Columbia, Mo.,—Mikalah Schafer, a freshman at the University of Missouri in Columbia, has been selected as one of the 2020 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2020 Missouri Pork Expo on February 11th in Columbia.

 

Mikalah is the daughter of Brian Schafer and Marda Brooks, both from Springfield. She currently works on the family farm raising cattle, pigs, and dairy goats. She also works at the University of Missouri Feed Mill. She has also worked for Hedricks Exotic Animal Farm and Farm Fresh Steakhouse and Bakery.

 

Mikalah is actively involved in Mizzou Block and Bridle, Sigma Alpha Sorority, Pre-Vet Club and Swine Club. She was active in high school organizations and was chapter 2nd vice president and secretary of the Willard FFA, vice president of the Area X FFA Association, and president of her 4-H Club. Mikalah was also in National Honor Society, softball, band and jazz band.

 

Mikalah is majoring in animal sciences and minoring in agriculture economics at the University of Missouri. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education at the University of Missouri’s Veterinary School and obtain her DVM, then open a veterinary practice near her hometown of Salem.

 

Throughout the next year, Mikalah 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, 2020.

 

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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