Activate:
Minnesota Pork Leadership Cohort
Empowering emerging leaders to protect and promote the future of pork.
Activate: Minnesota Pork Leadership Cohort is an immersive, 18-month experience designed to equip twelve emerging leaders in the pork industry with the tools, confidence, and connections to boldly advocate for Minnesota pig farmers.
Through hands-on training in advocacy, communications, relationship management, leadership, and industry knowledge, participants will grow into a network of excited, equipped, and activated voices for agriculture.
Minnesota Pork is proud to invest in the next generation of leaders — those who will shape policy, inspire trust, and ensure the long-term success of pork production in Minnesota.
What You’ll Gain
- Confidence in public speaking, media interviews, and advocacy settings
- Tools for building relationships with legislators, media, and consumers
- A deep understanding of the pork industry and its key challenges
- Leadership skills that transfer to personal, professional, and on-farm settings
- Access to a supportive network of like-minded ag professionals
Leadership Focus Areas
- Advocacy
- Communications
- Relationship Management
- Leadership
- Industry Knowledge
Eligibility
We’re looking for individuals who are:
- Ages 25–40 (recommended)
- Actively involved in the pork industry — on-farm (pig owners, contract growers, employees, and managers) or in a related field (nutrition, veterinary, education, marketing, etc.)
- Passionate about agriculture and eager to advocate for pig farmers
- Living or working in Minnesota
- Willing and able to travel for scheduled cohort experiences
- Committed to participating fully in all program components over the 18-month period
Session Schedule
Six sessions over 18 months, concluding with a graduation ceremony:
- Session 1 – Minnesota Pork Office (Mankato, MN) – July 8-9, 2025
- Session 2 – NPB/NPPC Offices (Des Moines, IA) – November/December 2025
- Session 3 – MPPA Day on the Hill (St. Paul, MN) – February/March 2026
- Session 4 – Content decided by Activate class – April 2026
- Session 5 – Content decided by Activate class – July 2026
- Session 6 – Washington D.C. Trip – November/December 2026
- Graduation – Minnesota Pork Congress (Mankato, MN) – February 2027
Application
Application opens on May 1.
Application
Applications are due to Kate Maddock by June 1, 2025. Please download the document below and return by emailing kate@mnpork.com or mailing it to the Minnesota Pork Office (151 St. Andrews Ct, STE 810, Mankato, MN 56001).
