The Illinois Pork Producers Association has announced candidates for the inaugural Illinois Pork Industry Group program with Lincoln Land Community College. The new six-week learning program beginning on Oct. 10, is developed for LLCC students who want to better understand Illinois’ swine industry and expand their network of agricultural professionals in the state. Students will grow their knowledge of commercial pork production, diverse career opportunities, agricultural advocacy, professionalism and more.

Each session will also include a free lunch, door prizes and helpful advice from industry experts. Upon completion of the six sessions, the students will receive a $300 scholarship.

The nine selected Lincoln Land Community College students include:

The six sessions include: Pork 101 & Policy Conversation, Borgic Farms Sow Farm Tour, Let’s Talk Animal Health, Sustainability & Regulations A-Z, Speed Networking Career Event, Packing Plant Tour at JBS, and Carcass Demonstration & Retail Discussion.

Career speed/networking opportunity

IPPA is seeking businesses related to the livestock industry to participate in the career speed/networking opportunity on Thursday, Oct. 31. Selected businesses will be able to network with the Illinois Pork Industry Group participants that currently attend Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield about positions available in the livestock industry.

The event will be held at the Kreher Agriculture Center, Lincoln Land Community College, 2550 Foundation Drive, in Springfield, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Types of businesses that qualify to apply:

No cost to attend. Application deadline is Oct. 11 and only 20 spots are available.