Emily Miller, a Marketing Agent for Showpig.com, attended the Texas Pork Industry Conference hosted in Lubbock, Texas, in June of this year. Emily served on a panel which covered topics such as creating effective outreach and sales marketing strategies through communications and social media. We recently caught up with her to tell us more about the conference and her involvement.  

How did your career at Showpig.com start?
Ten years ago, I started as an intern with Showpig.com and then transitioned from intern to part-time through my last semester of college which led to going full-time upon graduation.    

What exactly were you doing in Texas at the Texas Pork Industry Conference?
Riley Reep, Director of Youth and Communications, invited me to be on a panel to discuss various ways show pig producers can market their livestock. Jackie Lackey, Director of Business Development for The Wendt Group and also an owner at Lackey Livestock, as well as Cade Childers, owner of C3 Designs, and I had the opportunity to speak on selecting the best-selling methods for show pig operations, effective outreach, social platforms and capturing quality livestock photos and videos.    

Why was it important for you to be there on behalf of Showpig.com?
Showpig.com recognizes the immense opportunity Texas has to offer its show pig producers and youth livestock exhibitors. Over the last five years Showpig.com and Texas Pork Producers Association have developed a strong working relationship hosting numerous fundraisers, pen and consignment auctions each year that have benefited youth programs and show pig producers while giving us a chance to interact with more buyers and sellers in the state of Texas.    

What did you enjoy most about your time at the TPPA conference?
THE PEOPLE. I spent a lot of time listening and learning more about the mission behind TPPA and CTBR programs.  By the end of the conference, it was clear TPPA and CTBR are dedicated to bringing together producers and developing young people.    

What most surprised you about TPPA, its members, or the TPPA conference?
West Texas is very, very hot at the end of June for the midwestern gal. But in all seriousness, I received the warmest welcome and felt their mission to provide opportunities for their youth was outstanding.  

Texas is not heavily saturated with commercial pork operations, so what roles does TPPA play in the pork industry beyond show pigs?
While Texas might not be saturated with commercial pork operations, it is saturated with consumers. People are moving and putting down roots in Texas faster than any other state. Dr. Brett Kaysen, Vice President of Producer and State Engagement for National Pork Board, said it best at the conference that TPPA plays a vital role in interacting with consumers and legislation for meat animal consumption. The state of Texas has some of the largest junior and open livestock exhibitions in the country resulting in opportunities to interact on the front lines with consumers directly.    

What benefits do you see the Texas Pork Industry Conference providing to the entire pork industry and youth exhibitors?
The conference had a great set up to give opportunities for producers to learn from each other and industry leaders. The youth symposium offered sessions about career opportunities within the pork industry, advocacy and quality assurance. The Certified Texas Bred Registry awards program recognized scholarship recipients along with premier exhibitors and breeders from across the state.  

Thank you Texas Pork Producers Association for the opportunity to interact with your membership and be part of this awesome event. The messages relayed from Emily about the TPPA and their efforts were nothing short of exceptional and promising for the future of pork!