Iowa Pork Queen, Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2024
January 30, 2024
Lilly Bru, Gladbrook; Abby Elsamiller, Waverly; and Aubrey Johnson, Iowa Falls, are members of the 2024 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team. They were selected during Iowa Pork Congress last week.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) sponsors the contest. Participants are judged on their knowledge about pork and pig production as shown in presentations, interviews, and a written test about pork industry topics. Their previous community involvement and experience are also considered. The female contestant with the highest score is crowned Iowa Pork Queen, and the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named youth ambassadors.
Bru, a senior at Green Mountain-Garwin Secondary School in Garwin, will reign as this year’s Iowa Pork Queen. Elsamiller and Johnson are Iowa Pork Ambassadors. Each receives a $4,000 scholarship and plaque noting their award.
Those who completed the contest but were not selected each earns a $200 scholarship. Receiving these scholarships are:
- Lansing — Riley Troendle
- Lost Nation — Miranda Rickels
- Manchester — Ella Cole
- Norwalk — Ashlee Tomlinson
- Story City — Hannah Tice
Throughout 2024, the IPPA Youth Leadership Team will assist with public activities promoting and educating about pork and pig production, from county events around Iowa to the World Pork Expo and Iowa State Fair. Past team members have valued the connections established with fellow industry advocates, as well as the many growth and learning opportunities provided by these positions.
Lilly Bru
Lilly Bru is the daughter of Ryan and Laura Bru of Gladbrook in Tama County. She serves as president of her FFA chapter and is a member of 4-H and the Tama County Pork Producers Leadership team. She will study agribusiness at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny this fall.
Abby Elsamiller
Abby Elsamiller is the daughter of Jon and Becca Elsamiller of Waverly in Bremer County, and a senior at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly. Elsamiller is the Bremer County Pork Queen, and farrows and raises purebred Berkshire pigs to show and sell. After graduation, she plans to pursue an elementary education degree at Iowa State University in Ames.
Aubrey Johnson
Aubrey Johnson is the daughter of Ryan and LaRae Johnson of Iowa Falls in Hardin County. She is a senior at Iowa Falls-Alden High School. She has served in numerous officer positions for her FFA chapter and 4-H club. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree related to agriculture, possibly in communications or agricultural business.
Editor’s note: For a photo of either an individual Youth Leadership Team member, or the group, contact Kevin Hall. Photos of other contestants are also available.