The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is investing in the future of the pork industry by welcoming two talented college students as summer interns for 2026. Through hands-on experiences in communications, promotions, outreach, and agricultural policy, the internship program helps prepare the next generation of leaders who will serve pork producers and agriculture for years to come.
Pictured are 2026 Iowa Pork Producers Association summer interns Kaitlynn DeBlock of Aledo, Illinois, and Erin Driscoll of Williamsburg, Iowa. DeBlock is serving as the promotions and outreach intern, while Driscoll is serving as the legislative intern. Through their summer internships, both students are gaining hands-on experience in communications, outreach, agricultural policy, and pork industry leadership development. Picture courtesy of Iowa Pork
Kaitlynn DeBlock of Aledo, Illinois, and Erin Driscoll of Williamsburg, Iowa, have joined IPPA for the summer, bringing a passion for agriculture and a desire to expand their knowledge of the swine industry. Both students will gain valuable real-world experience while contributing to programs that support Iowa pork producers and promote the industry across the state.
DeBlock, a junior studying Agricultural Communications at Iowa State University, is serving as the promotions and outreach intern. During her internship, she will assist with county pork promotions, support the Bacon Buddies® program, and help coordinate Iowa Pork’s presence at summer grilling events and outreach activities. She is also helping prepare the Farrowing Display in the Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fair, one of the fair’s most popular agricultural education exhibits.
DeBlock said the opportunity allows her to gain valuable industry experience while expanding her understanding of pork production and agricultural communications.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity of hands-on experience in the industry, while being able to learn from industry professionals,” said DeBlock. “I am extremely excited to contribute to meaningful work that aligns with my future career goals.”
Driscoll, a senior studying Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications at Kansas State University, is serving as IPPA’s legislative intern. Her summer began with a five-week assignment in Washington, D.C., where she is working alongside lawmakers and policy advisors to gain firsthand insight into the federal legislative process and agricultural policy development.
While in the nation’s capital, Driscoll is attending congressional hearings, meeting with members of Congress and their staff, and learning how federal policy decisions impact pork producers and rural communities across Iowa and the United States. Upon returning to Iowa later this summer, she will assist with preparations for the Iowa Pork Tent at the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest pork promotion efforts in the state.
Driscoll said the internship offers a unique opportunity to represent Iowa pork producers while learning more about the relationship between agriculture, communications, and public policy.
“I’m excited to spend the summer in Washington, D.C. and Des Moines representing Iowa pork producers, gaining valuable industry experience, and learning more about the intersection of agriculture, communications, and policy,” said Driscoll.
Both interns plan to pursue careers in agriculture after graduation. DeBlock hopes to build a future in the swine industry while utilizing the promotional and communication skills she develops this summer. Driscoll plans to pursue a career in agricultural policy and continue expanding her knowledge of the many issues impacting farmers, ranchers, and pork producers.
Through internship opportunities like these, the Iowa Pork Producers Association continues to invest in leadership development, workforce growth, and the future success of Iowa’s pork industry. By providing students with hands-on experiences in communications, outreach, and policy, IPPA is helping prepare the next generation of professionals who will support pork producers and strengthen the U.S. swine industry for years to come.