The 2007 Iowa Pork Queen, Iowa Pork Princess and Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador were announced Wednesday night, Jan. 24, at the Iowa Pork Congress banquet in Des Moines.

Rita Cook from Hubbard in Hardin County was crowned the 2007 Iowa Pork Queen. A freshman at Iowa State University, Rita has a triple major. She is working toward degrees in agricultural business, public service administration in agriculture, and economics. Cook is the daughter of Jeff and Val Cook.

The 2007 Iowa Pork Princess is Jana Radke of Aurelia in Cherokee County. She is the daughter of Doug and Barb Radke and attends the University of Iowa. Jana plans to major in a health field, communications or education.

Cook and Radke were selected from a field of nine candidates. All of the candidates were county pork queens and represented their county pork producer organizations at educational and promotional events. Each contestant is judged on their communication and interviewing skills, poise, presentation and knowledge of the pork industry and Iowa agriculture.

Chelsea Zumbach of Ryan in Delaware County is the 2007 Iowa Premier Pork Youth Ambassador. She is the daughter of Daniel and Michelle Zumbach. Chelsea is in her junior year at Wartburg College in Waverly and is majoring in elementary education with endorsements in special education and reading.

Zumbach was chosen over three other candidates.

Cook, Radke and Zumbach will serve as representatives for the Iowa Pork Producers Association throughout the year and assist with pork promotional and educational activities.

The queen and the youth ambassador each receive a $2,000 scholarship and the princess receives a $1,000 scholarship from IPPA.

The Iowa Pork Youth Team contests are coordinated by the IPPA Youth Committee. The youth activities are funded by the Pork Checkoff.