County Pork Ambassadors will compete for scholarships and the title of Minnesota Pork Ambassador on Jan. 16 and17 in Minneapolis. The competition runs in conjunction with Minnesota Pork Congress, the state's only swine specific tradeshow and producer educational event.

Judges will announce their selection for the 2008 Minnesota Pork Ambassador, and first and second runners-up, on Jan. 17 at the Ambassador and Awards Luncheon at the Minneapolis Hilton. Scholarships of $1,500, $500 and $250 are awarded to the top three placing individuals. Judges also recognize the writer of the best essay and the ambassadors will select a congeniality winner.

The Minnesota Pork Ambassador and runners-up represent the Minnesota Pork Board at various educational and promotional functions throughout the year. Judges base their decisions on interviews, oral presentations and written essay.

County Pork Ambassadors who are taking part in the 2008 Minnesota Pork Ambassador competition are:

The Minnesota Pork Board ambassador program, which is funded through the Pork Checkoff, strives to create a learning environment for development of young leaders in the pork industry. Ambassador program participants are provided opportunities to increase their knowledge of the pork industry and to learn more about issues that affect swine production. Additionally, this program helps develop the support system for participants' future involvement as Minnesota pork industry leaders. For more information on the pork ambassador program, contact the Minnesota Pork Board office at 1-800-537-7675.

Source: Minnesota Pork Producers