South Dakota Pork Producers Council announce Pork Ambassadors
The South Dakota Pork Producers Council recently awarded Kendra Klumb of Ethan, South Dakota; Macey Kriens of Dell Rapids, South Dakota and Matthew Larsen of Wosey, South Dakota, with a $1,000 scholarship each. The South Dakota Pork Producers Council recognized these three students during the Master Pork Producers Banquet.
Kendra Klumb is the daughter of Shannon and Michelle Klumb. She currently double majors in elementary and special education at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota.
Klumb has been involved with her family’s hog, cattle and row crop operation. She believes strongly in advocating to future generations about rural America living. As she continues her teaching career, she feels passionate about integrating agriculture into the classroom and building a strong agricultural foundation at an early age. While she is in college, Klumb is involved with Teachers of Tomorrow, being a student ambassador and volunteering with various organizations.
Macey Kriens is the daughter of Terry and Barb Kriens. She currently attends South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, and is majoring in animal science with minors in agricultural business and agricultural marketing and plans to earn a swine science certificate as well.
Agriculture has played a major role is Kriens’ life. She has been involved in her family’s farm operation raising commercial Black Angus beef cattle as well as planting and harvesting crops including corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Kriens enjoys helping her family in the spring during calving season as well as running the family’s grain cart during fall harvest.
While on campus at SDSU, Kriens serves as the current vice president of SDSU Swine Club and is also a member of the Sigma Alpha professional agricultural sorority.
Matthew Larsen is the son of Bill and Carol Larsen. He is currently attending Wolsey-Wessington High School and will graduate this spring. Larsen’s plan for the future is to attend SDSU and pursue a degree in agriculture.
On the farm, Larsen helps with cattle and hog operations as well as corn, soybeans and hay.
The South Dakota Youth Pork Ambassador Program is designed to provide youth with an opportunity to become actively involved in the pork industry. The program helps youth develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members. It is an opportunity to learn about pork production, the industry and how to improve communication and leadership skills. The main goal of the Youth Pork Ambassador program is to promote the South Dakota Pork Producers Council and the swine industry at various events. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience and develop relationships that will last a lifetime.
