SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) has announced the hiring of Ava Saxe as its new Director of Membership, Outreach and Engagement.
Saxe is expected to officially join the organization during the final week of August and will begin her new role during one of South Dakota agriculture’s biggest annual events — the South Dakota State Fair.
In the position, Saxe will focus on strengthening relationships throughout South Dakota’s pork industry, growing SDPPC membership and expanding producer and industry outreach across the state. Her responsibilities will also include connecting pork producers with industry partners, managing events, leading strategic communications and overseeing initiatives that generate unrestricted funding to support the organization’s policy efforts.
Saxe brings both hands-on livestock experience and agricultural communications experience to the position.
Raised on a small hobby farm, Saxe developed an early interest in agriculture and later gained direct experience in pork production. During high school, she spent three summers working in hog barns with The Maschhoffs in Illinois.
Saxe recently graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Economics and minors in Communications and Animal Science. While attending college, she also gained agricultural industry experience through internships with Midwest Dairy and John Deere.
“SDPPC is thrilled to welcome Ava to our team! We look forward to the fresh perspective and energy she will bring to our organization, and I have no doubt she will make meaningful contributions to our continuous efforts of promoting and supporting our pork producers in South Dakota,” said Tina Erickson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council.
The addition of Saxe comes as SDPPC continues its work to support South Dakota pork producers through industry advocacy, producer engagement, consumer education and partnerships throughout agriculture.
About the South Dakota Pork Producers Council
The South Dakota Pork Producers Council works to promote, educate and advocate for the pork industry across the state. Through producer support, consumer outreach and industry partnerships, SDPPC is dedicated to advancing opportunities for pork producers and strengthening South Dakota’s agricultural community.