The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board wants youth to see the pork industry as more than barns and chores. Through its Whole Hog video series, Sask Pork highlights the wide range of careers tied to pork production, from research and soil science to food preparation. At the centre of the initiative is 12-year-old Reise Podhordeski, the Sask Pork Whole Hog Youth Ambassador, who lives and works on his family’s hay farm near Marcelin, SK.
“These videos are to show the public that there are lots of jobs and careers that are part of the pork industry, but you don’t have to work in a barn,” Podhordeski said. He interviewed eight different professionals across the value chain in the latest series, released this fall. Topics stretch from loading pigs onto trailers and learning about water quality to restaurant meal preparation. Each video runs three to five minutes, making them digestible and engaging for classrooms.
Podhordeski explained that the videos target students in grades seven to ten, those at the stage of wondering what path they might follow after school. “I think it makes it more interesting to learn from someone who is a similar age, and it can make it more meaningful,” he said. His peers can see that agriculture offers a broad spectrum of opportunities and that the skills learned extend far beyond the farmyard.
The first Whole Hog series, launched in spring 2023, opened the conversation about where food comes from and how to raise pork. The new series builds on that by zeroing in on career paths. Sask Pork partnered with Aspen Films for production, allowing Podhordeski to gain hands-on experience in both videography and agriculture. “We worked with Aspen Films for the videography, then I got to interview many people and try new things,” he said.
The videos show agriculture as a sector filled with science, technology, and business opportunities. Careers highlighted include veterinary research, soil and water management, value-added processing, and culinary arts. For young people unsure of where their interests align, seeing these roles brought to life helps connect the dots between classroom studies and real-world applications.
Podhordeski sees the project as an important communication tool. “Important so that people and students know where this food comes from, and that there are so many more jobs in the pork industry than just raising the pigs,” he said. By putting a youth voice out front, the program aims to bridge the gap between the farm gate and the classroom.

The ambassador role gave Podhordeski a chance to learn as well. He described trying tasks like preparing restaurant meals with pork and seeing firsthand how water quality affects production. “I got to interview many people and try new things such as loading pigs onto a trailer, learning about water quality, and preparing restaurant meals,” he said. These experiences, while part of a video project, also gave him a glimpse into potential career directions of his own.
For Sask Pork, the goal extends beyond education. By sparking interest in agriculture careers early, the organization hopes to support a strong labour pipeline for the future. The industry faces ongoing challenges with workforce shortages, and initiatives like this aim to inspire the next generation.
There are eight videos in the recently released series. Covering topics from marketing, transportation, veterinarian, agriculture scientist and business owner just to name a few.
Distribution keeps accessibility top of mind. The Whole Hog videos are available on YouTube and through Sask Pork’s social media channels. They are also housed on the Sask Pork website, making them easy for teachers, parents, and students to find. Podhordeski encourages anyone interested to watch them. “If people want to see them, they can visit
saskpork.com,” he said.
The videos position the pork sector as innovative and diverse. Agriculture no longer fits the stereotype of long days doing manual labour with little variety. Today’s pork industry includes animal health specialists, environmental scientists, food processors, marketers, and chefs. Every stage in the value chain offers careers for people with different interests and strengths.
Podhordeski, just 12 years old, carried the message with clarity. His own life as a farm kid brings credibility and connection. Students watching the series see someone close to their age, speaking their language, and demonstrating curiosity. That relatability makes the message stick.
He closed with a reminder. “Just always think about where your food comes from, and appreciate those who raise it for you,” he said. His words capture the heart of the Whole Hog initiative: awareness, respect, and opportunity.
By showcasing the industry through the eyes of a young ambassador, Sask Pork underscores the importance of passing knowledge forward. Careers in pork production reach far beyond barns, touching science, sustainability, technology, and food culture. For Canadian youth, the possibilities are wide open. •
— By Harry Siemens