Calling all pork lovers.

The Mower County Pork Producers Association is asking local youths to enter the Pork Industry Ambassador Program. Mower County’s ambassador will receive a $500 scholarship and becomes eligible to receive a $1,500 scholarship if chosen as the Minnesota State Pork Industry Ambassador in 2014.

The program aims to develop leadership and encourage young men and women to become more involved in the pork industry.

The contestant may be either male or female and must be single with no dependents. Candidates must be between ages 18 and 22 as of Aug. 1, 2014. Participants or their family do not need to be a member of a County Pork Producer Association or be actively involved in pork production. Individuals must, however, have a strong interest in the future of the pork industry and agriculture or be pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field or business.

Each contestant will be asked to give an oral speech of two to four minutes on the importance of the pork industry in agriculture.

There will be an interview with judges, and contestants will also be judged on general appearance, vitality and sincerity to serve the pork industry, as well as speaking ability and knowledge of the subject.

For more information, contact any high school FFA or FLA advisor or Mower County Pork Ambassador Scholarship Committee Chairman, Jean Roe at 507-324-5592. The deadline for entries is April 21, 2014.