The Texas Pork Junior Ambassador Orientation was designed to educate, inspire, and unite the young leaders of the Texas pork industry. Our packed schedule from July 14-19 featured various activities, guest speakers, and hands-on experiences.
Day 1: Welcoming and Setting Expectations
The week began with “donuts and discussion,” where the first-year junior ambassadors had the opportunity to engage with a handful of the Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA) board of directors. This informal session set the tone for open communication and learning. Following a brief break, Colby Ferguson, TPPA executive director, introduced the ambassadors to the We Care principles. We discussed current communication etiquette, industry knowledge, and personality profiling to provide a solid foundation for their roles. Goal setting was emphasized to help ambassadors map out their aspirations. Our day concluded with a deep dive into current issues in the swine and agricultural industries and a collaborative experience at an escape room.
Day 2: Career Preparation and Skills Development
The second day focused on career planning. A session on resume basics by Texas Tech Career Center’s Brittainy Klemme was followed by a career panel Q&A, offering valuable insights from Seth Mitchell with North Carolina Pork Producers and Bailee Wright with Texas 4-H. After a break, the Ambassadors explored content creation and beyond, discussing the importance of effective communication in various formats with Riley Reep, TPPA director of youth and communications. During lunch, a personal finance session was offered by Kimberly Anguish with City Bank. They then traveled to Texas Tech University for a tour of the retail and meat quality lab with Dr. Hope Hall, followed by a session on the importance of communications in agriculture led bDr. Courtney Meyers and Cambry Cline. The day wrapped up with a meet-and-greet with second-year ambassadors and a group dinner.
Day 3: Team Dynamics and Personal Development
Wednesday’s focus was on teamwork and personal growth as a collaborative group of old and new ambassadors. Sessions on working as a team and personal development provided ambassadors with tools to support each other and themselves. Wendy Scott joined us for a talk on being the influence you’d like to see, followed by Taylor Horton on being a branded leader. Hannah Nixon finished off the morning with a Q&A on personal and professional development. After a final group meal, we said farewell to the four first-years, and our second-year ambassadors delved deeper into communication strategies and current industry issues.
Day 4: Strategic Planning and Leadership
The final full day began at the TPPA office with discussions on director planning and implementation, followed by insights into government relations with Kristina Butts, vice chancellor of Texas Tech University System’s government relations. Dr. Jason Hedrick spoke on leadership and team-building, reinforcing the importance of strong leadership skills. That afternoon, the group traveled to Lamesa for a tour of DL Showpigs operations, rounding out the day with the Krohn family.
Day 5: A Week to Remember
Friday morning, our ambassadors planned on how to implement their ideas for the coming year and critique their resumes. Jackie Lackey joined us for an address on personal branding before we broke out to head home. The Texas Pork Junior Ambassador Orientation and Development Week was an enriching experience, equipping young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to make a significant impact in the pork industry. From professional development sessions to team-building activities and guest speakers, each moment was crafted to foster growth and inspire the next generation of industry advocates.
2023-2025 Texas Pork Junior Ambassadors
- Audrey Ratliff, Valley View-Membership Director
- Braelyn Pointer, Littlefield-Communications Director
- Brooke Reininger, St. Hedwig-Education Director
- Kynnley Herrington, Ranger-Communications Director
- Landri Ottmers, Fredericksburg-Events Director
- Landry Miller, Abernathy-Events Director
2024-2026 Texas Pork Junior Ambassadors
- Alyna Garcia, Raymondville
- Bryce Borchardt, Krum
- Emily Muehlstein, Stamford
- Harper Parson, Devine