Applications Open November 1 for Ohio Pork Leaders Program, Offering Young Professionals Opportunities in Leadership, Advocacy and Industry Education
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Pork Council is preparing to welcome the next generation of pork industry leaders through its 2027 Ohio Pork Leaders Program, an initiative designed to develop leadership skills, strengthen industry connections and prepare young professionals for greater roles within the pork industry.
Applications and nominations for the 2027 program open November 1, 2026, with opportunities available to individuals ages 18 to 35 who are interested in expanding their knowledge of pork production, industry advocacy, communications and the organizations supporting Ohio’s pork producers.
Pork producers and farm owners are encouraged to nominate promising employees, contract growers or family members who demonstrate leadership potential and an interest in the future of the industry. Individuals who meet the program’s age requirements may also nominate themselves.
The program will run from February through October 2027, providing participants with firsthand experiences that extend beyond daily farm operations. Throughout the program, participants will learn how pork industry organizations operate, engage with policymakers, strengthen their media and communication skills and gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing pork producers.
Participants will also experience consumer outreach efforts at the Ohio State Fair and explore the pork supply chain, including processing and retail, to better understand how pork products move from farms to consumers.
For pork production operations, the Ohio Pork Leaders Program offers an opportunity to invest in employees and emerging leaders who may take on additional responsibilities in the future. By providing exposure to different segments of the industry, the program helps participants build professional relationships, develop confidence and strengthen their ability to represent pork producers and agriculture.
“Being in the Leaders Program has been a great learning experience,” said Hannah Schroeder, a participant in the program’s second class. “This program has helped me grow my professional skills and my professional connections.”
As the pork industry continues to evolve, leadership development programs like the Ohio Pork Leaders Program provide opportunities for young professionals to better understand agricultural policy, consumer engagement, industry communications and the importance of advocating for pork production.
Applications for the 2027 Ohio Pork Leaders Program open November 1, 2026, and must be submitted by January 11, 2027.
Those interested in learning more about the program, applying or nominating a potential participant can contact Blake Campbell at bcampbell@ohiopork.org or Kayla Barker at kbarker@ohiopork.org.
