SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Two livestock associations in Illinois are partnering to cultivate youth who may be interested in the respective industries. Together, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Illinois Beef Association (IBA), are planning an educational event for June of this year.
Formerly known as the Illinois Pork Leadership Institute, the Illinois Livestock Leadership Institute (ILLI) is open to students ages 16-22, who are interested in agriculture. A total of 25 applicants will be accepted for the upcoming trip. This 4-day trip will take place June 19-22, of this year, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Each year the location changes to allow new scenery and tours.
Topics covered during ILLI range from livestock production, promotion and retail to agriculture communications and leadership. Tours confirmed for the trip include, but are not limited to: ABS Global, MorganMyers, Johnsonville Sausage Plant, Larson Farms cattle feedlot, and a swine vet lab with Dr. Wesley Lyons.
“This is a great educational, social, and cultural trip. We got to see and experience so much in a short time,” says Meg Meeker, a 2018 IPLI attendee. “I highly encourage anyone with even a small interest in livestock to take time and attend this trip.”
Any students who have a passion for agriculture and interest in the livestock industry are invited to apply. The application is a short form and essay prompt. It can be found at www.ilpork.com. The application is due to the IPPA office by May 15. Accepted students will be notified within a week of the deadline.
— Illinois Pork Producers Association
Illinois Beef Association
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