2008 Texas Pork Youth Symposium
July 11-12, 2008 - Kerrville, Texas

Are you a show pig exhibitor, young pork producer or livestock judger?  If so, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity to get ahead of the competition! The 2008 Youth Symposium will include swine judging clinic, a chance to hear from a major livestock show judge, have a lot of fun and ask the speakers questions - without adults around.

Clinics & Workshops

• The judging clinic will give you the inside track on evaluating both market and breeding swine. Beginner/novice livestock judgers will receive sound instruction on the basics of swine evaluation and helpful hints on how to get started on the right foot. Judgers that have been at it for several years will have the chance to get advanced training from a collegiate judging team coach.

• Ever wonder what it is like to judge Houston or San Antonio? Now is your chance to find out! Come meet Warren Beeler for this exciting session. Mr. Beeler is one of the most dynamic and recognized swine judges in the United States and is joining the Youth Symposium to share his perspective and answer your questions.

• Serious show exhibitors know that muscle makes the difference.  Learn how muscling relates to meat quality in a hands-on meat quality workshop.   

• Hear from Dr. Chris Boleman as he shares how to make the most of your interaction with your 4-H and FFA leaders and get some great leadership tips at the same time.

Judging Contest
This year the Symposium’s judging contest will also be divided into novice and advanced groups. The contest will be a perfect environment to put the new skills and tips into practice and earn prizes too! Contestants will evaluate market classes and breeding gilt classes. Awards will be presented for high individuals in market and breeding classes as well as overall high point individuals at the end of the Symposium.

For more information visit the
2008 TPPA Conference & Youth Symposium brochure on the right.

2008 Texas Pork Leadership Camp
June 15 - 20, 2008
Sponsored by:
Texas Pork Producers Association & Texas Agrilife Extension

 This is a unique opportunity for 4-H and FFA students that have an interest in swine projects and want to get to know more about the pork industry. The camp is a traveling bus tour and visits at key industry locations for sixteen students and the chaperons. This camp is not like any other camp; it starts in Amarillo and ends in College Station.

PURPOSE:
Give participants an in-depth look at the pork industry through special tours and hands-on learning activities and develop leadership skills to enable them to be effective spokespersons for the pork industry.

ELIGIBILITY:
1.      4-H or FFA members who will be enrolled during the 2008-09 school year as high school juniors or seniors and this year’s high school graduates.

2.      Have a definite interest in the pork industry and/or swine projects.

3.      Are willing to speak out for the pork industry through public appearances.

4.      Interested in devoting six days of long hours to meeting interesting people and gaining a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the pork industry.

5.      Must be a approved by a selection process that will include evaluation of the written application and interviews (in-person and/or by telephone).

6.      If accepted, students must complete Pork Quality Assurance for Youth CD-ROM and provide completion confirmation to TPPA at the beginning of the camp.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT and HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES:
Each individual participating in the camp will be required to give two three-minute oral presentations and work together with other participants for one team oral presentation. Each student will receive media training and participate in a mock television interview. They will also be required to participate in a quiz bowl at the end of the camp. The camp leaders will provide assistance for all of these activities.  Each individual will be involved in the actual harvesting and processing of live swine. Individual participation is required in all of these activities. Students should not register for this camp if they are not eager and serious about learning and participating in these public speaking and meat processing activities.

APPLICATIONS:
An application form for prospective participants are available each spring.  Watch this site and the Texas Pork Producer Magazine for copies of the application.