The Pork Industry Group is an eight-week leadership and learning experience offered by the Oklahoma Pork Council in partnership with Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson College of Agriculture. The program is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of the swine industry and build valuable connections with agricultural professionals across the state.
Participants gain real-world insight into:
Commercial pork production practices
Diverse career opportunities across the pork supply chain
Agricultural advocacy and leadership
Professionalism and career readiness
Each weekly session features dynamic speakers from across the industry, practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce, and opportunities to connect with leaders in agriculture. Students also take part in an immersive two-day tour of a commercial sow operation and a large-scale pork processing facility.The program culminates in a final banquet where participants present innovative solutions to current challenges facing Oklahoma’s swine industry before members of the Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding participants.
2026 Fall Pork Industry Group Schedule:
Session One: Tuesday, October 6, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at OSU
Session Two: Tuesday, October 13, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at OSU
Session Three: Tuesday, October 20, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at OSU
Session Four: Tuesday, October 27, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at OSU
Session Five: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at OSU
Session Six: Industry Trip – Thursday, Nov.12, through Friday, Nov. 13
Session Seven: Tuesday, November 17, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at OSU
Session Eight: Final Banquet, Tuesday, December 1, at OSU
Questions? Reach out to Ashton Mese Johnston at ajohnston@okpork.org.