Lesmeister one of 16 vying for State Pork Ambassador

The next Minnesota Pork Ambassador and first and second runners-up will be selected at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at Farmfest. The pork ambassador candidates will be introduced and the winners announced at the start of the Linder Farm Network's Noontime Jamboree in the Forum Tent on the Farmfest grounds.

Farm broadcaster Lynn Ketelsen will be the emcee.

Lloyd Lesmeister, the current Stevens County Pork Ambassador is one of 16 candidates participating in the event.

If selected as Minnesota Pork Ambassador, Lesmeister would like to

inform the public about the swine industry.

"I feel that people are unaware of how well we take care of our animals

to ensure that the pork is a high quality product," Lesmeister said.

Public speaking and leadership skills, and swine production

knowledge are qualities that he has to offer the Minnesota Pork

Ambassador program.

"Some experiences that have impacted my goals are being

heavily involved in livestock events, which have allowed me to increase

my passion for animal agriculture," he said.

Lesmeister views PRRS as a challenge the swine industry is facing.

He believes that the industry can address this issue by continuing

research to eliminate the PRRS virus.

The candidate judging takes place Aug. 6-8. The selection process includes a personal interview, public presentation on a swine-related topic, a written essay and group interaction. The public is also invited to attend the pork ambassador candidate's public presentations from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 7 in the Minnesota Soybean/Minnesota Pork Tent on the Farmfest grounds.

The Minnesota Pork Ambassador and runners-up will represent the state's 4,200 pork producing families at various educational and promotional functions throughout the year. The top placing individual earns a $1,500 scholarship, and first and second runners-up receive $750 and $500 scholarships, respectively. Judges also recognize the writer of the best essay with a $250 scholarship and the ambassadors will select a congeniality winner.