Bernie O’Rourke receives WPA’s Agri-Communicator Award

Wisconsin Dells, WI –The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) recognized Bernie O’Rourke with their Agri-Communicator Award during the organization’s annual meeting held on February 2nd in conjunction with the Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells.

Bernie O’Rourke accepting the 2022 WPA Agri-Communicator Award at the 2023 Wisconsin Pork Association annual meeting on February 2 at the Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells.  Picture with Bernie, center, are Victoria Meylor, WPA Mentee and Christina Meylor, right, WPA President.

WPA’s Agri-Communicator Award acknowledges the efforts of individuals in the ag industry to communicate with others.

Bernie O’Rourke is a Senior Outreach Specialist in Animal Science and the Extension Youth Livestock Specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Bernie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from South Dakota State University and her master’s degree in Animal Sciences/Meat Science from the University of Nebraska –Lincoln.

Bernie provides leadership and support to the livestock project areas by sharing current research and practices to youth and adults engaged in 4-H, FFA, and other organizations. She also teaches the Career Orientation course for college undergraduates, animal sciences prospective student recruitment, and actively involved in local and statewide organizations. Bernie has always been very supportive of youth programs and gone above and beyond to communicate and spread the word about WPA opportunities and events to families around the state. Bernie, her husband, Ron, and her three sons live on their sheep farm near Dodgeville, WI.