The Minnesota Pork team is welcoming a new face this summer as Sophia Poquette joins the organization as the 2026 Marketing and Communications Intern.
Poquette is an upcoming senior at Iowa State University, where she is majoring in agricultural communication while also pursuing minors in animal science and public relations. Her background in agriculture and passion for storytelling will support Minnesota Pork’s ongoing efforts to connect consumers with the pork industry and the farm families behind it.
Throughout the summer, Poquette will assist with a variety of projects and events that support Minnesota’s pork producers and agricultural outreach efforts. Her responsibilities will include helping host the Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference, creating content for social media, newsletters, and the Minnesota Pork website, assisting with October Pork Month planning, and coordinating volunteers and supervisors for Minnesota Pork’s booths at the Minnesota State Fair.
“Growing up on a small livestock farm in southeast Minnesota, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, innovation, and stewardship that define family farming,” Poquette said. “I am inspired by Minnesota Pork’s mission to advocate for producers and connect consumers with the people behind the product.”
Minnesota Pork says it is excited to have Poquette on the team and looks forward to the impact she will make throughout the summer internship experience.
Internship programs like this continue to play an important role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders, communicators, and advocates within the pork industry. Through hands-on experience in marketing, communications, event coordination, and consumer engagement, students like Poquette gain valuable industry knowledge while helping promote pork production and agriculture across the Midwest.
On behalf of Pork Industry News, welcome to the industry spotlight, Sophia, and best wishes for a successful summer with Minnesota Pork.