NOVUS and Nutra Blend Support the Next Generation of Pork Professionals

CHESTERFIELD, MO (May 13, 2025) — NOVUS and Nutra Blend are again partnering to bring a speaking competition back to this year’s World Pork Expo in June in the United States.

Hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and sponsored by NOVUS and Nutra Blend, the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet will be held on June 4-5 at the Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Open to 17-22-year-olds, the competitive speaking event has participants speak on industry issues and offer solutions. Those solutions are then translated into mock motions that mimic the NPPC producer-led policy development process, giving Meet competitors a look at how industry decisions in the U.S. are made.

Ron Praska, Western Regional Sales Manager for Nutra Blend, says the event is a way for young people to showcase their ideas to help solve the industry’s critical challenges, as well as network with industry professionals who can provide insights about career options and opportunities.

“Animal agriculture is continuing to follow a similar trend as most businesses in the U.S.,” Praska says. “With the “graying” of America, we are seeing an immediate need for younger people to join our industry and bring fresh perspectives, openness to technology, and new approaches to the industry. All of us at Nutra Blend recognize that there are talented individuals available for the great opportunities to continue to feed the world.”

Eric Sanny, swine regional sales manager for North America and Canada at NOVUS, says his Swine Team is glad to be able to support the event again this year.

“The young people who participated in last year’s event were so intelligent and knowledgeable; they did the industry proud,” he says. “We know they really enjoyed it too because they are already promoting this year’s event to a new batch of potential participants.”

Contest winners receive a $2,500 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to NPPC’s Fall Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C.

Rounds one and two of the competition will be held on June 4 at the Varied Industries Building. The final rounds will take place on June 5 on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage immediately before a live concert to close the Expo.

For more information about Young Pork Advocate Issues Meet, visit www.worldpork.org/issues-meet