From nutrition to genetics to hog equipment, youth exhibitors at The Exposition in Indianapolis, Ind., had the opportunity to learn more about careers in the swine industry and the paths people took to secure them.
“The pork industry is full of businesses, companies and pork operations looking for people to fill important roles,” says Clay Zwilling, National Swine Registry CEO.
The National Swine Registry partnered with the National Pork Board and Keystone Cooperative to help elevate career opportunities in the industry during The Exposition. Zwilling says the show already has great industry representation of career opportunities in its trade show. The career fair served as a way to introduce young people to careers they could find in the pork industry while shining a light on those who are stepping up to support the future of agriculture.
A Talent Pool Worth Your Investment
“While there are so many great skills, experiences and competencies developed in the showring, we know that inevitably the junior show experience will end,” Zwilling adds. “Taking those skills like hard work, commitment and communication, amongst so many others, and translating them to the pork industry create endless opportunity for talent acquisition and the next generation of pork producers.”
Makayla Spray, 18, of Lafayette, Ind., appreciates the support of companies coming in and sponsoring events and opportunities at these shows for young people.
“Growing up in this industry, you meet so many people,” Spray says. “But taking that a step further to really learn what they do for a living gives you insight into possible careers down the road. It helps provide a more well-rounded approach to the agriculture industry.”
Garry Childs, Kane Manufacturing Southeast Region sales manager, says the reason their company thinks it’s important to invest in the National Junior Swine Association and other junior swine programs is because they want to help educate the future leaders of not just the swine industry, but agriculture.
“You don’t have to spend very much time around one of these events and associate with the young people and the families involved in it, before you quickly realize these are some of the most outstanding young people in the world,” Childs says. “And we think that it’s a very good investment.”
There are many valuable lessons we can learn from each other, Zwilling says. Here’s a little career advice shared this week.
Keep Your Options Open
Vincent Osborn, sales representative for Genepro, encourages youth to gain as much business experience as possible.
“If you are majoring in animal science, consider a minor in business or a related field,” Osborn says. “My plan was to go into production, but I found my way into a career in sales. I believe business knowledge is valuable for every career.”
Osborn, a 2017 graduate of Purdue in animal science, says he wishes he would have taken some classes in business and marketing.
“For me, it’s not about selling products,” Osborn says. “It’s about helping people and improving their quality of life.”
College Isn’t the Path for Everyone
Josh Couch grew up showing pigs in Texas. After attending auctioneer school, he went to work on a commercial sow farm and managed a multiplier. He also worked for a hog equipment company before coming to ADA Enterprises, Inc., where he serves as a sales manager for swine equipment.
“The swine industry is full of opportunities,” Couch says. “I didn’t go to college – I went to work in the commercial swine industry right away. College may not be the path for everyone and that’s o.k. There are so many great careers that pay well in the swine industry that don’t require a college degree.”
In addition, he believes working in the commercial swine industry is valuable for people who want to raise show pigs someday.
“If you want to produce good show pigs, go work in the commercial swine industry for five years,” Couch says. “Learn how to do heat detection better and tips on how to best set up a barn. There’s so much knowledge and experience to be gained that will make you a better hog producer.”
Think Bigger
Don’t limit yourself, advises Greg Lear with Purple Pursuit Show Feeds. He is a former president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
“Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” Lear says. “I get up and get to go to work – that’s the way to do it.”
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