Future Leaders Illinois Pork
As the pork industry continues to evolve, the Illinois Pork Producers Association recognizes the need to focus on the future by finding and educating young talent that will take the helm as tomorrow's leaders on committees, boards and other leadership positions. Keeping our industry relevant and educating our consumers is a top priority. The development of our future leaders is a critical next step to keep the industry moving forward while providing the next generation of pig farmers with the skills and expertise needed to advocate for our ever-changing industry.
Goal:
To select up-and-coming pork industry candidates biannually, between the ages of 25-40, to participate in an Illinois focused pork leadership program. The two-year program will highlight commercial production and encourage young leaders to get involved and be more active in the pork industry. The selected candidates will participate in four meetings over the course of the first year and also have the opportunity to attend a legislative fly-in to Washington D.C. with the National Pork Producers Council.
Program Highlights:
Year One:
Candidates will be notified if they are selected to participate in November 2025. A formal announcement will be shared during the annual meeting at the 2026 Illinois Swine Mixer on February 17, 2026 .
The first meeting will kick-off in Springfield on May 13-14, and give candidates an opportunity to get a Pork 101 overview of the industry from all aspects, including state and national perspective and government/regulatory issues facing the industry, a tour of the Illinois State Capitol and a carcass demonstration. Candidates will also be able to have one-on-one conversations with seasoned farmers on their production standards and best management practices.
The second meeting will be held on July 23, 2026 and focus on the next steps in marketing hogs by hosting a day-long processing plant tour at Smithfield in Monmouth, Illinois. Participants will tour the plant, discuss industry standards, and overall future goals and expectations.
The third meeting, will take place in Chicago on Oct. 21-22, where the focus will shift to retail marketing. Candidates will learn about product promotion, retail and foodservice trends and how to educate urban stakeholders and general consumers about the pork industry. Candidates will also hear from industry experts on pork export promotions and the benefits of trade agreements.
Year Two:
In 2027, the participants will have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with our executive board members to the Spring or Fall fly-in sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council. Participants will be invited to participate in one of the two fly-in dates and attend meetings with our Illinois congressional delegation members.
Tentative Meeting Dates:
May 13-14, 2026 - Springfield (Meeting will be a day and a half- held at the IPPA Office)
July 23, 2026 - Processing Plant Tour at Smithfield in Monmouth
October 21-22, 2026 - Chicago (two day meeting)
April 2027 - Spring Legislative Fly-In* - Washington DC
September 2027 - Fall Legislative Fly-In* - Washington DC
* Participants attend one of the two fly-in opportunities.
Candidate Requirements:
Selected candidates must be able to attend the three meetings in 2026 and are encouraged to attend one of the two legislative fly-ins to Washington D.C. in 2027. Men and women ages 25- 40 who have an interest in the pork industry are encouraged to apply. Selected participants will not be responsible for any expenses to participate in the program.
Questions:
For questions about the Future Leaders program, please contact Jennifer Tirey @ (217) 529-3100 or by Email.
Future Leaders Class: 2026 - 2028
