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 raise and exhibit pigs already bring to the pork community. This short-course initiative harnesses that enthusiasm and builds it into powerful communication and advocacy skills aimed at bridging the gap between pork producers and consumers.
By developing youth advocates who are fluent in pork production, nutrition, and marketing, this program equips the next generation to serve as credible, passionate voices for the industry. Through consumer-facing efforts that share the pork story authentically, from its health benefits and family recipes to the traditions of showing pigs, this program builds trust and connection with the public. Ultimately, it creates a strong pipeline of future pork industry professionals who are skilled communicators, marketers, retailers, chefs, and policy leaders who will continue to champion and grow the Texas pork industry for years to come.
The ChopTalk Advocate Academy prepares selected participants to serve as articulate, knowledgeable spokespeople for Texas pork — from farm practices to nutrition and industry impact. Participants will:
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Develop leadership and communication skills that help them confidently talk about how pork is raised, why it matters, and how it contributes to family nutrition and the food system.
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Collaborate with Texas-based pork brands to plan and promote consumer-facing events, marketing initiatives, and educational campaigns.
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Share the pork story creatively through social media, cooking demonstrations, and direct engagement with the public.
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Explore career pathways beyond traditional agriculture, including opportunities in communications, marketing, retail, food industries, and public policy.
The program includes two sessions held in different regions of Texas as well as completion of a capstone project that showcases each advocate’s growth and contributions throughout the year.
Application Details
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Applications open March 1 and close March 31.
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Eligibility: Youth ages 17 to 21.
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For 2026, TPPA will select twelve students from across the state.
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Applicants are evaluated through an online application and a short video submission.
Program Sessions (Tentative)
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Session 1: Pork Industry Field School in Austin – June
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Session 2: Our Industry and Beyond in Houston – October
The ChopTalk Advocate program is a public-facing, trust-building, and support-based program. Through youth engagement, we will create a trained, credible base of advocates who amplify pork’s message through different channels. To learn more about the program, click here.