Indiana Pork hosts career panel, LEADR training

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Indiana Pork partnered with the National Pork Producers Council to host a LEADR — Leadership, Education, Advocacy Development and Resources — training at Purdue University.

The goal was to equip students with tools to effectively share their stories and advocate for the future of agriculture.

Indiana Pork also collaborated with the Animal Sciences department at Purdue to host a pork industry professional panel, giving students the opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders about career paths, challenges and opportunities within the pork sector.

“We know Purdue University has been the cradle of leadership for animal agriculture within our state for generations,” said Chad Martin, director of strategic outreach for Indiana Pork.

“Our organization is ever grateful to collaborate with Purdue ag to find ways to engage with students and bring awareness of all opportunities surrounding pork production. Specifically, our goal is to help couple world-class technical knowledge among agriculture majors with a deeper understanding of advocacy.”

Students had conversations about current industry challenges, practiced telling their personal stories and developed strategies for engaging with policymakers and consumers.

“As a graduating senior, the swine career panel was a vital opportunity for me to connect and network with new industry professionals,” said Haley Puckett, an agricultural sales and marketing student from Columbia City.

“Hearing from people who are just as passionate about the swine industry as I am was a great feeling, knowing I was surrounded by great people and great minds. Each person on the panel gave valuable knowledge, support, lessons and advice on both a personal and professional level, giving insight into the next six to 10 years in the industry.”