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Cook-off Season is in full Swing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 10, 2024 

Editors Note: Photo(s) Attached Suggested Caption: PPPC takes the center stage at the Penn State vs Illinois Football game.  

Cook-Off Season is in full Swing 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) teamed up with Penn State Football for an exciting 3rd Annual Fan Fest Rib Cookoff during the pre-game festivities at the Nittany Lions’ home game on September 28th. Eight competitive BBQ teams fired up their smokers, but it was M.A.D. BBQ from Elizabethtown, PA, that walked away with top honors. 

During the halftime show, PPPC President Ben Barcovtch had the privilege of presenting the championship trophy to the M.A.D. BBQ team on-field, celebrating their masterpiece in front of tens of thousands of Penn State fans. 

Throughout the day, PPPC engaged with visitors, sharing educational materials about the Pennsylvania pork industry while promoting the importance of pork in diets. A special thank you goes to Leidy’s Premium Meats for generously donating the ribs used in the contest, ensuring that all the teams had premium cuts to work with. 

In addition to the Fan Fest Rib Cookoff, the PPPC was proud to sponsor the pork category at the Keystone Classic BBQ State Championship, on October 5th, in Harrisburg, PA. Congratulations to Smokecraft Modern BBQ from Arlington, VA for winning the Pork Ribs category and to Ain’t That Rich from Cherry Hill, NJ for taking home the top prize in the Pork category.  

To learn more about the PA Pork Producers Council visit www.whypapork.com or follow along on social media @whypapork.  

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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) administers the Pork Checkoff on behalf of the state’s nearly 3,000 pig farmers. PPPC acts as a steward for Pork Checkoff funds at the state level and is charged with executing specific programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. No funds may be used for lobbying or to influence government policy. Checkoff-funded promotions are designed to increase domestic pork sales through consumer, retail and food service outreach. Additionally, Checkoff-funded research is administered in all areas of pork production, processing and human nutrition to develop a higher quality, more profitable and innovative product in the competitive meat protein market. 

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    PO Box 369 Shamokin Dam, PA

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Weston Spect- PLI 2025

Weston Spect, has recently been selected to join the 2025 class for the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI). Weston grew up on a small horse farm in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and raising fair pigs. He attended Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science.

After graduation, Weston began his career in feed sales before joining Country View Family Farms. Over the past two years, he has advanced through their Manager Trainee Program and is now the Farrowing Lead at a 5,500-head Prop 12-compliant farm.

Weston credits mentors at Country View Family Farms, for fostering his growth, stating, “The knowledge and support from my colleagues have been invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to learn from a team that prioritizes continuous improvement and innovative problem-solving.”

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected for PLI,” Spect shared. “The program offers a unique opportunity to meet industry professionals from across the country, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives that I can bring back to my farm and community.”

As Weston embarks on this journey, he reflects on his growing passion for pork production. “I never imagined how rewarding this industry could be. It’s incredible to walk into a grocery store and see a product you’ve worked hard to produce on the shelf. I encourage young adults to step out of their comfort zones and explore a career in the pork industry—it’s a truly fulfilling experience.”