Youth Events

Texas Pork Youth retreat

New for 2025, the Texas Pork Youth Retreat will host youth from across the state for a weekend of learning, networking and creating memories. Led by our junior ambassador team, youth can expect participate in experience the industry from farm-to-fork while learning about the unlimited possibilities within the pork industry.

Applications are open to students going into 7th to 12th grade. With limited spots available, spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Join us in Lubbock this summer for an unforgettable weekend!

A few things to note before applying...

  • All campers will be staying on the campus of Texas Tech University in the dorms. Junior ambassadors and the Director of Youth and Communications will be staying there as well.
  • All campers will take part in the farm-to-fork activities, including harvesting.
  • All campers will be required to pay the camp fee and complete the TTU housing form before coming to camp.

Requirements for all attendees:

  • Students must be going into 7th to 12th grade
  • Texas 4-H or FFA member
  • Complete and agree to all activity forms within this application. 

Once the application is completed, TPPA will then review the application to ensure the applicant meets the requirements. An approval will be sent to the applicant with a payment link as admittance to the Texas Pork Youth Retreat.

Applications will open on March 1st. All applications will be due April 15, 2025.

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Texas Pork Leadership camp

Texas Pork Leadership Camp (TPLC) is an intense, progressive and thought-provoking week, full of activities, tours, and presentations featuring all aspects of the pork production industry from Farm to Fork! You’ll have the opportunity to visit with world-leading commercial hog operations, top Universities & industry professionals and tour large-scale harvesting and pork processing plants.

Camp will be held every odd year. For 2025, camp will be July 21-25.

For questions, please contact riley@texaspork.org.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

  1. 4-H or FFA members who are 16-18 years old and not in college yet.
  2. Have a definite interest in the pork industry.
  3. Are willing to learn, grow and be an advocate for the swine industry.
  4. Interested in devoting five days of long hours to meeting interesting people and gaining a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the Texas and US pork industry.
  5. Must be approved by a selection process that will include evaluation of the written application.
  6. If accepted, students must complete online PQA Plus training before arriving for camp.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT and HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES:
Each individual participating in the camp will be required to give individual oral presentations as well as working together as a team on projects. Each student will participate in media training and give an on-camera interview. They will also be required to participate in a final discussion at the end of the camp answering questions prepared by other campers and staff. The camp leaders will provide assistance for all of these activities. Individual and team participation throughout all activities and tours. Students should not register for this camp if they are not eager and serious about learning and participating in these public speaking and meat processing activities.

Applications for TPLC will open on March 1st. All applications will be due April 15, 2025.

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