Missouri Pork Association's
Youth Pork Ambassador Program

 

The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador Program is designed to provide youth with an opportunity to become actively involved in the pork industry. The program will help youth develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members. It is an opportunity to learn about pork production and the industry and to improve communication and leadership skills.

The main goal of the Youth Pork Ambassador is to promote the Missouri Pork Association and the pork industry at various events. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. The Ambassador will also receive a $1,000 scholarship, payable to a technical school, community college or 4-year University at the end of the program.

This year, the Missouri Pork Association selected two youth for the program: Abby Maher from Monroe City, and Brian Rehmeier from Augusta.

 

Abby Maher
Maher has an extensive knowledge of the pork industry. She has worked on the family farm, Maher Brothers, Inc., a 1,400 sow farrow to finish operation. Her experience in pork production includes the acquisition of financing and production of market pigs. Last year, Maher contracted 1,200 feeder pigs and sold them as market hogs for her own Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project through the FFA.

In 2007, Maher also participated in the University of Missouri’s Youth Pork Institute. She received a $500 scholarship to the University of Missouri for placing in the top two on the exit exam.

Maher is involved in many other activities in addition to swine. She is currently vice president of the Monroe City FFA chapter, and has also held the position of assistant reporter. Maher is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club and is currently secretary of the Science Club.

After graduation, Maher plans to attend the University of Missouri to earn a degree in agriculture. She hopes to pursue a career in the swine industry upon completion of her degree.

Maher is the daughter of Tom and Teri Maher from Monroe City.

 

Brian Rehmeier
Rehmeier has worked on the family farm, Rehmeier Farms, since he was ten years old. He initially fed pigs in the farrowing barns, but his responsibilities have grown to include much more. He works with pigs after birth, power washes the farrowing rooms, and assists in spreading effluent from the lagoon. Most recently, he has begun artificially inseminating sows and gilts and collecting semen from boars.

Rehmeier is also involved in the crop production aspect of the farm—spraying crops, operating the combine during harvest and hauling grain.

A four-year member of the FFA, Rehmeier has participated in many activities. He was a member of the forestry team, and competed at the state level. His involvement in the FFA Petting Zoo gave him the opportunity to speak with elementary students about animals on the farm.

After graduating from Washington High School, Rehmeier plans to attend John Woods Community College in Illinois. Upon completion of his degree, Rehmeier plans to come back and assist his family with operating Rehmeier Farms.

Rehmeier is the son of Dean and Mary Rehmeier from Augusta.

 

Applications for the 2009 Missouri Youth pork Ambassador Program will be accepted this fall.

For more information, contact:
Diane Slater
Director of Communications
Missouri Pork Association
6235 W. Cunningham Drive
Columbia, MO  65202
(573) 445-8375
diane@mopork.com