PA Pork Showcased at 109th PA Farm Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 13, 2025 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Suggested Caption: Governor Shapiro holds a pig during Legislative Officials’ day.  

Pork Showcased at the 109th PA Farm Show 

The PA Farm Show, a 109-year tradition, continues to honor the generations of excellence that #PowerPennsylvania. This year’s event was no exception as we celebrated the diverse facets of agriculture that power our state. 

The PA Pork Producers Council (PPPC) proudly showcased the swine industry in the Giant Expo Hall with a sow and her 13 piglets. Visitors enjoyed the chance to see the sow and experienced a virtual reality tour of a commercial sow barn, offering a unique glimpse into modern swine farming practices. 

During the swine show, we were thrilled to support youth exhibitors by providing “PA Pork” shirts. The turnout was fantastic, and we want to congratulate every exhibitor for their hard work and dedication! 

On Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro visited our booth during his Farm Show tour. It was a highlight of the week to see him engage with agriculture—and even hold a piglet!  

Friday was Pork Day at the PA Preferred Culinary Connections stage. Chef Bryan Sanders from Mellie’s Bellies wowed the judges with his expert preparation of the spinalis muscle, taking home the championship title. The day also featured cooking contests and demonstrations, all celebrating pork as a delicious and versatile protein. 

With over 500,000 attendees, the 109th PA Farm Show was an incredible way to kick off the year for PPPC! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about pork, meet our piglets, and celebrate Pennsylvania agriculture. Follow along with us throughout the year as we continue to promote pork and support pig farmers on Facebook, Instagram, and our website: www.whypapork.com

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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.”