Get Involved
Events & Programs
From industry conferences to scholarships and leadership development, discover how to engage with North Carolina’s pork community.
Upcoming Events
You can find NC Pork Council at various events throughout the year. Some are specifically for our members and producers, but there are lots of educational events for the general public. Of course, there’s plenty of pork and barbecue along the way.
Pork Chop Open 2026
8:30 am – Breakfast and Range Practice
9:30 am – Tournament Begins
Breakfast and Lunch included. Beverages and snacks will be provided throughout tournament play.
TEAM – $500 – Each team includes a round of golf for four, two carts, breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks, and goodie bags. Prizes are awarded for top teams and longest drive. Scramble style golf tournament – In a scramble format, each team of players (typically four) tees off on every hole, then selects the best shot. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up the game, a scramble is the perfect way to enjoy friendly competition, great camaraderie, and plenty of laughs along the way.
PLUS – Team mulligans (2 mulligans per player – $10 per player/$40 per team). Closest to the pin contest (Par 3), the winner splits the pot with the PAC ($20 per player/$80 per team). You may pre-purchase mulligans or closest to the pin, or purchase the day of the tournament.
Please enter a name and handicap for each player.
Questions? Please email Katherine Dils at katherine@ncpork.org.
Regional Meeting – Wallace
Register Here!
Are you curious about what the North Carolina Pork Council does to represent hog farmers? How does the National Pork Producers Council represent our industry in Washington and around the world? What can you do to prevent Foreign Animal Diseases? You’re in luck. The NC Pork Council is hosting FREE regional meetings near you!
The meetings are open to farm owners, contract growers, employees, extension personnel, and allied industry.
When: August 11, 2026
Where: Mad Boar Restaurant, Celtic Court, 111 River Village Pl, Wallace, NC 28466
Here is a tentative agenda
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5:45 pm – Check-in
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6:00 pm – Dinner
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6:30 pm –
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NC Pork Council – what are we working on and how can you be a part of it
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National Pork Producers Council – What’s happening in Washington and what can you do to help?
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8:15 adjourn
Tell your friends! We look forward to seeing you there!
Regional Meeting – Goldsboro
Register Here!
Are you curious about what the North Carolina Pork Council does to represent hog farmers? How does the National Pork Producers Council represent our industry in Washington and around the world? What can you do to prevent Foreign Animal Diseases? You’re in luck. The NC Pork Council is hosting FREE regional meetings near you!
The meetings are open to farm owners, contract growers, employees, extension personnel, and allied industry.
When: August 18, 2026
Where: The Maxwell Center 3114 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC 27534
Here is a tentative agenda
- 5:45 pm – Check-in
- 6:00 pm – Dinner
- 6:30 pm –
- NC Pork Council – what are we working on and how can you be a part of it
- National Pork Producers Council – What’s happening in Washington and what can you do to help?
- 8:15 adjourn
Tell your friends! We look forward to seeing you there!
No upcoming events at this time
Check back soon, or follow us on social media for announcements.
Programs
Investing in the Future
The NC Pork Council invests in the next generation of pork industry leaders through scholarships, leadership development, and hands-on internship opportunities.
- Now Open
Scholarships
The North Carolina Pork Council offers scholarships to college students pursuing degrees that benefit North Carolina agriculture and the pork industry. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Award: $1,000 – $5,000
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an upcoming freshman in college, current undergraduate, or postgraduate student (including graduate and professional students).
- Must be pursuing a degree that directly relates to the swine industry or supports pork production, including but not limited to animal science, agricultural education, agricultural business, swine research, large animal veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, or other agriculture-related fields.
- Must demonstrate an interest in contributing to North Carolina’s pork industry.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 (unweighted). Transcripts will be reviewed for eligibility.
Preference Given To
- Students who attend a North Carolina university or community college.
- Students with a strong desire to remain active in the pork industry after graduation.
- Students actively engaged in pork production.
- Students whose parents or family members are actively engaged in the NC pork industry.
Timing
The scholarship program typically begins accepting applications in March and closes in April. Check back for dates for our 2027 scholarships.
Past NC Pork Council scholarship recipients are also eligible to re-apply on a yearly basis.
Pork Leadership Carolina
Preparing the Next Generation of Industry Leaders
Pork Leadership Carolina (PLC) is designed for producers and others who want to take a more active role in our industry. Through hands-on experiences and conversations with leaders across agriculture and government, participants strengthen their leadership skills, broaden their understanding of the industry and become more effective advocates for North Carolina pork.
Participants include producers, researchers, allied industry representatives, communicators, and others connected to North Carolina pork. They bring different perspectives, but share a common commitment to strengthening the future of our industry.
2026 Program Schedule
| Session | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | April 8–9, 2026 | Raleigh, NC |
| Session 2 | May 5, 2026 | Raleigh, NC |
| Session 3 | June 10, 2026 | Raleigh, NC |
| Session 4 | July 2026 | Washington, D.C. |
Program Focus
- Gain a deeper understanding of the North Carolina pork industry from the farm to the policy decisions that impact it.
- Build leadership and communication skills to represent the industry with confidence.
- Network with state and national leaders in agriculture, business, and government.
- Strengthen your ability to advocate for the pork industry at the local, state, and national levels.
Who Should Apply
Pork Leadership Carolina is open to people working in or connected to the pork industry who want to grow as leaders and play a more active role in shaping its future.
This program is offered every other year. The next PLC class will be held in Spring/Summer 2028. Applications will open in late 2027.
- For Producers
NC Pork Student Intern Reimbursement Program
The future of North Carolina’s pork industry depends on the next generation of leaders and employees. This program helps producers and pork companies introduce students to meaningful career opportunities while investing in the industry’s workforce.
The NC Pork Council reimburses participating producers and companies for up to one-half of a student intern’s wages, up to a maximum of $2,500 per intern and $5,000 per company. Reimbursement is provided at the conclusion of the internship.
Eligible interns include high school juniors and seniors, community college students and students attending four-year colleges. Internships may involve hands-on experience on production farms or project-based work within the pork industry under the guidance of an approved mentor.
Program Snapshot
- Up to $2,500 reimbursement per intern.
- Up to $5,000 per company.
- Open to high school juniors/seniors, community college. students and four-year college students.
- Internships on farms or industry-related projects.
- Approved mentor required.
Questions? Contact Bailee Arnold
- For Students
Emerging Pork Leadership Carolina
Emerging Pork Leadership Carolina is designed to introduce high school and college students to the opportunities, challenges and leadership roles within North Carolina’s pork industry.
Through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, students gain a deeper understanding of the industry, explore potential career paths and develop the confidence to serve as informed advocates for agriculture and pork production.
Open to students in North Carolina and North Carolina natives studying elsewhere, the program brings together young people who are interested in the pork industry and want to grow as leaders.
Program Details
- Four sessions: two in-person and two virtual
- Attendance at in-person sessions is required
- All program expenses are covered
- Limited to 25 participants
- Open to students currently involved in the pork industry and those interested in learning more
Participants leave the program with a stronger understanding of the issues facing agriculture and the pork industry, as well as the skills and confidence to engage thoughtfully with neighbors, peers and others about the pork industry.
This program is offered every other year. The next EPLC class will be held in Fall 2027. Applications will open in Fall 2026.
Programs
Investing in the Future
The NC Pork Council invests in the next generation of pork industry leaders through scholarships, leadership development, and hands-on internship opportunities.
Supports students pursuing degrees that benefit NC agriculture and the pork industry. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Investing in People. Advancing Our Industry.
A hands-on leadership development program equipping pork industry professionals to become effective leaders and advocates.
Reimburses pork producers for half of a student intern's salary, up to $2,500 per intern, $5,000 maximum per company.
A three-month program preparing high school and college students for careers in the pork industry and roles as ambassadors for agriculture.
Why Become a Member?
You already have a stake in the future of North Carolina pork. Membership gives you a voice in shaping it. Together, members support the advocacy, education and leadership programs that strengthen our industry and the communities we call home.