By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Pork Producer Council (PA Pork) is pleased to announce a scholarship program for Pennsylvania residents working within the swine and food service industries. This initiative aims to enhance industry knowledge and support local pork production by funding attendance at the acclaimed Pork 101 program.
Developed by the American Meat Science Association, Pork 101 is a comprehensive three-day educational program hosted by Pennsylvania State Extension. This immersive experience delves into the complexities of the pork industry, covering topics such as quality variations in live animals, carcasses, primal cuts, and processed products.
Participants will gain valuable insights through interactive sessions on live hog evaluation, food safety practices, processing techniques, and product sampling of delectable pork items like bacon, hams, and sausages.
The program has garnered significant interest in recent years, attracting both domestic and international attendees. Past participants included industry professionals from pork suppliers and buyers, as well as representatives from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), culinary experts, and value-added pork operations.
The PA Pork scholarship specifically targets Pennsylvania pig producers and individuals working within the local food service industry, encompassing school cafeteria managers, restaurant owners, and private meat cutters.
This targeted approach aligns with PA Pork's mission to empower Pennsylvania's nearly 3,000 pig farmers in delivering high-quality and nutritious pork products from farm to table.
The 2024 iteration of Pork 101 will be held at Penn State University Park from October 29th to 31st. The program will be led by renowned faculty members such as Dr. Elizabeth Hines (Swine Science) and Dr. Jonathan Campbell (Meat Science) from Penn State Extension, along with esteemed industry experts like Mr. Ben Williamson (Livestock Evaluation), Dr. Robert Mikesell (Animal Science), and Dr. Lyda Garcia (Ohio State University).
Applications for the PA Pork scholarship program are currently open and will be accepted until 11:59 pm on September 15th, 2024.
Those interested in applying for this scholarship opportunity can do so by visiting: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vEowD6EcdHDami
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock, Hogs