The Texas Pork Producers Association hosted the 2026 Texas Pork Youth Retreat at Texas A&M University, bringing together 88 youth from across Texas and nearly doubling attendance from the inaugural retreat last year. Over the weekend, participants took part in leadership activities, hands-on learning, and opportunities to connect with other youth interested in the pork industry.
Throughout the weekend, campers explored different areas of the pork industry through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and educational sessions. Participants learned about the harvest processes, carcass evaluation, fabrication, reproduction, sausage making, biosecurity, and pork nutrition while also taking part in a live hog evaluation and career-focused discussions. These experiences allowed campers to ask questions, learn new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the pork production chain.
The retreat also helped participants build leadership skills and put what they learned into practice. Whether they competed in the cookoff challenge, participated in the debate, took part in communication and team-building activities, or spent time with their breakout groups, campers built friendships and connections that lasted beyond the weekend.
“The youth retreat is an eye-opening experience not only for our campers, but for anyone who attends,” said Riley Reep, director of communications, programming, and operations for the association. “A big theme for the weekend was to be a light to others in a world full of darkness. Each of these campers has the power to positively impact the world, and that starts here at the youth retreat. This event creates a community of individuals who dare to be different to better an industry we all love dearly.”
The Texas Pork Junior Ambassador team led breakout groups, assisted with activities, and mentored participants throughout the weekend. Their leadership helped create an environment where campers felt comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from one another.
“I am incredibly grateful we are for all of the time, effort, and heart that the association poured into making this camp such a special experience,” a camper mentioned in their post-event survey. “Over these past four days, we gained so much more than knowledge — we gained friendships, confidence, and memories that will stay with us for years to come. Thank you for investing in us, encouraging us, and creating an environment where we could learn, grow, and have fun.”
Beyond the hands-on learning, the retreat allowed participants to hear from industry leaders, explore potential career paths, and learn about the many opportunities available within the pork industry. Through leadership activities, career discussions, and conversations with professionals from across the industry, campers gained a broader understanding of where a future in agriculture could take them.
On behalf of the association, we would like to thank the Texas A&M University’s animal science department for hosting the event and pouring into these students.
Following another year of growth, the Texas Pork Producers Association looks forward to continuing to expand the Texas Pork Youth Retreat and providing even more youth with opportunities to explore the pork industry, develop leadership skills, and build connections across Texas.
For more information about the retreat, click here.