SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The South Dakota Pork Producers Council awarded Jaclynn Knutson of Centerville, South Dakota and Krista Fuoss of Armour, South Dakota with a $1,000 scholarship. The South Dakota Pork Producers Council recognized these two students during the Master Pork Producers Banquet on Wednesday, January 11, 2017.
Jaclynn is the daughter of Jason & Alicia Knutson. She currently attends South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, SD, and is majoring in Animal Science with an Agricultural Business and Agricultural Marketing minor.
Agriculture has been one of Jaclynn’s #1 passions all her life. She is involved in her family’s operation by planting and harvesting crops – corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa – caring for all livestock – pigs, cows, and sheep – and even managing a portion of the operation her and her sisters have purchased. She has been actively involved on her family’s pig operation since Jaclynn was a little girl, helping farrow to finish all pigs.
Before graduating from Viborg-Hurley High School in May of 2016, Jaclynn was involved in the National FFA Organization, 4-H, chorus, basketball, and pageantry. She is currently the 2016-2017 South Dakota State FFA Reporter.
In her spare time, Jaclynn enjoys being on the farm, showing sheep, hanging out with friends and family, and preparing for her future in production agriculture.
Krista is the son of Mark & Jen Fuoss. She currently attends South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, SD, and is majoring in Animal Science with a Chemistry and Animal Health minor.
Krista grew up on her family’s farm near Armour where she helped with her family’s cattle and pig operation as well as their wheat, corn and soybean crops. At SDSU, she strives to learn more about the animal industry as well as the health requirements and advancements being made.
In the past, Krista was involved with high school track, cheerleading, oral interpretation, band, choir, all-state choir, one act and three act plays, National Honor Society where she served as President her senior year, class president 2 years and class secretary 1 year. At SDSU, Krista has been involved in the Collegiate, 4H and Block and Bridal clubs.
At SDSU, Krista has worked as a research assistant in the Animal Science Department and will be conducting an Undergraduate Research project pertaining to swine this next year.
The South Dakota Youth Pork Ambassador Program is designed to provide youth with an opportunity to become actively involved in the pork industry. The program helps youth develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members. It is an opportunity to learn about pork production and the industry and to improve communication and leadership skills. The main goal of the Youth Pork Ambassador program is to promote the South Dakota Pork Producers Council and the swine industry at various events. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience and develop relationships that will last a lifetime.
Some of the duties as the Ambassador are that they are required to attend four events throughout the year. The required events are the South Dakota Pork Congress and Trade Show, Taste of Elegance, South Dakota State Fair and one Executive Board Meeting. The Ambassador will also be asked to assist at other promotions during their term. The Ambassador will begin the program at the 2017 South Dakota Pork Congress and Trade Show and finish the program at the 2018 South Dakota Pork Congress and Trade Show. If the Ambassador is not able to attend one of these events, other events may be substituted with the approval of the Executive Director.
The Ambassador with the assistance from SDPPC staff is asked to set up a booth promoting pork at their local county fair or other public event. The South Dakota Pork Producers Council staff will also assist the Ambassador in finding appropriate contacts for job shadowing opportunities.
The South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) was created in 1954 to responsibly serve, support and enhance the success of the South Dakota pork production industry. Along with managing industry issues and improving the image of the pork industry, the South Dakota Pork Producers Council works to insure a safe, wholesome product for the consumer’s confident consumption.
South Dakota’s pork producers have 170,000 sows and they produce 339,000 farrowings per year. South Dakota is ranked #11 in pork production and ranks #2 in pigs per sow. South Dakota ranks 9th nationally in number of pigs born in the state. South Dakota’s pork industry contributes $2.1 billion overall economic impact of SD’s Swine Industry. Also, South Dakota pork industry contributes $17.4 million in total tax revenue.
— South Dakota Pork Producers Council
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