Did you Know?
PA Pork offers an Emerging Leaders Program designed to foster growth and leadership skills among young adults in the swine industry. Throughout the year, participants engage in industry tours, learn about legislation, and meet a variety of leaders from across the state. In 2025, we are excited to welcome six leaders into the program and cannot wait to see what they accomplish following their year in the Emerging Leaders Program.#agfacts
Ivan Rodriguez is the Breed Lead at CVFF – Willow Hill Sow Unit. He applied for the Emerging Leaders Program to refine his leadership skills, expand his professional network, and gain exposure to new perspectives. With a strong focus on strategic decision-making and team development, he is eager to contribute his insights while learning from others. He believes this program will help him grow into a more effective leader and create a lasting impact within his team.
In the next five years, Ivan envisions himself in a leadership role where he is driving strategic initiatives, fostering team growth, and mentoring others. His goal is to inspire those around him to reach their full potential while making meaningful contributions to the industry.
Inspired by industry leaders Sarah L. and Kolton R., Ivan is motivated by their dedication to innovation and sustainability. Their influence has driven him to pursue continuous growth and leadership in the pork industry.
His advice to young professionals is to stay curious, be open to learning, and seek mentorship. He encourages them to explore the many career paths within the pork industry, from production to technology and sustainability. With a passion for continuous improvement and innovation, he believes those who adapt and grow will thrive in this ever-evolving field.
When it comes to enjoying pork, Ivan prefers traditional Mexican pork carnitas—slow-cooked to perfection in its own fat for a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Johanna (Jo) Swoyer is the Animal Care Educator-PA at Clemens Food Group. She applied for the Emerging Leaders Program to deepen her knowledge of the pork industry, gain insights into the full supply chain from farm to table, and strengthen her leadership skills. Growing up as a city kid with limited exposure to agriculture, Jo sees this program as a valuable opportunity to inspire others and expand her professional connections within the industry.
Nine years ago, Jo unexpectedly found herself in the pork industry—an industry she had never imagined joining. Over the next five years, she plans to stay actively involved, helping others pursue their passions while driving innovation and improvement. Throughout her career, she has been inspired by many individuals, including her first mentor, Dewey, who sparked her enthusiasm for learning. Today, she is motivated by her team of exceptional young women who challenge her thinking, push her skills, and keep her focused on her goals.
Jo’s advice to young professionals is to embrace the challenges and rewards of the pork industry with a positive mindset. She encourages others to find what excites them, stay curious, and take advantage of the many opportunities for growth and development—regardless of their background or experience.
When it comes to enjoying pork, Jo keeps it simple—bacon is her favorite, but she also loves the classic comfort of pork and sauerkraut.
Christian Gutierrez is the Assistant Farm Manager at CVFF-Warrior Ridge. He applied for the Emerging Leaders Program to expand his knowledge of the pork industry and improve pork production efficiency. His goal is to share what he learns with his team, ensuring they work together to provide the best care for their pigs while continuously striving for improvement.
In the next five years, Christian envisions himself in a managerial role, leading more projects to enhance production and develop the skills of his team members. He is committed to fostering growth and innovation within the industry.
Christian’s biggest inspiration comes from his family. Working in the pork industry has given him a new perspective on how agriculture impacts meat production, and he takes pride in sharing the importance of this work with his family, friends, and coworkers. He is proud of the dedication and teamwork that goes into producing high-quality pork every day.
His advice to young professionals is simple: Take the opportunity! The pork industry presents challenges that push individuals to grow and improve constantly. He encourages others to stay open to learning, embrace change, and take pride in being part of an industry that plays a vital role in feeding the world.
When it comes to enjoying pork, Christian’s favorite dish is carnitas—a traditional Mexican meal made by slow-cooking pork shoulder with orange juice, cumin, garlic, onion, and oregano for eight hours until tender. He loves making tacos topped with spicy salsa for the perfect meal.
Melissa is the Animal Care & Compliance Programs Manager at Clemens Food Group. She applied for the Emerging Leaders Program to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative aspects of the pork industry and expand her professional network in Pennsylvania.
With a strong passion for animal welfare, Melissa envisions herself continuing in a leadership role over the next five years, further advancing her career in animal care and compliance.
Inspired by motherhood, Melissa is driven to grow her career so she can one day share her passion for animal agriculture and the pork industry with her daughter. Her advice to young professionals is to explore the many career opportunities within the pork industry, keep an open mind, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.
When it comes to enjoying pork, her favorite dish is fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs slow-cooked with BBQ sauce and cherry jam preserves—served over noodles or rice for a flavorful meal.
Weston Spect, has recently been selected to join the 2025 class for the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI). Weston grew up on a small horse farm in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and raising fair pigs. He attended Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science.
After graduation, Weston began his career in feed sales before joining Country View Family Farms. Over the past two years, he has advanced through their Manager Trainee Program and is now the Farrowing Lead at a 5,500-head Prop 12-compliant farm.
Weston credits mentors at Country View Family Farms, for fostering his growth, stating, “The knowledge and support from my colleagues have been invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to learn from a team that prioritizes continuous improvement and innovative problem-solving.”
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected for PLI,” Spect shared. “The program offers a unique opportunity to meet industry professionals from across the country, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives that I can bring back to my farm and community.”
As Weston embarks on this journey, he reflects on his growing passion for pork production. “I never imagined how rewarding this industry could be. It’s incredible to walk into a grocery store and see a product you’ve worked hard to produce on the shelf. I encourage young adults to step out of their comfort zones and explore a career in the pork industry—it’s a truly fulfilling experience.”
Elizabeth completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. Upon entering veterinary school, her background was entirely focused on small animal medicine. When an opportunity arose to participate in swine research, she saw it as a valuable chance to explore a completely different aspect of veterinary medicine—one she had never encountered before. Additionally, she was excited by the idea of working with pigs for the first time.
Her AASV research project focused on lameness in grow/finish pigs and aimed to identify factors contributing to its prevalence. This experience proved to be eye-opening and ignited a strong interest in swine medicine. Elizabeth expressed that unlike small animal medicine, where lameness is typically approached as an individualized issue, lameness in swine presents a broader challenge, impacting both the animals and the people involved in their care and production. Throughout the study, Elizabeth became particularly interested in the welfare implications associated with lameness and expressed a desire to continue researching the issue and contribute to efforts aimed at mitigating its negative effects.
For Elizabeth, the most rewarding aspect of preparing for the AASV (American Association of Swine Veterinarians) experience was the opportunity to immerse herself in a completely new area of veterinary medicine. Her summer research and participation in AASV highlighted the potential to practice veterinary medicine in a way that creates meaningful, far-reaching impacts.