In the competitive world of stock shows, the “highlight reel” is everywhere – from the purple banners and backdrop photos to the winning handshakes and big smiles. But this summer, a different kind of conversation is taking place in the barns.
A heaviness has settled over the stock show community following the recent loss of industry leaders and breeders. It’s a sobering reminder of the mental health crisis facing agriculture.
In response, the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) is trying to shift the focus to something far more important: the person behind the pig.
The Encouragement Wall: A Physical Reminder of Community
At the National Junior Summer Spectacular in Indianapolis, a new fixture appeared: the Encouragement Wall. It wasn’t covered in show results, but in sticky notes featuring motivational quotes, scripture and personal messages written by kids, parents and show pig breeders.
“We wanted to create a simple reminder that we’re all important,” says Carin Vickrey, youth activities and programs manager for the National Swine Registry. “Sometimes we all need that reminder.”
The wall serves as a “grounding” tool for exhibitors, parents and breeders who often feel the crushing pressure to perform.
Your Value is Not Defined by a Banner
In an industry where a single judge’s opinion can feel like a verdict on your hard work, the NJSA wants to expand the narrative.
“I want people to walk by the wall and remember they are important,” Vickrey says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re first in class or if your pig ‘gets the gate.’ Just because you don’t have the best pig or didn’t spend the most money doesn’t mean that you don’t have value. We want everyone to know they belong.”
With social media spotlighting everyone’s highlight reels, it’s easy to play the comparison game.
“I think we put a lot of pressure on our young people,” Vickrey says. “As the role models, as the parents, as the coaches, we need to take a step back and figure out what’s more important. It’s the kids. It’s the people. It’s making those connections, sitting down with people and having a good conversation, and it’s realizing that the pig may be the avenue that gets you there, but it’s the people that keep you there.”
Beyond the Ring
As a youth exhibitor from Oregon and former vice president of communications for NJSA, Emilee Lindquist, understands that pressure.
“My story started with a rocky start,” Lindquist says. “Being a part of this industry taught me to never give up, trust in those around you, and give back to the community that supports you because that’s what’s important. I was supported when I was in a time of struggle, and that is my goal to to give back to those people.”
She agrees there is a lot of competition at NJSA events – but that is not all bad.
“Competition builds character and teaches us life lessons,” Lindquist says. “But there are also lessons that we can learn from others around us at the these shows. It should never just be about competition, it should also be about building relationships, learning and sharing with others, and encouraging everybody to be their own person.”
Find Your Person
Nicole Cox, a licensed clinical mental health professional and stock show mom from North Carolina, notes that farmers and ranchers are traditionally private about their struggles.
“Today’s world is tough, and our kids are trying to figure out who they are,” Cox says. She points out that for many youth, the pressure to meet family expectations is the biggest hurdle.
Her advice:
- Find a “Neutral” Person: Sometimes talking to a parent or aunt feels too high-stakes. Find a coach, a teacher or a mentor who can listen without judgment.
- Step Away from the Ring: Parents and breeders need to prioritize their own well-being. Whether it’s exercise or a phone call with a friend, self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
Don’t Be Quiet
Her daughter, Mackenzie Cox, has been showing pigs since she was 3 years old. She isn’t shying away from difficult conversations. As a competitor in the prepared public speaking contest at the National Junior Summer Spectacular, she shared a statistic that stopped many in their tracks:
“Farmers go through a lot, and most people don’t realize how much the ups and downs of agriculture can impact a farmer, family or industry as a whole,” Mackenzie says.
The encouragement wall is a great way to keep what matters most in mind throughout the busy show week and open the door to further conversation, she adds.
How to Support Your “Barn Family”
Because the swine industry is so small, every interaction matters, Lindquist says. One of the best things you can do is show up for someone else.
“There are a lot of things people deal with that nobody talks about,” she explains. “Sharing encouragement can make a massive impact.”
If you see someone struggling this summer, don’t be afraid to ask the “real” questions:
- “How are you really doing?”
- “Are you okay?”
- “Is there something I can help you with?”
The banners eventually fade, and the pigs eventually leave the barn—but the community built along the way stays. NJSA is focused on making sure everyone knows they have a place in this industry, regardless of where they stand in the ring.
RESOURCES:
- 988 Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7, free and confidential support.
- Farm Aid Hotline: Talk with a hotline operator at 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). They answer the Hotline Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. The Spanish Hotline is answered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
