Q&A with Morgan Wonderly — Lecturer at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

The swine industry thrives on innovation, education, and the passionate individuals driving it forward. This month in Showmen Currently in the Field, we’re excited to feature Morgan Wonderly, a full-time lecturer and Swine Unit Manager at Cal Poly State University. From her early days showing goats in California to leading students and conducting research with Iberian pigs, Morgan’s story is one of curiosity, growth, and leadership.

Let’s take a closer look at her path, the power of mentorship, and how she’s giving back to the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Q: ShowPig

Morgan, thanks for joining us today from California. Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

A: Morgan Wonderly

Absolutely. Hello everyone! My name is Morgan Wonderly. I'm a full-time lecturer at Cal Poly State University on the West Coast. I teach animal science classes and manage our Swine Unit, which houses about 120 sows.

Q: ShowPig

You’ve had a vast experience in the swine industry. How did you find your way into this career?

A: Morgan Wonderly

I grew up in California’s Central Valley, where I developed a love for animals at a young age. My parents actually met through 4-H, so agriculture was always around. At nine, I showed my first animal—a meat goat—at the Kern County Fair and started my own breeding herd at 10.

I transferred from Bakersfield College to Cal Poly, where I took a swine production class and immediately fell in love with pigs. Within two weeks, I farrowed my first sow. That experience launched me into a deeper involvement with the swine unit. I became student manager and even lived at the unit during my senior year.

After graduation, I interned with the National Pork Board in Iowa, followed by a meat science master’s degree at Cal Poly. I also interned in Osco, Illinois, with the Ray family, which was incredibly valuable. Today, I’m living out my dream job—teaching and managing the farm.

Q: ShowPig

You continue to oversee the farm at Cal Poly. Tell us more about what that entails.

A: Morgan Wonderly

We manage about 120 sows and work with three pig types: commercial, show pigs, and a newer addition—Iberian pigs from Spain. We’re doing research with the Iberico breed, known for its premium pork. It’s a new challenge for both me and my students, but it’s been a great learning opportunity.

We’re on the quarter system, so I teach around 60 to 70 students in swine production each term. I also coach the livestock judging team here.

Q: ShowPig

What’s the most rewarding part of being involved in the pork industry?

A: Morgan Wonderly

Honestly, it’s the people. It might sound cheesy, but the relationships I’ve built have been the most rewarding part. I’ve had amazing mentors who believed in me—just one person believing in you can change everything.

Whether I’m being called “Hollywood” or “California” at industry events, the connections I’ve made across the country are priceless. If I had a flat tire anywhere from Montana to Florida, I know I’d have someone to call. That kind of camaraderie is what makes this field so special.

Some mentors I want to shout out include Lee Rinker, Nathan Ray, Kylee Deniz, Dr. Brett Kaysen, and many others.

Q: ShowPig

You mentioned your internship at the National Pork Board, and now you serve on their Board of Directors. That’s incredible! How did that happen?

A: Morgan Wonderly

It’s been quite the journey! I interned with the National Pork Board in 2018, stayed involved, and later served as an editor for the Pork Information Gateway (PIG), which provides educational resources for producers of all sizes.

I also participated in the Swine Educators in Extension Conference, which was eye-opening. But the real game changer was the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI) class of 2022. It’s a program designed to develop advocates for the industry at both the state and national level.

After completing PLI, I was approached to run for the board and was eventually appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to a three-year term. I’m currently in my second year and have learned so much about the industry's inner workings—from processing to farm-level decisions.

This year, we’re focusing on pork demand and how to drive it forward. Being part of those conversations and representing 60,000 pork producers is a true privilege.

Q: ShowPig

For those interested in PLI, how can they get involved?

A: Morgan Wonderly

Applications usually open in the fall, and I highly encourage anyone interested to apply! You can reach out to Dinah Peebles at the National Pork Board for more information.

PLI includes five trips over a year, including a visit to Washington, D.C., and an international trip to better understand export markets. It’s a capstone experience that builds leadership and advocacy skills and helps young people stay connected post-graduation.

Q: ShowPig

Are you involved in your state pork association as well?

A: Morgan Wonderly

Yes! I currently serve as Vice President of the California Pork Producers Association. We’re a small but mighty group—mainly show pig producers—and being involved at the state level helped prepare me for national leadership.

Q: ShowPig

What advice would you give to young showmen just getting started?

A: Morgan Wonderly

Regardless of the species, it’s not just about success in the ring. It’s also about the relationships you build outside of it. The pork world is small, and the connections you make now can last a lifetime.

Always be mindful of how you carry yourself—someone younger is always watching, and your actions make an impression. Lead by example with kindness, integrity, and respect. That’ll set you up not just for success in the show ring, but in life and your career.

Q: ShowPig

Morgan, thank you for sharing your journey and your leadership. Anything you’d like to add?

A: Morgan Wonderly

I just want to say thank you to Lexi and the team at ShowPig.com for this incredible series. It’s a great initiative, and I’m honored to be part of it.

This interview is part of Showmen Currently in the Field, a content series made possible through the strategic partnership with the National Pork Board. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping the future of the pork industry.

To learn more about the National Pork Board’s leadership programs, including the Pork Leadership Institute, click here.