Perkins named 2020 Illinois Pork Ambassador

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Each year, the Illinois Pork Producers Association awards a summer internship. Zachary Perkins has been selected as the next IL Pork Ambassador.

Perkins is currently a junior at Illinois State University, majoring in agriculture business and animal industry management. He is from Millbrook in Kendall County.

He received an associate degree at Joliet Junior College, where he was also a member of the livestock judging team. He is currently on the Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team and a member of the ISU Collegiate Farm Bureau and ISU Hoof and Horn Club. He enjoys being active in these organizations that promote agriculture and the swine industry.

As a 4-H and FFA member, his project was raising show pigs with his brother. They primarily raised Durocs and Crossbreds. This experience instilled a passion for pigs that has stuck with him today.

“I am excited to serve the pork industry and work with the great people involved,” Perkins said. “I look forward to meeting farmers from all across the state and getting to visit with youth.”

Perkins will hold the title of ambassador through the 2021 Illinois Pork Expo and will intern in the IPPA office this coming summer. He will travel throughout the state presenting at Summer Agriculture Institutes and will manage the Birthing Center at the Illinois State Fair.

“IPPA is very fortunate to have such a leader in this position,” said Jenny Jackson, director of communications for IPPA. “We are thrilled to have Zach in the office this summer and learn from him as much as he learns from us.”