LUBBOCK, Texas — Leaders from across the Texas swine industry met in Austin, Texas, from December 3–4 for the Texas Exhibition Swine Traceability (TEST) Summit, a two-day event designed to strengthen the state’s readiness in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) outbreak. In partnership with the Pork Checkoff and Texas AgriLife Extension, the Texas Pork Producers Association brought …
Written by Cash Martin, TPPA Intern The story of the Texas pork industry is built on many generations who have dedicated their lives to their farms and strengthening the foundation of agriculture for decades. From legacy producers to the young producers stepping into leadership roles today, each generation has carried forward a shared commitment to hard work, innovation, and integrity. …
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 National Pork Board The National Pork Board and Texas Pork Producers Association are proud to recognize 40 years of progress for people, pigs, and the planet thanks to the vision and support of producers through the Pork Checkoff. In 1985, pork producers across the country came together with a shared vision: to create a more unified, …
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 Colby Ferguson, TPPA Executive Director Eight representatives from Texas traveled to Bloomington, Minnesota, to participate in the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP) House of Delegates meeting Sept. 2–4. The program is a voluntary livestock health initiative that establishes a national platform for safeguarding, improving, and representing the health status of swine across participating operations. It is …
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 Kinsey Gardner, TPPA Intern In just three short years, Cole Farms has made a name in the show pig industry. Owned and operated by Troy Cole, his wife, Tiffani, and son, Hollis, Cole Farms is based out of La Coste, Texas. Currently, his operation runs about 23 sows focusing on spots, chesters, and crossbreds. Not only is Troy …
Written by the National Pork Board The health of the U.S. swine herd is critical to every pork producer’s livelihood and the industry’s future. Producers battle both everyday endemic diseases and the looming threat of foreign animal diseases (FADs) that could devastate their livelihoods. That’s why the National Pork Board (NPB), working together with key industry partners like the National …
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 …