From growing up on an Iowa family farm and participating in 4-H and FFA to advocating for America’s pork producers on Capitol Hill, Amanda Ostrem is helping represent the next generation of agricultural leaders.
In this episode of Pork Industry News, host Rachel Fishback interviews Amanda Ostrem, the 2026 Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet Champion, about her experiences in the pork industry, agricultural advocacy, college internships, and her recent trip to Washington, D.C., for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Legislative Action Conference.
Amanda was awarded a $10,000 scholarship after winning the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet competition at World Pork Expo. The competition, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council and sponsored by NOVUS International and Nutra Blend, challenges young agricultural advocates to demonstrate their knowledge of important issues impacting America’s pork producers.
During her trip to Washington, D.C., Amanda joined pork producers and industry representatives from across the country to discuss important legislative priorities, including California Proposition 12 (Prop 12), the Farm Bill, agricultural labor, international trade, and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. She shares what it was like meeting with lawmakers, why producers need to tell their stories, and how young people can make a difference in agricultural policy.
Watch the full interview:
Agricultural Internships, Organizations & Career Opportunities
Amanda also discusses the agricultural organizations, programs, and internships that have helped prepare her for a career in agricultural communications and pork industry advocacy.
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC): Amanda previously served as a communications intern with NPPC, gaining experience in pork industry policy, agricultural communications, and legislative advocacy. She discusses how this opportunity helped introduce her to the importance of communicating issues affecting pork producers.
Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA): Amanda has been involved with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and joined its representatives for legislative visits in Washington, D.C., learning firsthand how state pork organizations advocate for producers.
Choose Iowa – Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship: During her summer internship with Choose Iowa, Amanda helped promote agricultural products grown, raised, or processed in Iowa. She discusses working with program members, educating consumers at farmers markets and the Iowa State Fair, and learning about different areas of Iowa agriculture, including pork, cattle, horticulture, and produce production.
NOVUS International and Nutra Blend: These agricultural companies sponsor the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet, helping provide opportunities for young people to develop their knowledge of pork industry policy, strengthen communication skills, and connect with industry leaders.
Iowa State University: Amanda discusses her college education, the importance of exploring internships, and her plans to pursue graduate studies in communications or agricultural communications.
4-H and FFA: Growing up near Stanhope, Iowa, Amanda raised and showed pigs while participating in 4-H and FFA. She credits these youth agricultural organizations with helping develop the public speaking, leadership, and communication skills she uses today.
