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Young leaders in the pork industry learn more about agriculture

Twelve young leaders in the pork industry are taking part in the Illinois Pork Leadership Institute this week.  This is the fifth year Brooke Haag of Emmington, Ill. has taken part in the program.

She says the program provides a broad look at the agriculture industry and as an agricultural education major – the program exposes her to parts of the industry she’s not as familiar with.  “Growing up on a pig farm I didn’t really get a chance to learn about dairies or the agri-science and crop science side of agriculture,” she says.  “It was really interesting to learn about those different parts that I might not have gotten a chance to get in-depth knowledge and see the things that go on there.”

AUDIO: Booke Haag, Emmington, Ill.

Illinois Pork Ambassador Shelby Carey from Beardstown, Ill. raises showpigs on her farm.  She says one of the most educational stops was at Indiana Packers.  “Even though I’m in the pork industry – I’d never been to a packing plant,” she says.  “I’m raising pigs and it was nice to see where they start and come into this world to how they end up on your table.”

AUDIO: Shelby Carey, Beardstown, Ill.

The group also made stops at the University of Illinois, Elanco, Dow AgroSciences, Fair Oaks Dairy, and Indiana Pork.

The Illinois Pork Leadership Institute wrapped up in Indianapolis on Thursday.