Drake Hall
Hi, my name is Drake Hall, and I am from a small town by the name of Grantsville, which is just outside of Tooele, UT. I was introduced to the swine industry at the age of 8 and have been in love with the way of life ever since. What went from raising one or two pigs has turned into a family business, where we currently raise and sell show pigs to individuals in Utah and the surrounding states. Some of the most valuable lessons I have learned in life have come from the swine industry, which has taught me the true meaning of hard work, resiliency, and, most importantly, the significance livestock play in our everyday lives. These lessons are ones that I am excited to share with everyone during my service as an ambassador. I look forward to serving and teaching those in Utah a little bit more about the swine industry and am grateful for the opportunity I have to share my passion for livestock.
McKade Petersen
Hello, my name is McKade Petersen. I live in the small town of Delta, where I was born and raised. I have been fortunate enough to be involved in raising show pigs for the past 10 years. What started off as a fun FFA project soon turned into a small breeding program. We now raise and sell show pigs for ourselves as well as others around the state of Utah. Raising pigs has taught me many core values that I will be able to use for the rest of my life, including hard work, perseverance, and a lot of patience. Besides showing pigs I enjoy hunting, rodeo, and spending time with family. I am excited to be a part of the Utah Pork Ambassador program and share my knowledge about the pork industry.
Macy Rankin
Hi all! My name is Macy Rankin, I am a current student at Utah State University, and am studying to become a High School Ag teacher. I grew up in a small town in Southeastern Idaho and love everything outdoors. Starting as a young Freshman in high school, I was introduced to many FFA competitions in my Chapter, but one of my all-time favorites was showing pigs at the Fremont County Fair. I have loved being part of different organizations that teach about livestock and agriculture as a whole. It is my goal as a current advocate for Ag, and as a future educator, to teach others about where their food comes from and how we all have a place in creating a sustainable future.
Haiden Thayn
My name is Haiden Thayn and I am a senior at Emery High School. I grew up in Elmo, a small town in Emery County. I’ve been raising and showing livestock pretty much my whole life. My passion for the pork industry started very young. I’ve been showing hogs since I was 8 years old in 4-H and into FFA in high school. I love what this industry has to offer youth. I plan on attending college for livestock judging and plan on majoring in feed nutrition or genetics.
Myanna Vasquez
Hi! My name is Myanna Vasquez, I live in Beaver Utah, and am currently a Junior at Beaver High school. I enjoy being involved in my County and with 4-H. My long-term goals are to graduate High School with an associate degree and then study Dietetics at Utah State University. Over the last couple of years, I have been able to attend different agricultural events, including The World Pork Expo. This has given me the opportunity to see where our food comes from and gain a greater appreciation for farming. I have also been exposed to agriculture from my grandpa at his farm. My grandpa has taught me since I was very young how he farms alfalfa, wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets. One of my biggest agricultural influences has been my dad. He provides for our family working in the agricultural field. I have been very involved with 4-H and was a Family Consumer Science 4-h ambassador and currently a Southern Region 4-h ambassador. I enjoy being involved in agriculture and all the opportunities it offers. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a Youth Pork Ambassador.
Becky Wangsgard
Hi I’m Becky Wangsgard and I’m so excited to be a 2022 Utah Pork Producers Association Youth Ambassador. I love anything outside and with animals. I also enjoy playing soccer. I raise and train show hogs during the summer for our county fair. This has made me want to start my own show hog business after high school. My Hope as an ambassador is to learn more about the industry to give me a boost in that business. Then I want to share the pork story with those around me and all over Utah.
Jonathan Webb
Hello! My name is Jonathan Webb, I live in Beaver, Utah. I have been involved with agriculture my whole life. I enjoy playing sports and being competitive. I have shown livestock since I was 9. I am heavily involved in both 4-H and FFA. I currently serve on the Utah Attorney General’s Youth Advisory Council, Utah 4-H State Ambassador Team, Beaver Youth City Council, Beaver High Youth Coalition Drug and Suicide Prevention, and many other committees. My goals after high school are to graduate college in Business and to become an entrepreneur. I have been involved in the Pork Industry my whole life and my family owns a pig barn where we raise over 20,000 hogs per year. I love the Pork Industry and am excited to educate others throughout the rest of this year!
Dalton Williams
My name is Dalton Williams I am from Grantsville Utah. I have been involved in the pork industry my whole life, I help run a family pig operation where we raise and show pigs. I have a love for agriculture, I believe you learn lessons that you can’t learn anywhere else. I enjoy the daily challenges that come with raising livestock and believe they all have a reason. I’m excited to share my knowledge and my passion for agriculture as a UPPA ambassador!