September 2026

William “Bill” Silveira was a visionary leader for the California pork industry. He poured his heart and soul into making the California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) work for the state’s pork producers. The Silveira Scholarship Fund was established to help cultivate future CPPA and agriculture industry leaders. The scholarship will be presented to a hardworking and dedicated young interested in pork production who is pursuing a college or trade school education. This year the scholarship will be awarded at the California Pork Producer’s Annual meeting in Modesto on November 7. 

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Recipients must be a current member of the California Pork Producers Association as of July 1 as well as high school seniors planning to attend or those currently attending a higher education or trade school institution. (Ages 17-25). Application deadline: Friday, October 2nd at 11:59 p.m.

Find Details and Access Application Here

Pork chops took center stage at the California State Fair as three talented young chefs competed in the “CA Dreamin’ of Pork Chops” Junior Chef Challenge! With just 45 minutes on the clock, each competitor created a unique pork-centered dish while incorporating flavors and ingredients inspired by California agriculture.



From citrus and honey to fresh produce and classic comfort-food favorites, these Junior Chefs showed just how creative you can get with a pork chop. 

Meet the competitors, see the recipes and find out who took home first place!

Mark your calendars for the California Pork Academy Youth Field Day on November 7th! Join us for a hands-on day designed to help youth swine exhibitors build their skills, grow their confidence and learn more about every aspect of their project and the industry!

Pork Academy will give exhibitors the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals while connecting with other peers. More details and a full schedule are coming soon, but for now save the date and plan to join us in Modesto on November 7! Registration opens September 16. Our California Pork Producers Annual Meeting will follow the field day, we can't wait to see you there!

Hosted in conjunction with the California Youth Ag Expo, the Golden Opportunity Gilt Sale allows us to award California scholarships annually to our future industry leaders. Congratulations to the 9 scholarship recipients this year!



•Gauge Goehring, MJC School of Agriculture

•Lillie Benafield, MJC School of Agriculture

•Jake Lewis, MJC School of Agriculture

•Emelie Rhoades, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

•Manny Gomez, MJC School of Agriculture

•Kaylynn Gonzalez, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State

•Alana Flanagan, California State University, Bakersfield

•Andrew Chow, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

•Austin Ferry, MJC School of Agriculture