Gavin Howerton Selected a Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador

Clinton Youth to Participate in 2026 Scholarship Program

Osage Beach, Mo.,-The Missouri Pork Association (MPA) is pleased to announce the selection of Gavin Howerton from Clinton as a 2026 Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador. His selection was announced today at the Missouri Pork Expo in Osage Beach.

Gavin is the son of Paul and Emily Howerton. He is a senior at Clinton High School and will graduate in May of 2026. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia to pursue a degree in agribusiness management. He hopes to find a position with a local cooperative, and eventually return to the family farm.

Gavin has worked on the family farm, Howerton Hog Farms, since he was 10. He is proud to be the eighth generation of Howerton's to farm the land and fourth generation as part of the hog operation. He also works in the greenhouse at Green Streets Market.

He is actively involved in school activities including Future Business Leaders of America, soccer and tennis. He is currently the Clinton FFA Chapter and Area VII president, and vice president of the Clinton National Honor Society.

During the next year, Gavin will attend events such as the Annual Golf Tournament and Missouri State Fair. At the end of the program, he will receive a $1,000 scholarship payable to a technical school, community college or four-year university.

The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador program combines a scholarship opportunity with the chance to actively participate in Missouri's pork industry. It provides an opportunity for youth to develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members, while improving communication and leadership skills.

The Missouri Pork Association represents the state's pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education, and public policy. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.
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