinked, and somehow seven sessions of Pork Industry Group have flown by as our team prepares to finish our 2025 collegiate leadership program. After this Tuesday’s final regular meeting on the Oklahoma State University (OSU) campus, our 20 passionate students get a well-deserved Thanksgiving break before their capstone banquet gives us one last chance to be together in early December.

For the final guest speaker session learning from pork pros, our crew heard from two of Oklahoma Pork's favorite allied industry partners. McKenzie Squires of Zoetis gave a relatable presentation on her educational and career path that led to her pork industry career in swine pharmaceutical sales. She encouraged the students to consider on-farm experiences, including those available in partnership with her company. In addition to a great explanation of Zoetis's role in pork production, McKenzie shared practical advice for young people about to begin their careers.

Dr. Russell Fent of Ralco Nutrition shared his path to a fulfilling career supporting the pork industry through nutrition and research. He discussed opportunities for the next generation with Ralco Nutrition and beyond with an emphasis on the hard and soft skills that really matter when his team is hiring. Both McKenzie and Dr. Fent did an excellent job relaying the passion they have for working around pork production, and helping our students understand there is room for all of us on #TeamPork.