Get to Know Our Education and Outreach Intern

Story Written by Intern Ethan Drake

Three panels made a little round pen back in the cedars holding a black pig we called Bob and a red pig we called Joe. When Dad brought home those two pigs, I never would have guessed all they would teach me. As a kid who loved animals, I simply thought it would be fun to go up the hill, feed, water, and watch them. Little did I know it was going to open my world to nutrition, animal husbandry, responsibility, and a whole lot of time fixing fences. Who would have guessed years later that kid would be sitting here working for pork producers who take care of thousands of sows at commercial operations, show pig producers with barns full of babies, and probably some other wide-eyed kids driving posts to build pens for their first couple pigs like me 10 years ago?

My name is Ethan D. Drake, and I am beyond blessed to be one of the summer interns for the Oklahoma Pork Council. I grew up in Mountain Grove, Missouri, as a kid who always had a love for animals and a heart for helping others. Mom always said even when I was little I would rather watch a documentary about wildlife in Africa than a cartoon. That love for animals is what drove me to pursue agricultural classes in high school. Then after being cornered by my agricultural education teacher about my future plans, I realized my passions for working with animals and with kids could fit together helping educate the next generation of agriculturalists. My next step was attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO), where I was on the livestock judging team, and I am now a senior at Oklahoma State University (OSU) pursuing my degree in Agricultural Education.

While attending OSU, I had the privilege of being a part of the Pork Industry Group which introduced me to the amazing team at the Oklahoma Pork Council. It was an incredible experience and when the night of the banquet was wrapping up, I knew I did not want it to be over. I wanted to continue to work with this team, the board members, Oklahoma farmers, as well as continue to grow in my own knowledge of the pork industry and develop myself professionally. I look forward to working on all of these aspects as my summer continues here, and I could not be more grateful for this opportunity.

I cannot wait to see what doors God will open for me through this internship. I want to thank every person reading this for your support of the Oklahoma Pork Council allowing for incredible learning and growth opportunities like this internship.

Oklahoma Pork's Board Visits Pacific Northwest

When Joe Locke became president of Oklahoma Pork's board of directors last year, he brought forward a creative idea that excitingly became a reality this week. Joe wanted Oklahoma Pork's board and staff to travel outside our comfort zones to: (1) learn together about a different sector of the agriculture industry; (2) cast vision together for the future of our organization; and, (3) bond together through shared food and fun in a new environment.

From hearing about the regulatory burdens faced by fishermen in the Pacific Northwest to seeing workforce challenges recruiting young people into seafood production, it was incredible how many head-nodding moments our crew experienced echoing many of the same challenges pig farmers face in rural Oklahoma. While traveling, the board also got down to business voting and making several important decisions during their June board meeting .

The trip was a beautiful balance of fast-paced tours like Pike Place Market in Seattle and laid back camaraderie during curated pork meals hosted by local chefs on Vashon Island. There were several "best I've ever had" meal experiences - including a few pork dishes that will undoubtedly be attempted by some of our expert cooks at home.

One of many highlights from this week of laughter and learning has to be how often the conversation would find its way to back to Oklahoma Pork's role serving the industry and how the board and staff can continue improving as we plan for the future. Stay tuned on Oklahoma Pork's social media accounts for more photos from our Washington adventure!

"Points for Pounds" Challenge Continues

With Oklahomans across the state proudly cheering for the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer, our crew at the Oklahoma Pork Council decided to use the celebration as a perfect opportunity to feed our neighbors in need while promoting the pork industry.

As the OKC Thunder began competing in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves a few weeks ago, the Oklahoma Pork Council began our fun "Points for Pounds Challenge" with a friendly wager to our friends at the Minnesota Pork Board. By the time the Thunder were named Western Conference Champions on May 30, a total of 1,139 pounds of pork were committed for donation to worthy charities between Oklahoma and Minnesota - with each pound of pork tallied for every point scored by our home state basketball teams. In Oklahoma, we decided to share the 600-pounds from Thunder points with our amazing partners at the Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City. We were also proud to see our friends in Minnesota make their donation to food banks throughout their state.

Now, as we excitedly cheer for the Thunder in the NBA Finals this week and next, the Oklahoma Pork Council has taken the challenge "10X" by committing to donating 10 pounds of pork for every point OKC scores against the Indiana Pacers. Not to be left out of the fun, Indiana's pig farmers shot back they will bring "the heat and the meat" to participate as well. Although our Oklahoma crew is hopeful we are watching history as the Thunder secure Oklahoma's first NBA Championship - this engaging challenge helping pig farmers get recognition for your generosity is a slam dunk no matter what.

Click here to see Oklahoma Pork's Shay Stegmann do a fantastic job describing the challenge to News 9 during our first "Points for Pounds" donation drop, then don't forget to root for high scoring point totals on both sides to help Oklahoma Pork and our friends at the Indiana Pork to give BIG this month!

Get to Know Our Communications Intern

Story Written by Intern Chyann Emerson

Hello fellow pork lovers! My name is Chyann Emerson, and I could not be more excited to serve as the Oklahoma Pork Council’s summer communications intern this year.

Growing up in Tuttle, Oklahoma, some words I would use to describe the culture of my hometown are competitive, supportive, and tight-knit. Arguably, it was this atmosphere that led me to show my first pig at ten years old. Being a part of a family with little livestock knowledge, a good friend encouraged my sister and I to start showing pigs for the numerous benefits it has to offer. This was a new adventure that we quickly immersed ourselves in, and like many of you, we were instantly hooked. From there, my high school years were spent playing soccer, spending time in the barn with more show pigs than I could count, and traveling across the country to livestock judging contests.

My passion for the industry continued to grow, and after graduating high school, I moved 20 minutes away to attend Redlands Community College, where I dual-majored in agricultural communications and animal science. While at Redlands, I was a member of a highly competitive livestock judging team and immersed myself in leadership opportunities, industry networking, and hands-on livestock experience. During that time, traveling thousands of miles in a judging van and meeting so many livestock producers, passionate classmates, and incoming students I began to see many different sectors of our industry. I had the opportunity to stop and visit with so many hard-working pig farmers from across the nation, which deepened my appreciation for the work we do.

This past year, I transferred to Oklahoma State University, continuing my journey again working to earn dual agriculture degrees and serving on the livestock judging team. Since being in Stillwater, Oklahoma I’ve started pursuing opportunities tailored toward expanding my knowledge and commitment to the pork industry. I’ve been fortunate to be a member of the Pork Council’s college leadership program Pork Industry Group and to serve as the Oklahoma Youth Livestock Coordinator Intern. These experiences have not only helped me grow professionally, but have also broadened my understanding of how to be a stronger advocate for our industry.

WPX Spotlight: OSU Graduate Jalyn Collier

During last fall's Pork Industry Group at Oklahoma State University (OSU), one special student made her passion for serving in commercial pork production after graduation clear every week. She listened, learned, and earned herself the "Speaker's Choice Award" at the program's conclusion for engaging with industry leaders every chance she got.

Since that time, Jalyn Collier of Oblong, Illinois, completed her Animal Science degree from OSU and made her #TeamPork dream come true by accepting her first full-time role as a sales and supply chain management trainee with the Pig Improvement Company (PIC). Less than two weeks on-the-job while serving at World Pork Expo this week, Jalyn was eager to catch up with her Oklahoma Pork Council friends and several Oklahoma pork producers she got to know through Pork Industry Group.

"I always knew I wanted to work in the pork industry, but being in Pork Industry Group really helped me narrow down what interested me most," Jalyn shared when reflecting on her path to PIC. "I got to see all the different jobs available and make so many connections while still being in college. Now I'm just excited... excited to learn more about the industry, excited to travel and spend time on farms, and excited to see the future of genetics up-close as I dive into my career."

One of the best parts of World Pork Expo is connecting with students who have been part of the Oklahoma Pork Council and are now learning and growing across the industry. Jalyn is a perfect example of these relationships, and we are incredibly proud of her and her exciting new role at PIC.

Oklahoma Pork Members and Staff Enjoy WPX

After storms made their way through much of the country, perfect Iowa weather prevailed as more than 10,000 pork producers and supporters convened in Des Moines for our industry's "family reunion" known as the World Pork Expo (WPX). Each June, WPX serves as an amazing opportunity for Oklahoma Pork's staff and several of our members to learn from industry experts and connect with strong partners like our allied industry sponsors, national organization colleagues, and more.

The 2025 WPX trip included several highlights, including road tripping with one of our impressive summer interns Ethan Drake during his very first week on the job. After only one day to get settled in the Oklahoma Pork Council office on Monday, Ethan jumped straight into team bonding with the staff and board member Dr. Scott Carter as we trekked north to Iowa for an eight-hour drive avoiding flash floods.

Our crew had meaningful discussion on all four of Oklahoma Pork's four strategic intentions while in Des Moines, including Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) preparedness, Workforce at All Levels, Image Enhancement, and Freedom to Operate. We also celebrated Matti Carlile's three-year anniversary serving Oklahoma pork producers, a milestone that feels extra special when surrounded by so many friends and role models across the pork pipeline. We also want to give a shout out to our talented Shay Stegmann who captured the WPX fun with beautiful images throughout the trip. We often talk about our "Dream Team" at the Oklahoma Pork Council, and this week provided a beautiful example of each of us serving well and truly enjoying our "pig gigs" together.

Thank you to our production companies who participated in WPX in any way, and thank you to the allied industry partners who helped make the week a worthwhile experience. If you were not able to visit Iowa yourself this year, keep reading to enjoy a few highlights of the week and click here to see more photos from Oklahoma Pork's time in Des Moines.

Interesting Policy Panel During Expo

Story By Oklahoma Pork Council Intern Ethan Drake

What a way to kick off an internship! One day at the office, and then we were off to Des Moines, Iowa, for the World Pork Expo. I could not have had a better time, and what an honor it was to be a part of representing the Oklahoma Pork Council. I enjoyed every moment from seeing old speakers from the fall 2024 OSU Pork Industry Group, meeting many new faces, walking through the trade show, and spending time with the Oklahoma Pork Council team.

While I thoroughly enjoyed all the discussions, there was one that really caught my attention. The NPPC Strategic Investment Program (SIP) Lunch included a discussion that was both controversial and interesting to me as I begin my summer with Oklahoma Pork.

Duane Stateler, pork farmer and NPPC President, kicked off the lunch panel with an introduction of the big topic, the recent Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report released in Washington, DC. The panel then consisted of three extremely knowledgeable individuals including, Dr. Ashley Johnson – NPPC veterinarian, Michael Formica – NPPC attorney, and Matt Grill – NPPC lobbyist.

They each discussed how in the current administration it always said that farmers are a priority, however, this report doesn't quite seem to reflect that support. We as pork producers provide consumers a healthy, nutrient-dense product, however, the MAHA report tends to attack ultra processed foods. This includes things like sausage, brats, and snack sticks. 

While I enjoyed listening to the panel, I also really enjoyed the discussions that followed throughout the Expo. Whether it was talking briefly about the report with Joe Popplewell - one of our own Oklahoma Pork members, or the deeper conversation with Kevin Sheehan of the National Pork Board and Rob Richard of DNA Swine Genetics.

From the panels, snacking on all the amazing pork products, seeing the next level technology, hanging out with the Oklahoma Pork Council team, and gaining insight from new and old role models… it was an incredible World Pork Expo! I couldn’t have asked for a better first week as an intern.

"All Part of the Bigger Picture" at FFA Convention

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!

Celebrating Pork During Ag Day at the Capitol

Earlier this week, the Oklahoma Pork Council got to celebrate one of our favorite days of the year: Oklahoma Agriculture Day at the State Capitol. Led by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF), Ag Day brings together hundreds of agricultural advocates to showcase our state's diverse food and fiber system while educating policymakers during the legislative session.

Building on the continued success of our build-your-own pork charcuterie station, this year the Oklahoma Pork Council worked with a new charcuterie vendor called "SAVOR OKC" to offer a jaw-dropping selection of bacon on a stick, ham, prosciutto, salami, chicharrones, a variety of other pork products, cheese, fruits and sweets. In total, Oklahoma Pork's crowd-favorite booth distributed more than 300 pork-focused snacks to legislators, staff, and Capitol visitors. Additionally, we distributed more than 1,000 Oklahoma Pork giveaways like "The Year of Youth in Ag" tote bags, "Life is hard, bacon helps" socks, stickers, squishy pigs, and more. 

Oklahoma Pork board members Joe Locke, Tom Layne, Dr. Suzanne Genova, Roy Cansler, Cathy Vaughan, and Dr. Donna Drebes used serving at our booth as an opportunity to educate visitors about Oklahoma's incredible pork industry. As folks hand-picked their delicious pork snacks from our charcuterie spread, we got a moment to share pork's story in an approachable, bite-sized way. Tyson producer Hannah Trujillo and Oklahoma Pork's soon-to-be summer interns Chyann Emerson and Ethan Drake also kindly joined us to promote pork in the scenic State Capitol Rotunda. All together, this biggest-ever crew of pork industry Ag Day volunteers made an impressive impact serving our industry. 

Highlights from Ag Day 2025 included: sharing framed photos from the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) Legislative Show with several policymakers who chose to show pigs; an interesting meeting with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Casey Murdock about pork priorities this session; and, listening into the official Agricultural Day proclamation on the House of Representatives floor. 

Thank you to our members who represented Oklahoma's pork producers at this exciting event, and thank you to our members who produce a quality product that is easy to celebrate! 

Talking Pork and Sharing Pork in Stillwater

Stillwater is a very special place to the Oklahoma Pork Council. Thanks to decades of collaboration with Oklahoma State University (OSU), and the town serving as "home" at some point for many of our leaders - both the campus and the community are forever important to the pork industry’s success in our state. 

So it isn’t surprising our team welcomes any chance to head up the highway wearing America’s brightest orange. This week, Oklahoma Pork’s Kylee Deniz and Shay Stegmann made the most of a Stillwater day trip by educating young people about pork production and donating pork to a deserving organization just in time for Easter. 

Kylee enjoyed the opportunity to present in Dr. Jerry Fitch’s capstone animal science course for soon-to-graduate seniors. Kylee took this opportunity to educate students about Oklahoma's swine industry, the work of our organization, and the anti-pork animal activism happening right here in Oklahoma. As an extra treat, Kylee and Shay also shared fun Oklahoma Pork hats and socks with these future leaders of our state's agriculture industry. 

While in the Stillwater area, Kylee and Shay also visited the “Cardinal’s Love for the Homeless” charity with a special Easter donation of protein-packed pork sticks and smoked and custom sliced hams from Ralph's Packing Company in Perkins. "Cardinal's Love for the Homeless" is a local nonprofit organization meets many needs of Stillwater area residents experiencing homelessness by providing food, supplies, and other supports throughout the year. The Oklahoma Pork Council first interacted with this group during our Give-A-Ham community feed in Stillwater last December, and we look forward to supporting their mission to feed and care for many folks in Payne County.