Colton Gober
Colton Gober is a graduating senior from Haskell, Texas, who plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in animal science. During his high school years, he was heavily involved in Texas 4-H and FFA through serving in officer positions and on competitive teams. Gober plans to continue his pursuit of being a veterinarian like his father and continue to give back to an industry that has given him so much.
“The swine industry has shaped who I am far beyond the show ring,” Gober said. “Through showing pigs, I’ve developed a passion for agriculture, a strong work ethic, and a desire to advocate for an industry that has given me so much. I hope to continue learning, growing, and giving back by helping inspire the next generation of exhibitors and agricultural leaders.”
Cora Ford
Cora Ford of Weslaco, Texas, is a sophomore at Texas A&M University. Through experiences with Texas 4-H, her family’s operation, 4F Livestock, and TPPA, she has developed a passion for animal science and producer advocacy. Ford plans to pursue a future in veterinary medicine and hopes to continue serving the agriculture industry through leadership and education.
“Agriculture is my culture. It has shaped my work ethic, strengthened my passion for serving others, and inspired me to advocate for the farmers and ranchers who feed our world,” Ford said. “As a TPPA Junior Ambassador, I am excited to help bridge the gap between producers and consumers by sharing the story behind agriculture and creating meaningful connections with the people we serve.”
Kenley Krohn
Lamesa, Texas, native Kenley Krohn, plans to attend Texas Tech University to study agricultural and applied economics with the goal of pursuing a career in agricultural policy or law. For many years, she has been actively involved in the Texas pork industry through her family’s swine operation. Recently, Krohn completed her term as Area II FFA President, as well as being heavily involved on national qualifying CDE teams.
“This association has shaped who I am both inside and outside of the show ring,” Krohn said. “Through showing pigs and participating in Texas Pork youth programs, I’ve learned the value of hard work, responsibility, humility, and serving something bigger than myself. I hope to continue giving back to the industry that has given me so much by advocating for agriculture and encouraging the next generation to get involved.”
Kotton West
First-generation pig farmer, Kotton West, is from Taft, Texas, and plans to attend Blinn College to be a member of the livestock judging team, as well as pursue a degree in animal science. Through his experiences in Texas 4-H, West has served in several leadership positions, as well as recently serving a Texas Youth Livestock Ambassador. West plans to return to the farm after college to help run his family’s row crop farm and continue to raise pigs.
“Advocacy is more than promoting pork. It’s about building trust, educating others, and representing our industry with honesty and integrity,” West said. “The swine industry has shaped who I am, and I’m passionate about giving back by serving Texas pork producers, strengthening my leadership skills, and helping ensure the next generation has the same opportunities I’ve been given.”
Payten Shuping
Payten Shuping from Hale Center, Texas, is a graduating senior who plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in agricultural communications to strengthen her skills in advocacy and public relations. Shuping has been an active member in agriculture through her involvement in FFA and 4-H, as well as her involvement in Texas Farm Bureau. She plans to become a paralegal specializing in agricultural and environmental law to advocate for farmers and ranchers and help protect their livelihoods.
“The Texas Pork Producers Association and the Certified Texas Bred Registry program have helped shape my passion for agriculture, leadership, and service,” Shuping said. “I hope to give back to the industry that has given me so much by advocating for Texas pork, developing my leadership skills, and encouraging younger exhibitors to get involved in the swine industry.”
Weston Lackey
Weston Lackey from Haskell, Texas, plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in business while focusing on studying areas such as artificial intelligence and digital marketing. He has been heavily involved in agriculture through serving on Texas 4-H State Council, livestock judging, and showing and raising pigs with his family. Lackey plans to build a career that allows him to stay deeply rooted in agriculture yet positively impacts others who are involved in the swine industry.
“This program, and the people behind it, have meant more to me than I can fully put into words,” Lackey said. “There is an expectation to be excellent and to represent something bigger than yourself. That standard will change people’s lives, and I’ve seen it firsthand. I want to help younger exhibitors realize their potential, not just in the ring, but in the way they carry themselves, the way they work, and the way they represent our industry. As an ambassador, I hope to give back by helping set that same standard for the next generation and continuing the legacy of leadership, character, and hard work that shaped me.”