December 30th, 2024
Editors Note: Photo(s) Attached Suggested Caption: Weston Spect 2025 PLI
Weston Spect selected for 2025 Pork Leaders Institute
Weston Spect, a dedicated member of Pennsylvania’s swine industry, 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, especially Kolton Reasy, Andres Palma, Oscar Gomez, Christian Gutierrez, and Sarah Lazar, 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.”
Sponsored by the National Pork Board (NPB) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), PLI is an elite program designed to cultivate knowledgeable and capable leaders for the U.S. pork industry. The goal of PLI is to provide participants with a holistic understanding of the industry, preparing them to engage in leadership roles that represent producers nationwide. To understand the impact of this program, many past participants have gone to serve on state pork boards or national boards with NPB and NPPC. Currently, 40-60% of the National Board of Directors consists of former PLI graduates.
PLI prepares participants to be well-informed advocates for the swine industry. The program provides in-depth education on complex topics such as trade, legislation, sustainability, and animal health while offering professional development opportunities. Participants leave with a strong network of peers and mentors, equipping them to navigate challenges and advance within the pork industry.
“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.”
To learn more about the PA Pork Producers Council visit www.whypapork.com or follow along on social media @whypapork.
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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) administers the Pork Checkoff on behalf of the state’s nearly 3,000 pig farmers. PPPC acts as a steward for Pork Checkoff funds at the state level and is charged with executing specific programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. No funds may be used for lobbying or to influence government policy. Checkoff-funded promotions are designed to increase domestic pork sales through consumer, retail and food service outreach. Additionally, Checkoff-funded research is administered in all areas of pork production, processing and human nutrition to develop a higher quality, more profitable and innovative product in the competitive meat protein market.
