Q&A with Elizabeth Anderson, club president
What are the goals and mission of the Swine Production Advocates?
Swine Production Advocates (SPA) is focused on growing the next generation of swine producers through education and advocacy at Iowa State University.
When and where does the club meet?
The club meets in the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, usually on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
What opportunities does the club have for students to get involved? Leadership?
Students are strongly encouraged, even as freshmen, to run for an officer position to gain leadership experience and work with a team who have the same goal. Because we are swine-focused, there are many opportunities to learn about and make connections within the swine industry.
What are some chapter events, activities or fundraisers?
In addition to our monthly meetings, we host one or two socials each year. The socials are events that put SPA members in a social setting to interact and network with each other. Each fall, SPA takes a club trip. The fall trip is to a company or business within the swine industry so members can get an in-person look at the many career options within the field. This year, we are visiting the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Producers Council.
In the past, we have done a fundraiser through Texas Roadhouse. The officer team takes turns standing in the entry of the restaurant and promoting our club. If customers mention our club to the waiter, a percentage of their bill goes to our funds.
Who can join the club? Are there any requirements?
Anyone can join the club! People with an interest or previous experience in the swine industry are generally more interested, but we always love advocating and promoting the swine industry to new people.
What makes Swine Production Advocates fun and unique?
The Swine Production Advocates club focuses on all aspects of the swine industry. We try to get speakers from new companies at each meeting to talk about positions and various parts of the industry. We do this to help members gain a wide perspective of the opportunities available to them now and as they search for a career.
Information compiled by Katrina Hageman