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PA Pork partners with Penn State Football Player Caleb Bacon 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 25th, 2026 

Editors Note: Photo(s) Attached Suggested Caption: Caleb Bacon during filming.  

PA Pork partners with Penn State Football Player Caleb Bacon 

A familiar face to pork is back but this time in Happy Valley. 

Penn State Football takes the field this September 5th for their highly anticipated season opener, and linebacker Caleb Bacon is giving fans an inside look at exactly what it takes to get there. The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council has teamed up with Bacon in a new video that shows pork isn’t just a dinner staple; it’s a versatile protein, fueling one of Penn State’s own as he prepares for kickoff. 

In the video, Bacon takes viewers behind the scenes of his training, from long practices and strength workouts to preparing a pork-based meal. The content demonstrates how pork can be incorporated into an athlete’s diet while showcasing its versatility in the kitchen. 

“Consumers want to see how food fits into real life, and athletes provide a powerful opportunity to tell that story,” said Courtney Gray, Executive Director of PA Pork. “With the season opener just days away, there’s no better time to show how pork supports performance, preparation and recovery. Bacon’s passion for football and his training diet makes him a natural partner to help us showcase pork’s versatility.” 

The collaboration is part of PA Pork’s ongoing consumer marketing efforts to introduce pork to new audiences through relatable voices and experiences. The video will be featured on Penn State Athletics, Caleb Bacon, and PA Pork’s social media channels.  

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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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.”