One priority to understand about the Oklahoma Pork Council is that we are unapologetically all-in on the next generation of pork producers. At this week's 99th Annual Oklahoma FFA State Convention, our crew connected with hundreds of the 15,000 attendees who took over downtown Tulsa for a memorable week filled with blue and gold. Oklahoma Pork's staff and several pork-loving college students had a fantastic time reuniting with passionate students we have met throughout the year and meeting many more who enjoy showing pigs, eating pork, and/or learning about potential career opportunities offered throughout the pork industry.

During convention, hundreds of FFA members visited our expansive "Work In Pork" booth at the career-focused trade show. In celebration of Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur's "Year of Youth in Agriculture" our visual pro Shay Stegmann planned a 1,000+ photo mosaic wall for FFA members to picture themselves in pork while realizing we are each a small part of the big picture in agriculture. As hundreds of students stopped by to participate in building the mosaic wall, we enjoyed countless opportunities to promote our industry and encourage a continued interest in pork production after they eventually hang up their FFA jackets for the workforce or continued education. Based on the booth's resounding success, we are confident this message is continuing to resonate with the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Thanks to Shay's engaging mosaic experience and Kylee Deniz's best-in-class Oklahoma Pork swag, Oklahoma Pork's booth was among the most visited in the massive Expo Hall. We also welcomed many smiling visitors who proudly participated in the Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby or one of several "Work in Pork" ambassador visits held at Oklahoma high schools this spring. We shared fun "I make the bacon" friendship bracelets, "I'm a pig deal" stickers, and several other memorable giveaways to help students feel close to the Oklahoma Pork Council long after convention ends.

Five of Oklahoma Pork's most dedicated college students made our booth extra inviting, so a huge thanks to pork industry role models Chyann Emerson, Ethan Drake, Taylor McConnell, Gus Ward, and Molly Buckmaster for spending part of their finals week with us in Tulsa! Keep reading for several other highlights from the 2025 State FFA Convention, and click here to see more photos from the week!