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.
Activate is offered by the Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Pork Producers Association at no cost to participants.
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).
Activate applicants will be notified of their application status via email by Tuesday, June 10th.
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 (2 days)
- Session 2 – National Pork Board/National Pork Producers Council Offices (Des Moines, IA) – December 2-3, 2025 (2 days)
- Session 3 – Minnesota Pork Producers Association Day on the Hill (St. Paul, MN) – March 2026 (2 days)
- 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 (3-4 days)
- Graduation – Minnesota Pork Congress (Mankato, MN) – February 2027 (1 day)
Application
Application opens on May 1.
