Columbia, Mo.—Kendra Betz, a senior at Grundy County R-V High School, has been selected as one of the 2019 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2019 Missouri Pork Expo on February 12 in Columbia.
Kendra is the daughter of Scott and Sherri Betz from Trenton. She currently works on the family grow-finish hog operation, contracting through Smithfield. Her duties include installing and removing mats and heat lamps, giving shots, moving pigs and barn maintenance. The family also has a 250 cow-calf operation and a small flock of sheep.
Kendra is actively involved in her FFA chapter, and has been the president of the Grundy R-V FFA for two years and is currently the Area II FFA President. She was 6th in state in extemporaneous speaking and has competed on two other state teams. She has received Chapter Star Farmer and the State FFA Degree. She is also involved in FBLA, Quiz Bowl, the National Honor Society and 4-H, where she has served as her Club’s treasurer for the last few years. Through 4-H, she will be competing in Nebraska at the 4-H National Shooting Sports Competition this summer in archery.
After graduation, Kendra will attend Missouri State University with plans to majori n Agricultural Business and minor in Animal Science. She hopes to become a sales representative for an agricultural company, then pursuing a career with the USDA or the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Throughout the next year, Kendra will participate in various events in the pork industry. At the end of the program, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship, payable to a technical school, community college or four-year university.
Qualified applicants must be involved in the pork industry or the son/daughter of a parent or guardian involved in the pork industry, and between their senior year of high school and sophomore year of college as of January 1, 2019.
The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador program combines a scholarship opportunity with the chance to actively participate in Missouri’s pork industry. It provides an opportunity for youth to develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members, while improving communication and leadership skills.
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.
# # #