Youth Programs

The California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) believes the success of the state’s pork industry depends on building the skills and knowledge of the next generation of pork producers and industry professionals. The association has several programs focused on encouraging young people in the pork industry, including awarding $15,300 in scholarships during 2024.

The Junior Board of Directors is a vital component of California Pork Producer Association efforts to cultivate future leaders and advocates for the pork industry. By providing structured leadership opportunities and fostering connections with industry professionals, the Junior Board builds a robust pipeline of young talent committed to advancing agriculture and strengthening the association's long-term impact.

The program provides an opportunity for junior members to develop relationships with member and industry stakeholders, during a 2-year term. Junior directors must be a current paid California Pork Producers Association member. Membership can be verified by contacting Mackenzie at membership@calpork.com.

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William “Bill” Silveira was a visionary leader for the California pork industry. He poured his heart and soul into making the California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) work for the state’s pork producers.

His legacy lives on with a scholarship fund started by his wife, Sofia, in his memory. Bill believed in young people and knew providing them opportunities would pay dividends well into the future. The Silveira Scholarship Fund was established to help cultivate future CPPA and agriculture industry leaders.

The scholarship will be presented to a hardworking and dedicated young interested in pork production who is pursuing a college or trade school education. This year the scholarship will be awarded at the California Pork Producer’s Annual meeting in Modesto on November 7.

Eligibility: Recipients must be a current member of the California Pork Producers Association as of July 1 as well as high school seniors planning to attend or those currently attending a higher education or trade school institution. (Ages 17-25).

Application deadline: Friday, October 2nd at 11:59 p.m. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Click Here to Apply for the 2026 Bill Silveira Scholarship

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Past Winners

Grace Harkrader
Maddy Nissen
Grace Elliot
Katelyn Bean
Amanda Farquharson
Hannah Hawkesworth
Courtney King
Hannah Seymore
Andrea Thomas
Russell Whitaker
Whitney Whitaker

California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) annually hosts the Golden Opportunity Sale at the California Youth Ag Expo (CYAE) in Tulare. The sale highlights the very best gilts raised and shown in our state each year, and recognizes the hard work our youth exhibitors put into their projects. The commission earned from the Golden Opportunity Sale is used to provide scholarships for exceptional youth within California.

CPPA will provide scholarships to qualified candidates who are either current or past CYAE swine exhibitors and either are graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled in a recognized California community college, state university or trade school (Ages 17-25).

The Golden Opportunity Scholarships are awarded at the California Youth Ag Expo show in Tulare, CA based on earnings from the previous year’s sale.

Recipients must be a current paid member of the association and have shown at the California Youth Ag Expo.

Congratulations 2026 Recipients

Gauge Goehring
Lillie Benafield
Jake Lewis
Emelie Rhoades
Manny Gomez
Kaylynn Gonzalez
Alana Flanagan
Andrew Chow
Austin Ferry

Jr. director program

The California Pork Producers Association Junior Director Program provides an opportunity for junior members to develop relationships with member and industry stakeholders, during a 2-year term.

The program is designed to expand upon young people’s knowledge of the pork industry, further develop one’s verbal and written communication skills, while providing the opportunity to serve in a leadership role. The successful candidate(s) will gain valuable experience and develop long-lasting relationships with industry stakeholders. The objective of the program is to provide the opportunity for a qualified group of young individuals to become better acquainted with the swine industry, improve their communication and leadership skills, while promoting the California Pork Producers Association mission to industry stakeholders and the pork sector to consumers.

Deadline to apply: July 15, 2024

Along with the application, please be prepared to submit transcripts, a one-page essay, letter of recommendation, and photo of yourself. Candidates will be interviewed in-person, in conjunction with the CYAE show in Tulare.

If selected, you will be required to submit a medical release form to the program director. Click here to download the medical release form.

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