Recent Oklahoma State University graduate Jaden Kindt just began her two-year pork industry "immersion program" role where she will rotate through positions with the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and then a state pork association. Jaden credits participation in Oklahoma Pork's college leadership program as her best preparation for this unique career experience to find her place in pork production.
Story and Photo by Oklahoma Pork Summer Intern Halle Pullen
Growing up as a member of the show pig community, I heard story after story of the famous World Pork Expo! Stories of the Big Grill, the branded “swag,” and the new technologies that companies came to market took priority in each of these stories. However, by the time I made it to the show, it had been rebranded to The Exposition and was just like any other pig show. Nevertheless, this week I finally had the opportunity to attend the event that I had heard about for years on end: World Pork Expo!
As we entered the fairgrounds I could not help but stand in awe as I observed the big white tents for what seemed to be miles and a sea of people who all had one thing in-common: pork. It was truly a mind-boggling experience. Throughout the course of the next two days, I had the opportunity to shake more hands than I can count of highly respected members of the pork community, as well as new and old friends. Jaden Kindt, National Pork Board (NPB) State Pork Industry Relations Manager, was one of my favorite faces to see in Des Moines.
This past school year, Jaden and I both had the opportunity to serve as members of Pork Industry Group at Oklahoma State University, where our friendship first began. During the selection process for the National Pork Board (NPB) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Immersion Program, Jaden shared with me how both nervous and excited she was to hear back from the selection committee. A week later, I saw her again and she shared the best news ever: that she had been selected for the program and would spend the next two years learning the ins and outs of NPB, NPPC, and eventually make her way to serving alongside a state association. Jaden graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in May and made the trek from Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Des Moines, Iowa, to begin her role.
Jaden started with NPB on May 26, 2026, and is already soaking in the culture of serving pork producers. Jaden said, “As a national organization, we value the opinions and feedback of our pork producers across the nation.” Jaden shared that she is thankful that the position allows her to take this feedback and use it in serving as the middleman between producers and consumers. She finds it extremely rewarding to be able to represent all pork producers, no matter the size of the farm, and be a constant voice for them while they are consumed by the daily task of feeding the world.
“The knowledge and networking that Pork Industry Group provided me gave me the confidence to apply for this position, and I could not be more grateful for that,” Jaden shared. Hearing her say that reminded me of the impact Pork Industry Group has had on all of us. I’m especially grateful that the program brought Jaden into my life. It was incredibly rewarding to watch her thrive at World Pork Expo, and I look forward to staying connected with her and cheering her on throughout the next two years and beyond.