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Conference/Symposium

2016 Nebraska Pork Youth Conference

Date:
Time:
1:00 pm – 12:00 pm
East Campus
TBA
Lincoln NE 68583
Contact:
Bryan Reiling , (402) 472-6362, breiling2@unl.edu
The 2016 Nebraska Pork Youth Conference, “Makin’ Bacon … and a WHOLE Lot More!” will be held October 16-18, 2016. The conference is sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producer’s Association, Nebraska Extension, and the UNL Department of Animal Science. The program is limited to 32 high-school aged youth. Online applications will be available between August 15 – September 9, 2016. Those applications will be reviewed and conference participants selected.

Other than the youth’s transportation to/from Lincoln, there will be NO COST to them; all lodging, meals, and conference materials are covered. The conference will be conducted from Sunday afternoon, October 16 through approximately noon, Tuesday, October 18. Thus, those selected will miss two days of school.

Participants will evaluate market animals, grade carcasses, fabricate carcasses into wholesale and retail cuts, and exercise basic culinary methods on a variety of different pork products. Throughout the program, a conscientious effort will be made to highlight and discuss, within the context of other material, related industry and/or consumer issues. Additional lab activities to be incorporated in 2016, in response to the 2015 pilot evaluations, include a hands-on genetics lab, a food safety lab, and a bio-security and animal health activity. Not only will youth learn about pork as a wholesome food product, but they will also learn how the pork industry is using science to address many significant challenges. Finally, various and engaging life skills activities will be intermixed throughout the program that focus on development of communication, leadership, and networking skills. Upon conclusion of this workshop, our youth will have a more thorough understanding of the product we produce, the consumers who purchase those products, and will have greater confidence in their ability to effectively communicate with one another regarding the many issues and challenges facing the pork industry.

More information will be forthcoming, but for now, If you have questions, feel free to contact Bryan Reiling at 402-472-6362 or at breiling2@unl.edu.

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