Special Report

Minnesota Pork Ambassador enjoying the experience

A Minnesota Pork Ambassador says attending World Pork Expo is one of many great opportunities he’s had through the program.

Ben Johnson is from Walnut Grove and just finished his sophomore year majoring in agricultural business at Iowa State University.

“Last summer we went on a quick industry tour, visited some businesses that involved pork production.  And coming up after World Pork Expo, we head out to Brandon, South Dakota for our Young Leaders in Ag Conference June 19th through the 21st.  And that’s going to be awesome.  There’s about 80 kids attending.”

Speaking to Brownfield at World Pork Expo Thursday, Johnson says he’s enjoying the Junior National pig show.

“I grew up showing hogs, so it’s really exciting to come out here and see the hogs.  I (think) it’s the largest hog show in America.  It’s pretty exciting to see all the different breeders and all that, so it’s pretty fun.”

Johnson’s year-long term as a Pork Ambassador will end in early August when the Minnesota Pork Board announces the next group during Farmfest.