Between shows, one of the most important biosecurity steps an exhibitor can take is cleaning and disinfecting equipment. With more than 27,000+ pigs involved in exhibitions in Texas each year, small actions, like how you handle a brush or feeder, can make a big difference in protecting pig health and preventing disease spread. Diseases can be transmitted not only through …
LUBBOCK, TEXAS — The Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA) is proud to launch the ChopTalk Advocate Academy, a dynamic youth advocacy program designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to communicate the story of the Texas pork industry to consumers across the state. The ChopTalk Advocate Academy recognizes the passion and authenticity that Texas youth who …
The 2025 State Fair of Texas, held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, was an incredible start for the Certified Texas Bred Registry (CTBR) season, with exhibitors earning the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion honors, along with four (4) breed and three (3) reserve breed champions. Grand Champion Barrow | Weston Lackey Weston Lackey of Haskell FFA exhibited the Grand …
Written by Cash Martin, TPPA Intern As an exhibitor, you can play a huge role in the pork industry. Just as you take each step to ensure your show pig remains healthy, you share the responsibility of making sure all pigs, show pig or not, stay in the best of health. With jackpot season among us and thousands of pigs …
Written by the TPPA Interns You just purchased your show pig project…now what? There are numerous places you can start; however, there are a few essential tools to keep at the forefront as you begin your journey to the show ring. SET CLEAR GOALS Before show season, set goals for what you want to achieve that year. If you are …
Written by Cash Martin, TPPA Intern LUBBOCK, Texas (Sept. 5, 2025) – The Texas Pork Junior Ambassadors (TPJA) completed a four-day leadership and industry tour from Sept. 2-5 across the Texas Panhandle and Central Texas, engaging with agricultural leaders, industry experts, and policymakers. The tour began Sept. 2 in Canyon at West Texas A&M University, where the ambassadors heard about …
Written by Cash Martin, TPPA Intern Breckyn and Bristol Slott are not your average sisters, they are hands-on hog breeders, stock show competitors, and future veterinarians all rolled into one. Breckyn (15) and Bristol (11) are the daughters of Joshua and Tracey Slott and reside on a generational family farm in New Waverly, Texas, along with their little brother Briggs …
Written by Cash Martin, TPPA Intern Each time you, as a young exhibitor, step into the show ring, you are doing more than showcasing months of hard work; you are also helping protect the health of the entire United States pork industry. It might not seem like a big deal when it’s just your one or two pigs, but with …
Written by Cash Martin, TPPA Intern LUBBOCK, TX – Twenty-four high school students from across Texas gathered in Lubbock to depart and participate in the 2025 Texas Pork Leadership Camp (TPLC) from July 21-25. This camp is a one-of-a-kind educational experience hosted by the Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA). Held every other year, the intensive five-day program is designed to …
Addison Shook – Seminole, Texas Addison Shook, from Seminole, Texas, is the daughter of Weldon & Angila Shook. She will be starting her next chapter at Texas Tech University, studying both nursing and human sciences. Addison already has two associate degrees under her belt, those being her Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degrees from New Mexico Junior College. …
LUBBOCK, TEXAS June 15, 2025 — The Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA) hosted its first-ever Texas Pork Youth Retreat June 12-15. Drawing youth from across the state to Lubbock, Texas, the weekend was packed with leadership development, pork industry education, and hands-on experiences in swine science. The inaugural retreat welcomed campers to the Texas Tech University campus, where they …
The Certified Texas Bred Registry (CTBR) Program, an initiative of the Texas Pork Producers Association, proudly announces the awarding of $37,500 in scholarships to outstanding Texas youth in 2025. This significant investment underscores CTBR’s commitment to supporting the next generation of swine industry leaders. The scholarships are distributed through three key programs: CTBR Foundation Female Scholarship and Grant: Funded by …