In a dry skillet over medium high heat toast dried chiles, onion, and garlic on all sides until lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer chiles to hot water to soak for 15 minutes. Transfer the onions and garlic to the pitcher of a blender.
After 15 minutes add the soaked chiles and water to the blender with the garlic and onion and purée until smooth. Strain through a mesh sieve and set aside.
Remove bone from pork shoulder and cut meat into 2-inch chunks.
In an 8-quart instant pressure cooker, combine pork, bone, salt, oregano, and water, being sure not to go over the max fill line. Close lid and set timer for 30 minutes. Pressure cooker can take up to 15 minutes to reach pressure.
After 30 minutes, carefully release pressure. Remove lid and skim off any fat or impurities on top of the liquid before removing the shoulder bone. Shred pork.
Switch instant pressure cooker to skillet mode and stir in chile puree and hominy. Cook, stirring occasionally, on medium high for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve pozole with desired toppings such as sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, cilantro, finely chopped white onion, lime wedges, Mexican crema or tortilla strips.
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.”