4-H
Is the swine industry investing enough into the next generation of kids who simply love pigs?
Our barns will need managers. Our companies will need innovators. Our industry will need leaders. And they’re out there – right now – waiting for someone to believe in them.
It is unlikely that my daughters will become Division I athletes or win a national swine show. However, my wife and I aim to raise winners both on and off the field and in and outside the ring.
In one second, years of audience-building and customer relationships were lost for Chris and Kaitlyn Hofschulte, showpig breeders in Miami, Okla.
Youth exhibitors explore careers during The Exposition in Indianapolis.
It doesn’t matter how old we are. Mentors are valuable at all stages of life. All too often we fail to make the first move to ask because we let our doubts have more power than they deserve in our lives.
What can you do to minimize exposure to disease at shows this summer?
Six livestock industry leaders pay tribute to the mothers who inspired a passion for livestock and agriculture in their lives.
Many show animal feeds exist. As an exhibitor, it’s critical to make informed decisions on how to choose the right feed as you feed for your endpoint. Here are four things to look for on your show animal feed.
As generations become further removed from the farm, the need for people who can educate and inspire future livestock leaders has never been greater. Dan Hoge shares his secrets to reach the next generation.
Livestock industry responds to 17-year-old Alonso Apodaca’s decision to let steers loose at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
When we come together as a company and as a community, we can create positive change that reaches far beyond ourselves.
It takes a strong team to achieve nearly 44 years of marriage. Here’s the secret behind one of the pork industry’s most beloved couples.
Red shirt, hair in a bun, the stare. You don’t even have to be in the stock show industry, and you’ll likely remember seeing Karis Dadson showing her pigs in iconic tiktoks, shorts, videos and reels.
At just 11 years old, Reed Marcum had an idea for a project: Collect toys and give them to children in his community. Eight years later, the toy drive has given away more than 64,000 toys at an annual event people wait in line for hours to attend.
An advocate for the livestock industry who wears many hats including teacher, coach, mentor, advisor, husband and father, Dan Shike, joins The PORK Podcast for the final episode of 2024.
Every once in a while, there is a bond that is so strong that it can only exist between exhibitor and the animal. But that bond takes time together, hours of practice and patience.
Gen Z’s challenges aren’t just academic; they’re personal, says Jill Bramble, president and CEO of 4-H. Many young people say they are falling short, unable to envision a successful future where they feel connected to their friends, families, and communities.
Jesse Heimer set out to produce a song and music video that embodies what stock show families live, breathe and dream. Over time, Heimer’s plan grew into an anthem that all of agriculture can appreciate.
Keeping pigs and people healthy is vital as youth continue to travel for swine exhibition shows. The detection of influenza A in dairy cattle earlier this year elevates the focus on diligent biosecurity for all livestock producers.
As a new pig show season fires up in many parts of the country, the last thing anyone wants is to get left out of the fun of evaluating livestock and chasing banners because of a case of influenza.
A third-generation pig farmer, running coast-to-coast chasing dreams and supporting kids, Jesse Heimer of Heimer Hampshires, is proof that hard work, determination and passion can lead to great success.
When I opened the door, my jaw dropped. Despite what every mother in her right mind would be tempted to do in that moment, I paused when I saw her black heels in the middle of the mess.
“Schillinger Farms is Prop 12 compliant in California.” Messages like this are popping up on social media as show pig producers who’ve become Proposition 12 certified prepare to sell show pigs in California in 2024.
The best day of his judging career, only four points shy of a 50-year-old record, will be how John Reaves of Spring, Texas, remembers being named high individual at the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.
I’ll never forget my first 4-H speaking experience. It wasn’t very pleasant, and if I’m honest, tears were shed. But I survived. I learned. I gained confidence. I moved on. I got better, and that’s what I love about 4-H.
A large crowd gathered for the 4-H Livestock Contests results at the North American International Livestock Exposition on Nov. 15 in Louisville, Ky. Here are the winners in livestock judging, skillathon and quiz bowl.
Years ago, our 4-H club started a tradition of honoring its senior members during 4-H Week with a display sign in their hometown. I knew my daughter Olivia’s sign was coming.
Just in time for school to start, in the midst of the Illinois State Fair, students across the state will no longer be penalized for participating in a 4-H or FFA event.