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 …
In an industry filled with opportunity, possibly one of the greatest is to have the chance to create long-lasting memories with those that we hold close. For Jarrot and Dwight Foote, raising show pigs together created the foundation to find value in something far greater than they imagined. “The biggest reason we started raising pigs is because it gave us …
Young livestock exhibitors often learn hard work, responsibility, and creativity in the barn. For three students, those lessons turned into businesses aimed at helping other showmen and spreading a message they believe in. Kamlynn Mason, Weston Lackey, and Archer Albracht each started ventures tied to the show industry: 2nd Gear Show Brushes, Light in the Barn, and Stinger Show Sticks. …
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 …