NPPA announces 2024 NPPA Pork Ambassadors

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) has selected the 2024 Pork Ambassadors. Five college-age students, under the direction of Sophia Lentfer, education director for the association, will participate in the year long program.

Olivia Vanderford is a freshman studying agricultural communications at UNL. Daughter of Jon and Taryn Vanderford of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Danielle Burge is a junior at UNL majoring in animal science and is a member of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. Danielle is the daughter of Dan and Julie Burge of Grant.

Whitley Rut is a freshman at UNL from Arthur, studying agribusiness with a pre-law option and minoring in business and law. Her parents are Tom and Kris Rut.

Kylie Beard is a sophomore at UNL majoring in animal science and minoring in agricultural economics. Kylie is the daughter of Eric Beard and Sara Mertens of Nelson.

Trevor Parde is a freshman at UNL studying animal science with a focus in livestock production and management. Trevor is the son of Doug and Cindy Parde from Adams.

This is an elite program that focuses on developing leadership and communication skills through a variety of firsthand experiences. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to gain experience about pork promotion, research, and consumer information, while examining the industry's future and discovering what their role is in the future of the industry. They will have opportunities to meet state and national industry leaders and closely examine industry challenges. They will graduate from the program with a $750 scholarship and an understanding of the swine industry.