Columbia, Mo.—Matthew Morgan, a senior at Lamar High School, has been selected as one of the 2019 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. His selection was announced during the 2019 Missouri Pork Expo on February 12 in Columbia.

 

Matthew is the son of Rick and Melinda Morgan from Lamar. He currently works on the family diversified crop and livestock farm. Daily chores may include mowing and raking hay, working on irrigation, planting and monitoring grain bins. They have approximately 100 sows farrow to finish, 60 registered Angus Cattle and 30 ewes. The family markets to local butchers/processors, farmer’s markets, individuals and a local Casino. The family has developed a video that is posted online to help market products.

 

Matthew is President of the Lamar FFA and has been an Area IX FFA Officer. He has participated in the Missouri AgriBusiness Academy, HYPE Academy and HYMAX Academy. He is President of the Learn-A-Do 4-H Club. Matthew is also active in Oakton United Methodist Church, Skills USA, Missouri Community Betterment, Meals on Wheels and is a youth representative for the University of Missouri Extension Council. He also shows swine, beef and sheep at youth livestock shows.

 

Upon graduation, Matthew plans to attend Crowder College for two years, then transfer to Missouri State University and receive a degree in animal or plant science. His ultimate goal is to return to the family farm.

 

Throughout the next year, Matthew will participate in various events in the pork industry. At the end of the program, he 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.

 

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