A Winthrop teen has been named to the Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team.
Kirby Cook was selected as one of the winners Wednesday night at the Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines.
Kirby is the son of Aaron and Trish Cook. He’s a senior at East Buchanan High School. He plans to pursue a degree in agricultural studies at Iowa State University and eventually return to his family’s farm for a career in hog and grain farming.
Kirby was among nine contestants competing for three spots on the Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team. The Iowa Pork Producers Association sponsors the contest, which includes interviews, speech presentations and knowledge of pork and pig production. Their previous community involvement and experience are also considered. The top female contestant is crowned pork queen – and the top two remaining contestants (male or female) are named youth ambassadors.
Kiley Allan of Le Mars was crowned the new Iowa Pork Queen, while Kirby and Maggie Staudacher of Indianola will serve alongside her as the Iowa Pork Youth Ambassadors. They will each receive a $4,000 scholarship and spend the next year participating in public activities promoting pork and pig production.
photo courtesy of Iowa Pork Producers Association
