Show Pigs

Mental Health in the Pork Industry: Redefining Grit with Maddison Caldwell

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:33:05 GMT

In the stock show world, Maddison Caldwell was the blueprint of a firstborn overachiever: disciplined, organized and a perfectionist. But while she thrived in the black-and-white rules of life, the “gray areas” nearly cost her everything.

In college, she took a mandatory psychology class and realized she related to many of the topics they talked about. Caldwell sought help from her primary care physician, not knowing at the time that specialists existed for what she was feeling.

After months of increasing dosages, she reached a medical ceiling. When her doctor told her it was the maximum dose and ‘sent her on her way,’ she felt she had run out of options. Within five months, she attempted to end her life twice.

Private Pain to Public Hope

When she shared her personal battle in January 2022 , her story stopped being just hers. It became a shared common ground for others fighting silent battles.

“As soon as the article came out, it was like the floodgates opened,” she says. “All of a sudden, complete strangers – even people who weren’t involved with agriculture – of all ages from across the country reached out.”

Although it wasn’t easy to have the most painful moments of her life become table conversation, she doesn’t regret the decision to share it with others.

“This story came out right around the time I was starting my career,” Caldwell says. “I was reporting to an executive at a large company, and one of his coworkers on the executive team asked him, ‘Have you Googled her?’”

(Provided by Maddison Caldwell)

She will never forget when he asked her about it and the conversation that followed.

“He was quite a bit older than I am, and from a generation that didn’t talk about these things,” Caldwell adds. “It was a really uncomfortable and really hard conversation.”

But she believes those conversations are more important than ever.

“Doing things like that bring us one step closer,” Caldwell says. “I hope I never lose the drive to keep being uncomfortable in order to help people.”

Redefining Grit in Agriculture

Agriculture is making progress when it comes to talking about mental health and recognizing the importance of conversation.

“I don’t think we are great at sitting in that uncomfortable state,” she says. “We want to fix it and move on, or minimize it, or work harder and stay busy doing anything that allows us to avoid facing the reality of it.”

She believes it’s time to redefine “grit” in agriculture.

“In my opinion, grit means being honest with ourselves,” Caldwell explains. “I think it means coming to the realization that we need to reach out for help sometimes. It’s about the courage to be vulnerable.”

She also challenges the industry to stop equating grit with silence.

“You cannot pour from an empty cup,” she warns.

In an industry that prizes working until the job is done, Caldwell says the ultimate display of grit is the courage to admit when you’re running on empty.

Warning Signs

With one in five U.S. adults facing mental health conditions and one in five high school students considering suicide, Caldwell isn’t shy about offering advice now.

“One of the things I did was bury myself in work, in being productive, in not taking any time to just stop and ‘smell the roses,’” Caldwell says. “If you notice people withdrawing from activities that they would have once loved, pay attention. If they’re exhausted all the time, if they’re not talking as much, if they use the words ‘I’m fine’ all too often, or if they are pouring so much into other people at their own expense, those could be signs.”

Looking back, she admits it’s hard to recognize herself during those years. Her mindset is much different now. She challenges people to stop shying away from asking hard questions.

“People often think if you say the word suicide, it’s going to put that idea in someone’s mind,” Caldwell says. “Let me be clear that this thought was already in my head when I was struggling. I don’t know what would have happened if someone just blankly asked me if I was thinking about suicide, because that’s not something people talk about.”

Healing Is Not a Straight Line

Today, Caldwell lives by a quote she read early in her recovery process: “When we recover loudly, we keep others from dying quietly.”

“I will shout my story to the rooftops if it means that one person feels less alone in how they’re feeling,” she says.

Healing looks different for everyone, and everyone needs different tools, Caldwell explains. She compares it to going to Starbucks to get a cup of coffee and then realizing you don’t like it.

“Does it mean that you’re going to stop going to Starbucks altogether, or, even worse, stop drinking coffee altogether?” she says. “Absolutely not. Sometimes you just need to go to different places or add in a little sugar here and there based on personal preference. I feel like my healing journey is like that.”

Caldwell says the “gray areas” are still terrifying at times. But she’s learned that true bravery is figuring out how to thrive even when a clear plan isn’t visible. Healing hasn’t removed the stressors in her life, but it has increased her capacity to handle them.

The one thing that has changed in the past six years is her willingness to have uncomfortable conversations and ask hard questions. She is grateful for the family, friends and professionals that support her in doing this.

“Transparency looks different now,” she says. “I can text my mom to just say, ‘It’s not a good day today.’ That’s something I never would have done because I didn’t feel comfortable saying that.”

Stay Beyond the Crisis

Her message to farm families is simple: don’t just show up for the crisis; show up for the recovery.

“Stay to see them thrive,” Caldwell says. “Stay to hear people like my mom say that ‘the light has returned’ in their eyes.”

Maddison’s family members have been a key support to her in the healing journey.

(Provided by Maddison Caldwell)

On the sixth anniversary of being alive after her last suicide attempt, Caldwell lit a candle and blew it out surrounded by her inner circle.

“As I looked around at the simplest of things, I was so grateful,” she says. “I was flooded with all the beautiful moments I have had since that time that I would have missed out on.”

Discover more about Caldwell’s journey – the challenges that would have wrecked her before, the most unexpected people who helped her recover and the joy she finds in her career today – by watching “The PORK Podcast” on YouTube or by listening to it anywhere podcasts are found.

No one has to struggle alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

ABA Launches Advanced Genomic & EPD System to Revolutionize Berkshire Swine Genetics

Fri, 01 May 2026 19:34:55 GMT

The American Berkshire Association (ABA) is ushering in a new era of swine genetics in the purebred industry with the launch of its Genomic and EPD System. This sophisticated platform is designed to provide breeders with real-time data, predictive mating tools, and a renewed focus on the premium meat quality traits that define the breed.

The ABA’s Genomic and EPD system is built on the Helical platform by Theta Solutions, centralizing genomics, pedigree data and Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) into one secure, automated portal. Breeders can now access real-time data, including individual animal percentile rankings, “Top 100" lists by trait, and visual graphics for easier data interpretation.

Predictive Mating

“The new system brings multiple data types together to allow a breeder to view it all in a simple format and easily understand the genetic merit of their animals in real time,” explains Ben Smith, ABA Board of Directors member and Breed Improvement Committee Co-Chair.

Breeders can now “test” a mating on screen before it ever happens in the barn. This allows breeders to see the genetic merit of potential matings prior to breeding and accelerates the timeline for genetic progress.

Accelerating Quality

In addition, this system allows the organization to integrate the data collected from the ABA Progeny Test into the breed’s genetic evaluation system. This will include the inclusion of meat quality and meat eating quality traits that Berkshires are well known for, Smith says.

“We have always been strong supporters of genetic evaluations within the breed throughout its history,” he says. “This move not only enhances the accessibility and quality of data to breeders but strengthens the ABA’s commitment to providing breeders with the most advanced genetic evaluation possible.”

This system combines multiple standalone platforms from past systems into a single system with enhanced analysis to see genetic merit and genomics on a single animal on the same page together.

This chart displays percentiles for each trait. Lower percentiles = bars extending RIGHT and above average performance relative to the reference population for that trait, e.g., percentile 18 = top 18%. Higher percentile numbers = bars extending LEFT and below average performance relative to the reference population for that trait, e.g., percentile 99 = bottom 1%. Note: Some traits perform best in the mid-range, and your breeding goals may prioritize different either high or low percentiles for different traits.

(American Berkshire Association)

“Our new system and the partnership has created a roadmap for the ABA’s genetic improvement plan to move forward to modern evaluation methods with full transparency to the breeders,” Smith says. “These methods will improve the accuracy of evaluations and help breeders increase their rate of genetic improvement.”

Why Now?

As the pork industry evolves to meet changing consumer demands, Smith believes this tool will allow Berkshire breeders to have an even bigger impact.

“The ABA is excited and proud to be the oldest independent swine registry in the world, and to be Helical’s first swine breed client,” Smith says. “As the ABA continues to expand and improve our genetic evaluation system, we look forward to setting the standard of excellence in swine genetic evaluations.”

Here is the public link for viewers.

Claim Your Free 840 RFID Tags: How Show Pig Families Can Save Money This Season

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:44:44 GMT

As spring jackpot season kicks off, show pig families are facing a familiar hurdle: a mountain of paperwork and additional veterinary costs. However, a new tool could mean fewer manual errors and more money back in exhibitors’ pockets.

Making Show Prep Easier

Dr. Patrick Webb, assistant veterinarian at the National Pork Board, wants to help streamline some of that process using AgView, a free, opt-in technology solution funded by Pork Checkoff. AgView helps show pig producers and exhibitors track pig movements to and from show and exhibitions easily. This tracking is important, especially if animal health officials request updated and accurate data in a disease outbreak like pseudorabies or African swine fever.

The new MyBarn feature, funded by a USDA cooperative agreement, is an easy solution for show pig producers and exhibitors to add project pigs to their AgView account, along with its location and movement history, Webb says. This information is shared with the state veterinarian in the event of a disease outbreak.

“We continue to find ways to build AgView out to make it very easy for show pig enthusiasts to get tag numbers into AgView, associate them with their project pigs for that year, and then be able to associate those pigs with the movement to the show that they’re going to,” he explains.

There is no additional cost to families to obtain an AgView account, Webb says. Exhibitors can use AgView as a modern way to electronically track, and share when needed, locations and pig movements. They will also be able to use AgView to participate in programs like the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan.

Streamlining Show Paperwork

But AgView isn’t just for exhibitors. Webb is excited that they are finding ways to help show officials, too.

“Shows require paperwork,” Webb says. “This includes a lot of handwriting of information and files being sent via email. We’d like to streamline that whole process from the show pig producer to the show organizer to the state animal health official.”

This next phase of enhancing AgView will better meet the needs of the show organizer, he adds. For example, they are improving electronic gathering of pig identification and traceability data to meet the requirements set by the state veterinarian for record keeping and reporting by shows. This is currently done by hand.

“All pork producers and exhibitors need to have the ability to rapidly share traceability data (locations and movements) with their state veterinarian in the case of a foreign animal or regulatory disease outbreak,” Webb says. “The longer it takes producers or exhibitors to provide that information, the longer the industry waits to get back to business.”

One other way National Pork Board is helping eliminate manual errors is by moving to the use of RFID tags. Through a partnership with the USDA, official 840 RFID tags are now available to show pig producers at no additional cost. This removes a financial barrier for families needing official identification for sanctioned shows.

Moving to digital records solves the common issue of miscopying 15-digit tag numbers, which Webb notes happens “nine out of 10 times” when done by hand.

“Think about it – you’ve got 10 project pigs,” he says. “You enter those 10 project pigs in ‘My Barn,’ associate them with the RFID tag that’s in their ear. The kid enters it once and then everything flows where it needs to go.”

(National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff)

How to Claim Your Free 840 RFID Tags

Follow these steps to secure yours before the next show:
1. Verify Your PIN: You must have a valid Premises Identification Number (PIN) for the location where the pigs are housed. If you don’t have one, contact your state animal health official.
2. Visit the Portal: Go to www.840swinetags.com to place your order.
3. Enter Your Details: Provide your PIN, shipping address, and the number of show pigs currently on your premises.
4. Tag Your Projects: Once the tags arrive, apply them using a compatible RFID tag applicator.
5. Sync with AgView: Open your AgView account and use the “MyBarn” feature to scan or enter the tag numbers once. This ensures your records are accurate and ready for any show requirement.

Show Pig Health Checklist

When pigs mix for the first time at these shows, health problems undoubtedly follow. Help keep your pigs and your friends’ pigs healthy by following these steps.

1. Complete thorough animal health checks before loading up your pigs to go to the show.
2. If you have sick pigs, leave them at home and follow up with a veterinarian.
3. Bring health documentation to the show.
4. All identification and movement records should be in accordance with federal code of regulations, and it’s required when moving pigs in interstate commerce.

Read more about keeping your pigs health at the show here.

Visit porkcheckoff.org to learn more about AgView and its MyBarn Feature.

Why Livestock Judging Is the Ultimate Character-Building Sport for Youth

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:06:55 GMT

When Grace showed up to livestock judging practice for the first time, I instantly got a good vibe from this freckle-cheeked third grader. She just couldn’t stop smiling.

Later that evening of our first practice of the season, I asked all the juniors (3rd through 8th grade) to write down their goals for the season. The goals ranged from getting a 50 in a contest to a five-point plan for judging success.

But when I got to Grace’s goal, it stopped me in my tracks.

“To be amazing.”

I’ve read through a lot of judging goals over the years, but this was a first. In a world obsessed with winning, Grace reminded me of something even more important.

The Long Game of Livestock Judging

Looking at Grace, I saw the beginning of a journey I am currently watching my own son conclude. As he nears the end of his 4-H judging career, I’ve realized that my husband and I haven’t just been coaching him on how to rank a class of gilts; we’ve been coaching him on how to navigate life.

Maybe I am being overly sentimental as our son nears the end of his 4-H livestock judging experience. As I reflect back, I’m honored by the unique (and sometimes challenging) seat I’ve had to watch his progress. I remind myself that while the wins that can happen in livestock judging sure feel good and keep us going back for more, it’s really about something so much bigger.

Hunter Shike judging at Black Hawk College East Campus Judging Contest

(Faith Lortie)

The Intangible Advantage

It’s easy to pinpoint the skills kids learn from livestock judging such as decision-making, evaluation, attention to detail and critical thinking. But what is even more valuable is how livestock judging helps young people develop a mindset that doesn’t go away when the final card is turned in.

Here are three ways I’ve watched this “sport” build character.

1. Turning Disadvantages into Drive

One of my favorite examples of determination comes from a boy who had no livestock experience before he joined the team. No one could deny he was at a disadvantage because he didn’t have a show pig or a steer in the barn to go look at and study. Everything he was being taught was initially done by watching video classes during practice. I wondered if he would stick with it because he came from a different place than the other judges. I was pleasantly surprised to see how this disadvantage fueled his determination to learn and absorb as much as he could every practice. He’s now in his third year of judging and has been at the top of the pack all season. He reminds me to look at disadvantages as opportunities to grow. Livestock judging is a great equalizer. It doesn’t matter if you have a million-dollar barn or a video screen; it only matters how much you are willing to “see.

2. Balancing Perspective with Belief

I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to the topic of humility. I find it challenging to build confidence and humility at the same time. But there’s no question that livestock judging teaches it, whether you want to learn it or not. As much as we want kids to walk up to a class or into the reasons room with as much confidence as possible, we also want them to remember judging livestock is subjective. We must be able to consider others’ perspectives and not just center in on our own. I’m grateful for how judging livestock provides a training ground to help students gain open-mindedness and a desire for continual learning. Judging forces a child to stand firm in their conviction while simultaneously acknowledging that an official might see the world differently. When their confidence can lie in their ability to learn versus their ability to always be right, something powerful happens.

3. The Slow Work of Success

The transition between being a junior who places classes and answers questions to being a senior who places classes and talks oral reasons is tough. It’s one thing to answer questions about a class; it’s another to stand in front of an official and present a 1.5-minute case for why you placed the class the way you did. It takes time to hone that skill. I remember how challenging it was for our son to go from winning the state contest as a junior to struggling through his first few contests giving oral reasons. Good placings mattered, but beginning oral reasons scores kept him out of the top group. We had to remind him that becoming skilled in the reasons room simply takes time. Seeing him achieve his goal of winning oral reasons in a contest this past year remind me that good things do come eventually if you allow yourself to be molded and shaped by the less-than-great moments that are sure to happen along the way.

(Faith Lortie)

The livestock industry doesn’t just need more high-point individuals, it needs more people with the mindset that judging builds. To every coach and parent feeling the weight of this task: Keep going. You aren’t just teaching them how to rank livestock. You are building the leaders our industry desperately needs. Focus on the character, and the results will take care of themselves.

I don’t know if “Amazing Grace” will win the state contest this year. But as I watch her smile through every missed placing and every tough set of questions, I realize she’s already achieved her goal. She is amazing—not because of her card, but because of her character. And that is something we need to talk about more often.

The Miracle Behind “Eddie”: Pig Breaks World Record Sale Price at $505,000

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:09:36 GMT

The barn was quiet at 4:30 a.m. when Brad Mabry walked in to give “Eddie” one last chance. It was the morning of the crossbred barrow show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). For his 15-year-old son Landry Mabry, a lot of hard work and heart was sitting on the edge of a scale.

The family had tried everything to help their constipated barrow who was eating and drinking, but not giving any weight back. They had walked him for miles and cycled him through the wash rack a dozen times for cool rinses. Desperate, Brad did the only thing he hadn’t tried: he took off his hat, placed a trembling hand on the barrow’s back, and prayed.

“I didn’t pray for a win,” Brad recalls. “I prayed that Landry would get to finish this experience on good terms—not losing him on the scales for being overweight. I just wanted to see Landry and his brother Kenton’s hard work out on the green shavings.”

When he opened his eyes, the “miracle” happened. The barrow finally relieved itself.

“I cried like a baby,” Brad says. “All that worry and anxiousness was immediately gone.”

Hours later, when the judge’s hand slapped Eddie’s back, the roar of the crowd was a blur. For the Mabry family, the grand champion title wasn’t just a win; it was the fulfillment of a prayer. One day later, that moment turned into history when Eddie sold for a world-record price of $505,000.

An Unconventional Champion

Every family who enters a major show in Texas dreams of a moment like that, says his mother, Chyla.

“It’s not something you actually think can happen because it’s so hard,” she adds. “At Houston, 2,200 pigs showed up, and about 40,000 other entries were tagged that didn’t make it there.”

Eddie’s path to the champion drive was anything but traditional. Born July 12, Brad says Eddie “swam upstream” on everything.

“He was too young, too white, and too cheap to ever win a show like Houston, according to the world,” Brad says.

But when Eddie walked into the ring, Judge Andy Rash didn’t hide his emotions well.

“This one gives me goosebumps,” Rash told the crowd. “When he came through the sift pen and I saw his head and his chest and his forearm, I said, ‘Please God, let him have some center body and let his hind leg work – and work in a good way.’ And he just kept getting better.”

Rash went on to say Eddie was a special animal for a lot of reasons.

“If you like skeleton and if you like structure, and you don’t like this one, I’d find something else to do,” he said. “If you like them stout and bold coming and going, here’s one you can sit and talk about. If you want them to look good up front and still have a stout skull, still be fresh in their back and have range of motion, use all the -ests you want, that’s one you can talk about.”

The Scent of Victory

When the grand champion drive rolled around three days later, Landry remembers everything getting strangely quiet as Judges Andy Rash, Alltech U.S. monogastric director, and Brian Arnold, United Animal Health senior product manager-direct fed microbials, looked through the pigs one more time.

“I felt like time stopped when Andy Rash came to shake my hand,” Landry recalls. “I remember the scent of his cologne when he hugged me. My plan was not to cry and be a macho man, but that didn’t happen. Right after I was selected, it was like the sound went back on and it got really loud again. I don’t remember anything I said except thank you.”

After hugging both judges, Landry went over to hug Eddie. Brad says it brought back memories of one of the first county stock shows the boys attended. When Landry was named champion, he hugged the judge, then he hugged his brother who was also showing in the grand drive, and then both boys went to hug their pigs.

“From the time they were little bitty until now as teenagers, our boys have had such a deep respect for their livestock,” Brad says. “They understand the pig’s purpose, but they also want to give dignity to their animals throughout the entire process.”

Learning Who Your Friends Are

As Chyla, an ag teacher, watched her son achieve this dream, she says she was overwhelmed with emotion. While she followed the rules and went the long way around the ring to hug her son, she jokes that Brad jumped the fence and got in trouble trying to get to Landry. The emotions were running high for everyone.

“I can’t even tell you what it was like to be there surrounded by our friends in that moment,” Chyla says. “They were holding our hands, hugging us and truly celebrating the win with us. Multiple show dads were crying with us. One of my best friends was holding my hand so tight – we were wiping our hands because our hands were so sweaty.”

As she thinks back to that moment, the win will always be awesome, but the people by her side will never be forgotten.

“I think it’s a testament to the good part of this business,” Chyla says. “Yes, the trophy is wonderful. But I found out who my friends were this week because they were the ones helping us when we were stressed, holding my hand when I was freaking out, and crying with me when he won.”

Brad grew up showing livestock, but it didn’t prepare him for this moment as a parent.

“I was not prepared for what it felt like to not want anything else,” Brad says. “I know what it feels like to lose, to just want to make the sale, to want to make my ag teacher happy. I used to want so many things. I learned how to handle losing because I did it so much, and I had come to grips that was our norm at the big shows. I was just thankful for the experience my dad created to show at a show like Houston when I was a kid.”

The swine auction committee at Houston is incredible and does an incredible job of gathering support, Landry says. The sale runs so smoothly and everybody wears pink.

It Takes a Little Luck

Hard work alone doesn’t win a show, Chyla says. Everyone who goes to Houston must work very hard to get their pig to that stage.

“You definitely don’t get that bowlegged H trophy in the grand drive at Houston without working your booty off,” Chyla says. “But it takes a lot of luck, and things just have to fall into place.”

The Mabry family believes holding post-game, family “press conferences” where everyone weighs in on what they can do better next time has helped them improve.

For example, this show season, the family agreed to feed fewer barrows so they could give more attention to every barrow. The boys have also continued to take on bigger leadership roles in the barn.

“They execute the job,” Brad says. “They mix our feed and pour the feed. We’ve had errors doing that because they’re kids, and that’s going to happen. We want our kids to be responsible and accountable, and this is a great way to build those skills.”

Judge Arnold says one of the best parts of the livestock experience is seeing how families work together to maximize the potential of their animal for their targeted shows.

“Along the way, these young people will experience many unexpected challenges that they will have to take head on such as health events with their pig,” Arnold says. “All these hours of work lead up to literally seconds in the showring where you are at the mercy of a judge’s opinion. This whole process provides young people with experiences that transcend the showring and can be applied in all areas of life.”

Beyond the Buckle

It’s the people who make the stock show industry great, not the awards, Landry adds.

“Having bigger backdrops is way cooler than bigger buckles,” he points out. “When you graduate, you can’t go win shows anymore. It’s about the people you meet along the way.”

When Landry reflects on his experience at Houston, his mind goes to the people who stepped up to help when Eddie was struggling and the friends who celebrated the win. He thinks about the loyal friendship with breeder Roger Lacy who gave him the opportunity to show Eddie. And most of all, he appreciates how showing livestock brings his family together.

“In life, you will meet role models and examples,” Brad says. “Role models are people to listen to and follow. An example is when someone shows what not to do. I might be a role model in one situation and an example in another one. I tell the boys to be selfish and choose which parts of people they want to learn from. You can’t throw people away because they make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you have to fan their flame either.”

The Legacy of the Sale

Growing up a low-income student who benefited from scholarships and community support, Brad is incredibly grateful for the HLSR scholarship program. He earned a Houston scholarship that allowed him to attend college.

“When my dad passed away when I was a junior in high school, he made $250 a week,” Brad says. “I had humble parents who loved and supported their kids. I never felt poor, but I knew that I was. Their priorities were always correct, but money wasn’t one of those priorities.”

Brad and Chyla believe strongly in raising their kids to understand that there is a cost to showing livestock and that requires fiscal responsibility and humility.

“I’m not going to lie, my commitment to that was tested as the pig was going from $300,000 to $400,000 to $500,000,” Brad says. “But that’s what I love about Houston – they are 100% transparent on what buyers are getting. There is no illusion that a kid will win $500,000. It’s clearly stated that the kid will win $45,000. I think that’s more than enough.”

The brothers will split the money equally because all their pigs are shared efforts. The money will be invested into college accounts, and they will continue to work to earn scholarship money to help pay for the rest of their college education.

The remaining $460,000 raised from the sale of Eddie will go directly into the HLSR scholarship fund to support inner-city students, 4-H members and FFA members.

Answered Prayers

It’s been less than a week since they left Houston to return home to Crawford, Texas. Brad says it’s still a “windfall of emotion” that he can’t process yet.

“Getting to show was an answer to prayer,” he says. “It wasn’t the banner. It wasn’t the buckle. Getting to walk into that class was so profound. Only a livestock person would think an animal going to the bathroom was a miracle, but it truly was a miracle.”

And Brad made sure to tell everyone he could about it at the show.

“I can surely, with a non-Christian mind, tell you that there was a cool breeze that morning, that the water hit him just right, and those extra five steps got his body back in rhythm,” Brad says. “But the Christian in me doesn’t go down that road at all. It was an amazing answer to prayer that rattled my bones. The banner is going to get all the attention, but my family knows where that attention should go.”

The Top 10 PORK Stories of 2025

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:34:44 GMT

Which stories caught the most attention in 2025? From pork’s new tagline to China exports and from Prop 12 to fires, here’s a look back at the top 10 stories on PorkBusiness.com in 2025.

1. Panic Slowly: China’s Cancellation of 12,000 Tons of U.S. Pork Sends Loud Message

It’s a mad scramble to find a new home for 12,300 metric tons of U.S. pork produced for China that was cancelled last week in the latest trade war casualty, says U.S. Meat Export Federation vice president for economic analysis Erin Borror.

The impact of this cancellation is being felt throughout the entire red meat industry, she adds. These high duties have effectively halted trade and could result in billions of lost dollars for U.S. livestock producers.

USDA says this is the largest cancellation since May 2020, early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Trump administration officials suggested last week that a de-escalation of trade tensions between the U.S. and China could be coming soon, USMEF says neither side has adjusted recently heightened tariff rates. Read the full story.

2. Tragic Turn: Trailer of Show Pigs Bursts Into Flames on I-80

With the windows rolled down and the sun on his face, Chad Rieck admits he was having a pretty good day driving down Interstate 80. He was pulling a trailer with four gilts, and one of those gilts was bringing home the title of Third Overall Purebred Breeding Gilt from the Aksarben Stock Show.

For Chad and his wife, Amy, spending precious time with their 17-year-old daughter Hollynn at a stock show is something they don’t take for granted. Their busy daughter, now a senior, was juggling the show weekend with homecoming, volleyball and dance team. Because of this, she drove separately to the show with her mom to squeeze in more of her school activities.

Separated by a couple minutes on the interstate, they were chatting on the phone keeping each other awake on the drive from Grand Island, Neb., back to their farm in Creston, Iowa. Suddenly, the traffic slowed down and their day took a tragic turn. Read the full story.

3. Iowa Man Reveals Best Tenderloin from 99-County Tour

After a ‘whirlwind of a sandwich odyssey’ in Iowa, JayJay Goodvin, chief explorer of the Iowa Gallivant, revealed his favorite tenderloin from his 99-county tour.

Just over 10 months ago, Goodvin started a quest to eat a tenderloin in all 99 counties in Iowa. With more than 28 million views of his videos across his social media platforms, the response to his journey left him speechless.

After thoughtful analysis and some soul-searching, Goodvin announced the winner to a live WHO 13 News audience on Feb. 13. The winning tenderloin was served by The Landmark Bistro of Grundy Center, Iowa. What set this tasty tenderloin apart from the other 98? Read the full story.

4. California Doesn’t Get to Tell Iowa How to Raise Hogs in Iowa, Attorney Bird Says

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led 23 states in a brief supporting Iowa pork producers against California’s strict-hog-housing regulations — Proposition 12, the Office of the Attorney General reported in an article on Jan. 29. As the nation’s top pork-consuming state, California has major influence over the whole market.

“Proposition 12 sets harsh regulations that will spike pork prices, dictate to other states how they should raise their hogs, and force some pork producers to close up shop if they cannot afford to keep up with the strict new mandate,” the article said. Read the full story .

5. Viral Videos Fuel Interest in Pig Shows

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, 14, showing her pigs in iconic tiktoks, shorts, videos and reels. Not only are these videos reaching youth exhibitors in the livestock industry, but the impact goes even further. The Pat McAfee Show recently discussed showing livestock because of this family’s social media outreach. They’ve been featured on ESPN and BarStool Sports, and Will Smith has even shared their posts.

For the Dadson family of Paso Robles, Calif., the attention their videos have sparked was unexpected. Kara Dadson, mother of the 14-year-old twins Karis and Krew, said she started it to help build their show pig business, Dadson Farms. She posted their first video on TikTok in 2019.

“I did a lot of social media with my small business prior to that and thought I’d try to do the same thing with our show pig business,” Kara says. “It was frustrating in the beginning, because I’m like, ‘Why can’t my small business videos go as big as the pig videos?’ It took off, and I just continually kept doing it. I never expected this to happen.” Read the full story.

6. National Pork Board Says New Tagline is About You, But It’s Not For You

The National Pork Board announced the tagline of its new pork campaign, “Taste what pork can do,” before a crowd of pork producers at the National Pork Industry Forum on March 13.

One message stood out to marketing advisory committee members Jennifer Tirey, Rob Brenneman and Gordon Spronk as they discussed the new tagline: I’m not the target. Likely, neither are you.

Here’s why that’s good news. Read the full story .

7. China’s Tipping Point: What Looming Crisis Means for U.S. Pork in 2025

There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.” This quote from Vladimir Lenin is particularly relevant as globalism, the dominant economic system of the past several decades, faces radical transformation entering 2025.

At the forefront of this transformation is China, the “workshop of the world” and a major destination for agricultural exports. However, China is now grappling with a host of existential threats. The question is not if but when we will witness a total system collapse, and this year appears to mark the beginning of the end, as recession looms overhead.

The challenges facing China could fill volumes, but three key factors make its problems insurmountable. Read the full story.

8. Josh Maschhoff Opens Up About Building on the Family Legacy in Pork Production

When you think about Josh Maschhoff, many things come to mind. He’s a husband, father, president, son, nephew, firefighter, friend, church elder, coach, sixth-generation hog farmer and director of production and flow for The Maschhoffs to name a few. What he is not is an overly emotional person, says his wife Angela, until you get him talking about the family business.

“Josh respects what the generations before him have accomplished,” she says. “He strives every day to work hard to continue building on what they started. He feels a responsibility to continue the family legacy. He cares not only about his family farm, but also the success of the pork industry in the state of Illinois and across the country.”

Growing up as the sixth generation on the Maschhoff’s family farm in Carlyle, Ill., his earliest memories were riding in the combine with his dad singing Randy Travis’ song, “Digging Up Bones.” When he was in grade school, he remembers the business taking off and adding its first production partners. Read the full story .

9. Is the Swine Industry Ready for H5N1? Texas Veterinarian Says “No”

Nearly one year ago, USDA made a shocking announcement. Highly pathogenic avian influenza type A H5N1 (H5N1) was identified in milk and in cows on two dairy farms in Texas and two dairy farms in Kansas. A disease no veterinarian had previously feared in cattle had jumped from wild birds to domestic cows.

Scanlon Daniels, a large animal veterinarian with Circle H Headquarters in Dalhart, Texas, received a call 10 days prior to that announcement that he will never forget from one of his dairy clients that something wasn’t right with some of the cows.

“My client sent me a text: ‘I think I might have it,’” Daniels says. Read the full story .

10. FDA Grants PIC Approval for PRRS-Resistant Pig Gene-Editing Technology

The gene edit used in PIC’s PRRS-resistant pig has been determined safe and effective by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA granted approval to PIC on April 30, putting PIC among the first companies to gain approval for gene editing in commercial livestock in the U.S.

“We have spent years conducting extensive research, validating our findings and working with the FDA to gain approval,” Matt Culbertson, PIC’s chief operating officer, says in a release. “Today marks a major milestone for consumers, farmers and the entire pork industry who have desperately hoped for a solution to PRRS.”

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) costs the U.S. pork industry more than $1.2 billion per year. This FDA-approved gene edit will be used to breed PIC’s PRRS-resistant pigs, which are resistant to this devastating, global swine disease. Read the full story .

No-Cost RFID Eartags for Swine are Now Available

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:22:28 GMT

Swine producers and state animal health officials can now order radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags at www.840swinetags.com —at no cost!

According to USDA Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the tags are shipped directly from Merck Animal Health to your premises with no middle steps, ultimately expediting getting tags into producers’ hands and pigs’ ears.

For producers, all you need to have to get your order going is a valid premises ID and your sow or show pig count. For state animal health officials, head to the website knowing the number of sows in your state. APHIS says that’s all it takes to get the order going.

What is the Swine Identification Initiative?
First announced in August 2025, this initiative—modeled after the successful no-cost RFID cattle tag program—aims to strengthen national swine disease traceability, APHIS explains.

“While traceability does not prevent disease, it significantly reduces the time needed to respond to outbreaks, helping to limit the number of affected farms and animals,” APHIS explains. “This, in turn, minimizes economic impacts on producers and their communities.”

In July 2025, APHIS awarded a contract to Merck Animal Health to supply up to $20 million in tags to sow and exhibition swine industry segments, over the next five years. Read more here.

APHIS notes that these RFID tags will need to be applied with a compatible tag applicator, which is not supplied through this program.

A Daughter’s Devotion: Chelsea Schminke Grieder’s Unconventional Path Back Home

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:46:11 GMT

Chelsea Schminke Grieder takes pride in being the ‘black sheep’ of the family. As the daughter of livestock legends Al and Kandy Schminke, she always wanted to return to their grain and show livestock operation in Van Horne, Iowa , consisting of about 375 wether dam ewes and 25 purebred Chester white sows.

Unlike her brother Cody who took a more traditional path back to their family’s farm, this fourth-generation farmer took a rather unique path into fashion design at Iowa State University first.

“I wanted to create my own way,” Grieder says. “I love design. I love art. I wanted to dip my toes into that passion, but that didn’t change my love for agriculture. I was still showing livestock very competitively and helping on the farm.”

Although she entered the fashion world with a black-and-white mindset, she quickly realized fashion was very subjective.

“After college, I went to work for a really cool company that designs Harley Davidson saddle bags. Never in my life did I think I would work with leather or motorcycles,” she says. “I worked with many brands while I was there from Adidas to Ryka. With each product, I found ways to make it more successful. I discovered ways to save money and hit our target market more. I took a lot of that back to the farm.”

Something Isn’t Right

Newly engaged to Paul, 2016 started off on a high note for Grieder who was in the thick of wedding planning. Her family’s show livestock operation was booming.

But in February, Kandy’s health “got a little funky,” Grieder explains. Sinus infection after sinus infection, something wasn’t right. She even remembers her mom’s nose changing color a little.

“It was so crazy,” she says. “I was trying to balance my job, the wedding and help on the farm. I also wanted to be there for my mom. She was up and down health-wise. She started having random nose bleeds and began seeing all these specialists.”

No one could tell them what was going on with her mom. Grieder vividly remembers going to the hospital for her own appointment in June.

“My mom met me there and I remember she sat down beside me and I said, ‘You smell weird. Did you shower?’” Grieder recalls. “She said ‘Yes, thanks Chelsea.’”

But she couldn’t let it go.

“She’s my mom – you just know how your mom smells, and something wasn’t right,” she says.

A few weeks later, Grieder lost her job.

“I had designed this full line and was ready to go to production with it,” she says. “I had no heads up, nothing. Not to mention I had a wedding in November. I was like, ‘Oh, my God, what do we do?’”

But she never lost faith that God had a plan.

A week later, Grieder was back at the doctor’s office with her mom who had received a GI scope the day before. The doctors wanted to make sure she didn’t have anything going on internally with her gastrointestinal system.

“One of the GI nurses recommended my mom go back to her family doctor for a full blood panel,” Grieder says. “Between that January to July 2016, nobody had pulled blood on her, which was shocking.”

They discovered her hemoglobin was really low – like “go get a blood transfusion now” low.

“My cousin, who worked at the doctor’s office, called us and said, ‘You need to take her to the ER. This is not good.’ At that point, you hear ‘not good’ and want to know exactly how not good,” Grieder says. “She said on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being bad, my mom was a 12.”

Answers at Last

When they arrived at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, they rushed her mom upstairs.

“I remember hitting that kidney floor, and the smell hit me,” she says. “I said, ‘Mom, this is what you smelled like.’”

Her mom’s kidneys were failing.

“We found out she was in renal failure. They said mom should not have walked in – she should have been crawling in,” Grieder says. “But if you know her, she is as tough as nails and stubborn, too. She’s never going to tell you she hurts. She actually judged a livestock show the weekend before her diagnosis in Missouri. Hindsight is 20/20 – she should not have been doing any of those things, but she just had the mentality that you keep going.”

Doctors confirmed two autoimmune diseases were attacking her mom’s kidneys – Wegener’s disease and ANCA .

“ANCA is a very aggressive autoimmune disease,” Grieder explains. “They call it the silent killer for a reason. They gave her three more days if we hadn’t went in there.”

Within 24 hours, she had a stint placed into her heart and was put on dialysis. She needed a kidney transplant.

“The thing people don’t talk about is that you have to be sick enough to go on the kidney transplant list, but you have to be healthy enough to get one,” Grieder says. “We had an uphill battle from there.”

Al and Kandy Schminke

(Schminke Genetics)

No One is Invincible

Their new reality was hard on everyone, especially her dad who was trying to figure out how to manage the day-to-day activities without her by his side.

“She’s his person – he thought she was invincible,” Grieder says. “We all had to realize, ‘Okay, no, she’s not invincible.’”

From July until October, Grieder did not find another job. Instead, she stayed home to help her mom get to the dialysis center every Tuesday and Thursday and pick up her work on the farm.

“There was a reason why I was not supposed to be working at that point,” Grieder adds. “But it was so hard to watch my mom suffer. It was hard to watch her battle this. We eventually were able to do dialysis at home, but it wasn’t easy. She had to be hooked up for 12 hours a day and stay away from dust, fungus, hay, straw, dirt – all the things that are part of farm life.”

She also couldn’t be around her new grandchild as doctors didn’t want her exposed to any extra germs. All of this made planning a November wedding especially challenging. Grieder says she is so grateful for the village of people who supported her family during this time.

“Our wedding was truly a celebration – and not just for us getting married – but for all of the people who helped us.”

Her mom finally got her kidney in January of 2018, about 1.5 years after she went on dialysis. Grieder says her already close relationship with her mom grew so much during this time when their roles switched.

“I remember brushing her hair one day after she had her shower,” Grieder says. “It hit her like a rock. I told her, ‘We’re going to get through this no matter what, that’s what we’re here for.’”

( l to r): Kandy Schminke; Taylor and Cody Schminke; grandkids Evie, Beau, Wade and Savannah; Paul and Chelsea Schminke Grieder; and Al Schminke.

(Provided by Chelsea Schminke Grieder)

How Resiliency Grows

There’s no doubt Grieder has experienced a lot in the past 10 years. She and her husband now have two kids, Savannah, 6, and Beau, 4. She is also serving as the director of junior activities and events for Team Purebred, a national junior livestock organization for kids in the swine industry.

“She’s always looking out for others,” her mom says. “She works hard to make Team Purebred as strong as she can. She really digs in. We all go through ups and downs in life. Everybody has different things going on. I think that’s one strong thing that she does, is that she can handle it.”

Resiliency is important for everyone, but Grieder believes it’s essential for a livestock farming family.

“I think it’s built into you a little bit,” she adds. “You learn a lot from the circle of life on the farm and the ups and downs of showing livestock. I learned that my path isn’t going to be straight in life and no matter what, you have to get out of bed and keep going for the people around you.”

Grieder shares more about their family’s journey as well as her vision for Team Purebred and passion for connecting young people to agriculture on The PORK Podcast. You can watch it here on YouTube or listen anywhere podcasts are found.

Watch more episodes here.

Adam Sanders Brings Hog-Wild Energy on Stage in CBS Series “The Road”

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:11:05 GMT

What does pig farming have to do with the new CBS series featuring Keith Urban and Blake Shelton? More than you might think.

The Road is an exciting new show that features 12 emerging artists who are competing for a $250,000 prize package and recording opportunities. Each participant also earns the opportunity to open for Urban during his national tour.

Six artists remain, and one of the featured artists is Adam Sanders, a Nashville singer and songwriter originally from Florida. He’s also a good friend of Missouri pig farmer Jesse Heimer. Not only has he performed at Heimer’s farm multiple times, but the pair has also written two songs together, including “Do What We Do.”

The tour bus rolls into Tulsa for a concert at the iconic Cain’s Ballroom. In place of Blake Shelton, award-winning country artist Dustin Lynch sits in with Keith Urban. For the first time, the seven musicians are divided up to perform two group covers before performing their originals, on THE ROAD, Sunday, Nov. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). Pictured: Adam Sanders. Photo: ©2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highest quality screengrab.

(CBS/CBS )

“I think what folks see on the screen is someone who’s had just enough experience on stage in front of a crowd, and the feelings of all of it, to know that he really wants it,” Heimer says. “This isn’t Adam’s first time to town – he opened for Carrie Underwood at a sold-out Iowa State Fair. He understands the stage, the audience, and the emotions people have as they listen to an entertainer.”

It’s been an incredible experience to watch Sanders shine on The Road, Heimer adds.

“He really took this opportunity to heart – to be on screen in front of millions to tell his story and put his talent on display,” Heimer says. “Adam is a high energy guy all the time and that’s what you see on stage. But he’s also one of the most genuine, down-to-earth friends I’ve ever had. The Adam you see on screen is the Adam you’ll see on the street.”

That’s Why We Do What We Do

Heimer first met Sanders in 2019. They were introduced by a mutual friend after Heimer created a series of videos to highlight the benefits of showing livestock. His goal was to help people outside of agriculture see that showing livestock was about more than just the animal and the ribbon. Their mutual friend encouraged Heimer to produce a music video which eventually led him to meet Sanders, a talented songwriter.

Adam Sanders (l) and Jesse Heimer (r) on the farm in Taylor, Mo.

(Legacy Livestock Images/Heidi Anderson)

“I had to learn more about his industry, so I could have enough knowledge about his side of the fence,” Sanders says. “I think we spent months really talking about the idea of this. One day, it really just registered with me and it clicked. I remember writing down in my phone: ‘that’s why we do what we do.’”

Sanders called on his friend Brice Long, a fellow songwriter to help write “Do What We Do.”

“I wanted the song to be broad enough that it could appeal across facets of agriculture,” Heimer says. “I knew if we made it just about the show ring, we were only going to attract those that already believe the same things as me.”

The project started as an anthem for stock show kids and although that goal never changed, the video went down a different path than Heimer first expected. He wanted to create a music video that everybody in agriculture could see themselves in. Regardless of what your role in agriculture is, Heimer believes this song speaks to the feelings of many about why they do what they do.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how the song turned out, and how it all came together,” Sanders says. “It was just a natural fit. It took some time to make it happen, but God had a plan in all of this and how it shaped out.”

Sanders adds that the stats show the song resonates with people. Through organic promotion only, the song has now been streamed nearly 600,000 times and appears on 39 playlists. It’s received 873,000 views on TikTok, too. Beyond traditional streams, the song has been very popular with TikTok users who are increasingly using it in their content.

But You’d Get It If You Did It

Three years after Sanders released this song, Heimer had an “epiphany” at the 2024 Missouri State Fair.

“I realized I was watching my kids doing, saying and loving all of the same things I did at the state fair when I was a kid,” Heimer says. “It felt like déjà vu. I talked to Adam during the fair and told him we should write a song about it – to piggyback off ‘Do What We Do.’”

Not long after, the song ‘ Get It If You Did It ’ was born.

“From the outside looking in, it’s hard to understand why we raise pigs, why we go to shows, why we commit so many resources for our kids to find success in the show ring,” Heimer

But you’d get it if you did it
I bet you wouldn’t knock it
If you dug your boots down in it
You’d know why we can’t stop it
You can’t replace the dreams we chase
Naw ain’t no way we can quit it
Might not love it like we love it
Or live it like we live it
But you’d get it if you did it.

- Get It If You Did It

points out. “This song is a continuation of the original story. The writing is broad enough, though, that it fits anyone’s hobby or passion from hunting to sports to rodeo. I hope it gets a spot on The Road.”

The chorus is easy for people in agriculture to relate to, Heimer says.

“The show pig community has been incredibly supportive of me as an artist for several years, going back to the introduction of ‘Do What We Do’ – and even before,” Sanders says. “It seems like no matter where I’m playing, people from this industry are in the crowd.”

Live from Oklahoma Ranch

Show pig industry leader Blake Kennedy, owner of Kennedy Ventures, was fortunate to be in the audience during the taping of The Road in Oklahoma City.

“It was a really cool experience to be selected as a cast member,” Kennedy says. “When we got there, they checked us in and took our phones and belongings. Because no one had the distraction of a phone, everyone was very present and engaged.”

The atmosphere inside Oklahoma Ranch was very exciting, he adds. Sanders performed his original, “Burning Roses” and Jo Dee Messina’s hit song “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

Although the contestants only get a few minutes of time in the TV show, Kennedy says their live performances were about 10 minutes and allowed the audience the opportunity to get to know each performer a little more.

“It was awesome to see someone like Adam be successful in his world who also enjoys seeing us achieve success in our world, too,” Kennedy says.

Tune in Sunday

Don’t miss the next episode performed at The Hall in Little Rock, Ark., airing on CBS on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. CT. https://www.cbs.com/shows/the-road/

Read the ‘Do What We Do’ story here:
Nashville Singer and Pig Farmer Release Anthem for Ag

Senecavirus A Outbreaks in Show Pigs Prompt Reminders for Exhibitors

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:46:21 GMT

Recent outbreaks of Senecavirus A (also known as Seneca Valley virus) in show pigs prompt the importance of biosecurity, good stockmanship and communication with your veterinarian, says Patrick Webb, assistant chief veterinarian at the National Pork Board.

Senecavirus A, a small, non-enveloped picornavirus, has been circulating in U.S. pigs since at least 1988.

“The challenge with the virus is that it’s indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as far as how it looks in a pig,” Webb says. “They get vesicular lesions (blisters) on their snout and around the top of their hooves, around the coronary band. They can get blisters in between the hooves.”

What is Senecavirus A?

This FMD look-alike is interesting, he says. When a pig gets infected with it, clinical signs typically show up three to five days later.

“That’s when you’re going to see a bit of lethargy and fever, but more importantly, you will see vesicular lesions,” Webb says.

(National Pork Board)

Don’t expect to see the actual blister, he points out. Because the snout and feet are high-motion areas, blisters don’t last very long. You may see areas that look like a scab because the blister has popped.

“Think about a blister popping on your hand and what it looks like,” Webb says. “Seeing blisters is pretty rare. Seeing popped blisters that are crusty and gross and may have a secondary bacterial infection starting up is more common.”

The virus can shed in nasal secretions, oral secretions and in manure for almost 30 days. It also seems to “set up shop” or “hide out” in the tonsils. When a pig is stressed, some reports say pigs can start shedding the virus again.

Webb says it seems to be a hardy virus, but many common disinfectants work well against it.

The Swine Health Information Center fact sheet on Senecavirus A says the efficacy of many disinfectants against SVA remains unclear. Because vesicular diseases are clinically indistinguishable, disinfection protocols for FMD should be followed even if SVA is suspected. This includes use of sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, 0.2% citric acid, aldehydes, and oxidizing disinfectants including sodium hypochlorite. Learn more here.

Report Immediately

Since Senecavirus A looks like FMD, a foreign animal disease, it needs to be reported to your local veterinarian or state veterinarian immediately, Webb says. As Senecavirus A has become more common, it has resulted in some desensitization to these vesicular lesions.

“It used to be ‘Oh blisters, that’s a big deal.’ Now it’s ‘Oh blisters. It’s Seneca, and that’s the wrong mindset,’” Webb says. “We need to have vesicular lesions looked at by a veterinarian, and potentially have a foreign animal disease investigation done, because it’s clinically indistinguishable from FMD. We must make sure FMD doesn’t sneak in undercover.”

If you don’t work with a veterinarian, he urges show pig exhibitors to connect with their state veterinarian. This has become more common in areas with less access to veterinary care. Building that relationship is very important for the good of the entire swine industry, he adds.

Prevention of Senecavirus A

Both direct and indirect transmission are likely to play a role in the spread of Senecavirus A. This virus has been identified in mice and houseflies. Webb points out that transportation and commingling of pigs is a common way for the disease to spread. Reports have shown in some cases that no lesions existed on pigs loaded onto trucks bound for long-distance harvest facilities. However, by the time they arrived at the plant, lesions were present.

“There seems to be, at least anecdotally, the ability for this virus to maybe reoccur and result in lesions in a short period of time,” Webb explains.

(National Pork Board)

Senecavirus A has been a challenge at packing plants during upticks of the virus that seems to ebb and flow based on the season.

“When vesicular lesions show up in pigs at the packing plant, it starts a foreign animal disease investigation that disrupts the plant schedule,” Webb says. “Although it seems like it’s not as hot and heavy as it was when we first really saw Seneca floating through the industry, it’s here to stay.”

For show pig producers and families , Webb wants people to be aware that Senecavirus A is out there. This virus does not present a risk to human health or food safety, but it does require veterinary consult.

“Everything we do to prevent influenza, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, porcine epidemic diarrhea and more, all apply the same as Senecavirus A,” he says. “Good biosecurity and good traceability through Ag View are important. If your pigs are sick at home, have your herd veterinarian come and take a look at them. If you do see vesicles, call your veterinarian or the state veterinarian’s office and report it. Don’t take sick pigs to exhibitions. If they’re clinically ill, separate them out and contact your herd vet. If you start to see clinical signs at shows in your pigs, report it to the veterinarian at the fair.”

Senecavirus A Resources:
Senecavirus A Fact Sheet by Swine Health Information Center

Senecavirus A: Frequently Asked Questions

Tragic Turn: Trailer of Show Pigs Bursts Into Flames on I-80

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:41:05 GMT

A car burning alongside I-80 held up traffic for miles.

(NDOT)

Igniting the Fire

“I remember my wife saying, ‘Traffic is starting to get bad,’” Rieck recalls. “I told her there was an accident up ahead and we’d get through it eventually.”

When he came upon the scene, he discovered a car burning alongside the road. By this time, he had rolled up his windows and slowly drove by the car. No emergency vehicles were on the scene, so Chad estimates the fire had probably started within three to five minutes of when he passed it.

“The front of the car was fully engulfed in flames,” Rieck describes. “The driver’s portion to the back of the car was starting to get hot – hot, hot flames. My fear of driving by was, ‘What if there’s a gas tank there, and that gas tank blows? That’s going to be bad.’”

When he drove by, something burst.

“It wasn’t the gas tank that blew, but something, whether it was a fuel line, a tire or whatever, blew a ‘poof’ of flames,” he says.

About a mile after he passed the car on fire – maybe one or two minutes at most – Rieck noticed smoke rolling out of the trailer. At first, he thought maybe some smoke from the fire got in through the open trailer windows. Then, he wondered if he blew a tire.

“I’m looking in the mirrors checking for that and continually rolling,” he says. “I see a semi behind me begin to flash his lights at me. That’s when I thought, ‘Okay, I’ve got problems.’”

Fortunately, he was coming upon an exit ramp. He jumped off the interstate and threw the truck in park as soon as he could.

“My wife’s still on the phone with me at this point,” he says. “I jump out of the truck and see the trucker running up with a couple of fire extinguishers. Because of him, I was able to get the back doors opened on the trailer. We got most of the flames down but didn’t have enough to get the fire completely out.”

When he opened the door, he saw that their banner-winning Poland China gilt was already dead, but the three other pigs were hanging on to life.

“The Poland gilt was on the back of the trailer and had somehow broken out of her pen trying to get away,” he says.

The burning trailer was caught on camera by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

(NDOT)

Roadside Rescue

The fire picked up again as he tried to figure out how to get the pigs off the trailer.

“When I parked the trailer at the show, we left some tack in the trailer. So, I locked the ramp and the driver side walk-through door,” he explains. “I ran to get the key that I thought was in the truck, but there was no key there. Now, I’m just frantic.”

With no way to get to the three pigs still on the trailer, he grabbed for the big cart they hauled tack with that was standing upright in the back pen.

“Not a smart deal,” Rieck recalls. “I grabbed it with my hand, and now I’ve got some nice blisters. But even if I could have moved that cart, it wouldn’t have mattered. I had to get the pigs out the side ramp.”

The trucker ran back with a crowbar and Rieck broke the latches off the ramp door to get the ramp down. Flames greeted him. He was running out of options. He ran around to the other side’s ramp, broke that latch off and ended up getting two pigs out.

“The third pig was scared and wouldn’t come out, so I had to reach in through one of the sides to push her out,” he says. “I ended up with some burns on my arm from that, but I finally got her out.”

At this point, the trailer is still on fire. The trucker told Rieck to unhook his truck and pull it away from the trailer now that the pigs were out.

“I would have never thought of doing that,” he adds. “We had a gas can and small generator in the tack room of the trailer, so I went to work to get that out of there before we had an even bigger problem. Fortunately, the tack room was in decent shape, likely because there was a door between it and the main part of the trailer.”

Once the fire truck arrived, they focused on the trailer first. Megan Hobbs says she was able to gather buckets from the tack room to start filling to get to water all three pigs who were alive at the time. Unfortunately, they lost the Duroc, so they had to turn their focus to the remaining two.

(Megan Hobbs)

Meanwhile, people began showing up and helping with the pigs that were now scattered.

“I had one pig walking down the exit ramp,” Rieck says. “Meanwhile, one gilt was hunkered down under a tree in the ditch and the third was dying alongside the exit ramp. I’m in shock at this point – walking around and asking myself why.”

Stock show people he had never met before like Joe and Megan Hobbs of Newton, Kan., turned around and came back to help.

“As soon as we arrived at the scene, there was another young lady who worked for Legacy Livestock Imaging that had also stopped to help,” explains Megan Hobbs. “We immediately just jumped into action getting any and all water available to help cool the pigs down. At the beginning all we had was cooler water and water bottles. In those situations you don’t ask for permission, you just go with what your gut tells you to do.”

(Chad Rieck)

A Little Bit Ironic

When the York Fire Department showed up, they quickly went to work extinguishing the fire in the trailer. Hobbs says she kept running water back and forth from the firetruck to the people caring for the gilts alongside the road.

“God put us in the right place at the right time,” Hobbs says. “We trusted our gut turning around to go help as we just knew it was probably one of our own from the livestock industry that needed help.”

The firefighters on the scene also reached out to a firefighter in a nearby department, David May, who had show pigs.

“I received a call from dispatch when I was about 5 miles from my farm heading home with pigs from the show,” May says. “They said there was a vehicle fire involving a trailer with larger pigs and asked if I could help wrangle and haul the surviving pigs. Of course, I didn’t hesitate and was already on the move.”

May devised a plan to get his pigs off his trailer quickly and navigate through the piled-up interstate traffic.

“I had my 16-year-old daughter Braxtyn with me, so we began talking through things on the drive there,” May says. “I even joked with her, ‘It’s probably someone who kicked our butt today.’ But that didn’t cause either of us to hesitate to help however possible.”

When May got to the scene, he immediately recognized the pickup. It had been parked directly beside his truck during loadout about 45 minutes ago.

“I recognized the people and confirmed I didn’t know them,” May says. “I parked and walked up to assess and gather information. Within a minute, another Iowa trailer showed up to get the live hogs. We discussed what to do with the now two deceased pigs. I offered to put them on my trailer and dispose.”

After all the pigs were on trailers and the firefighters had inspected Rieck’s trailer to confirm it was safe to haul home, Rieck went over to talk to Braxtyn and thank her for coming to help.

Hollynn Rieck’s Champion Poland and Third Overall Purebred Breeding Gilt at Aksarben.

(Legacy Livestock Imaging)

“For some reason, I wanted to try to cheer this kid up who had just seen this devastation,” Rieck says. “I tried to distract her by asking if she showed a pig that day, and she said, ‘Yes, I was third place with my Poland gilt.’”

It was definitely a little ironic, both dads admit. Their kids had been competing against each other just a few hours earlier. They loaded their pigs up beside each other and took off about the same time. As they got back into their trucks and trailers for the second time that day, they both spent some time reflecting on their drive home.

A Case of Bad Luck

Hollynn drove her dad back in the truck and trailer because he was still in shock. All Rieck could think about was what he could have done differently.

“I saw a number of trailers roll right on by as we stood there with the trailer smoldering,” Rieck says. “I know the next time I see a car fire, I’m going to feel like Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights. I’m going to be like, ‘Don’t drive through it.’ Maybe I could have gotten in the ditch more, but that’s not safe either.”

It was the kind of incident that you could never predict, May says. Typically, a trailer fire starts with a bad wheel bearing, then the wheel gets hot or locks up. Eventually, the tire catches on fire and results in heavy black smoke that’s easily visible.

(Chad Rieck)

“Most livestock trailer fires start on the outside of the trailer,” May says. “But this fire started inside the trailer. This was a completely freak accident.”

The odds of something hot coming off the car at the precise moment Rieck drove by while also entering the trailer is one in trillions, he adds.

“It’s a bad-luck lottery. It could never have been predicted,” May says. “But, just like so many instances in life, you just have to react and adapt as plans change.”

Still, Rieck says he learned some valuable lessons going through this experience. He will make sure his next trailer has fire extinguishers. He won’t travel with his doors locked on his trailer. He’s also going to invest in some wireless cameras to put into his trailer.

Stock Show Support

When they returned home, a veterinarian confirmed the gilts who survived the trailer fire needed to be euthanized, as their injuries were too severe. Rieck says it was hard on Hollynn to walk through an empty pig barn the next day. Although it’s not an uncommon thing, as every show season comes to an end, this was not the ending she expected. She had high hopes of taking the Poland gilt to the American Royal in a few weeks.

Hollynn won Champion Poland China Gilt and Third Overall Purebred Breeding Gilt at Aksarben.

(Amy Rieck)

For Rieck, the hardest part was calling the breeders who leased them the gilts and telling them what happened.

“The personal financial portion of this isn’t much compared to having to contact those breeders and let them know about the fire,” Rieck says. “We work with Hunter Langholff to get some of our pigs. I can only imagine what the conversation was like with me screaming and yelling about the pigs right after it happened. I’ll never forget Hunter calmly saying, ‘Do not worry about that. These breeders will only care that you, Hollynn and Amy are fine. Pigs can be replaced.’”

With a few tears in his eyes, Rieck says he never wants to take his stock show friends for granted.

“Stock show people are pretty special,” he adds. “Because guess what? We all wanted to win that day. We raise our kids in the show ring and in the show barn for a reason. It’s so we can be around these people. My daughter is going to be a much stronger person because of the experiences that she’s had winning and losing in the show ring and yes, even going through this trailer fire.”

Hollynn says she’s already learned a lot from the fire.

“I am so thankful for all of the people who stopped to help us during our emergency,” she says. “This is living proof that the stock show industry is the best thing to be a part of. The amount of love, thoughts and prayers I have received from people has been astronomical. At the end of the day, I am just grateful my family is ok and that I will forever be a part of such an amazing industry.”

As May reflects on what happened, he says he’s not surprised by the overwhelming support people provided to the Rieck family.

“It’s what we do for each other in all aspects of agriculture, not just livestock,” May says. “I’m glad I was able to assist as needed here and glad my daughter was able to see value in helping others even when it’s not always pretty fairy dust and rainbows.”

Stock Show Kids Share What They Learned This Summer

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:55:50 GMT

Youth stock show exhibitors say there are a lot of things they love about showing livestock, but one of the answers heard time and time again is that they love the opportunity it provides to spend time with family and friends.

“In sports, your family’s all split up,” says Trevor Rhoads, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Barrow at the 2025 Illinois State Fair. “But with livestock shows, you’re always with your family. They’re always there and always helping you. It’s just good to be together as a family at these shows.”

Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb, agrees. He thinks it’s also fun to try to win.

“You don’t just show up on show day and show your animal,” Rhoads adds. “It takes a lot of hard work and effort at home. The banners, ribbons and checks are a result of that. What you put into it is what you get out of it.”

For Lily Grobosky, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Goat, that’s her favorite part. She enjoys working with them at home and getting them ready to go into the ring.

Exhibitors from the 2025 Illinois State Fair share reflections and perspectives on their summer showing livestock.

What do you think is the most important lesson that you’ve learned at the State Fair this year?

“Hard work will pay off.” – Cash Kinsella, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog

“I’ve learned to be patient and kind to people when they ask questions, but also to take your time and talk to people and not be rushed in your responses.” – Kaolin Lewis, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer

“Keep grinding at what you do. Regardless of what you’ve achieved or what you haven’t achieved, keep trying and keep trying for more. I like building a connection with an animal, having that responsibility of taking care of them day-in and day-out, and learning from others along the way.” – Hunter Shike, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow

“To be humble and be kind.” – Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb

What do you wish people knew about showing livestock?

“All the hours that are spent in the barns during the week – whether it’s after practice, after school or all day in the summer. It’s a building process – you don’t just show up and win.” – Maddox Horner, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Goat

“It’s a lot of hard work. We put in countless hours waking up really early to walk in the morning, then you’re out there all day, tanning, skin care, and then out late at night. There’s a lot of work that goes into it, which can sometimes go unnoticed if you’re not in the livestock industry.” – Ashley Wiegand, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow

“Sometimes it’s difficult to get them to do what you want so it takes a lot of long hours.” – Kaolin Lewis, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer

“Every single day you’ve got to work with them make sure they’re right.” – Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb

“I wish people knew just how much time and effort and how often we think about our animals. It’s not like we just go out to the barn for a couple hours a day and then forget about them. When we’re inside, out at our practices, or gone for something else, we’re still always thinking about our livestock projects and how they are doing.” – Hunter Shike, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow

3 Stock Show Lessons That Don't Make the Highlight Reels

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:49:55 GMT

Even though I know the easy path is rarely the best path, I will admit it would be nice to be on it once in a while. Juggling three children, numerous animals, two jobs and little sleep while traveling to three national shows within a month was beginning to make my husband and I just a little grumpy this summer.

I’m pretty sure he’s not the only stock show dad who threatens, “We could just buy a boat and go to the lake next summer instead of showing livestock.”

No one ever raises their hand for that idea, so we keep at it. And if we are truthful, even though the lack of sleep and possibly too much time together can take its toll, there is nothing we would rather spend our summers doing than showing livestock together.

Although the champion animals often make the highlight reels and headlines, I would argue the most important things happening at shows are less talked about. Here are three lessons I re-learned that go far beyond bringing home a banner.

1. There is more in you than you know.
As I sat on the bleachers during the closing ceremonies in Louisville, Ray Perryman shared a message with the families in attendance that I think more people need to hear.

“There is more in you than what you know,” Perryman said. “You were born for a purpose – to make this world better. Quit fitting in and begin to show out.”

We waste our time comparing our lives to others when we really need to be living into the unique talents and skillsets we have been given. There’s a lot of pressure on our kids today to fit into the mold and prioritize what their teachers, coaches and even parents want them to prioritize. We need to help them realize their voice has a purpose.

2. You have to be uncomfortable to grow.
I like to say I embrace change, but sometimes it’s just not fun to change. It’s fun to change things like your outfit, your vehicle or the TV series you are binging. It’s not fun to change things like your schedule, your passwords or your focus. That can be uncomfortable, and who wants that?

“Sometimes you’ve got to step out of where you are comfortable so you can go where you are needed,” Perryman continued.

Every time I’ve been uncomfortable, I’ve grown. I’ve also been a little scared and worried about what would or wouldn’t happen in those moments. But in the end, I was better. As I watched my youngest get ready to step into the ring that week, her nerves were on full display. When the gate opened and she drove her pig to the judge, I could see the nerves begin to lift and the focus form.

Being uncomfortable makes her better. It makes her discover parts of herself that she didn’t know were there. It opens doors for her to go new places and try new things.

3. You aren’t alone.
As humans, we want to know that we aren’t alone. In fact, experts suggest the desire to belong was critical for our ancestors’ survival. The need for social connection is a fundamental human drive rooted in our biology and essential for both mental and physical health.

It makes sense why our family feels such a deep connection with other families who do what we do at these shows. There’s an understanding of what it took to get to the show, the sacrifices made and the expenses incurred.

I love how the stock show industry connects us and brings us together around shared goals and passions. In a world that often feels so divided, it feels pretty good to know that we’re all coming together for a common purpose in the show ring.

We aren’t even two weeks out from a busy summer showing livestock, but we are already missing it. I guess that makes the sleepless nights and grumpy moods worth it.

Read More:
There’s No Tired Like State Fair Tired
Odd One in the Room? Embrace It
The Power of a Mentor: How You Can Inspire the Next Generation

Beyond the Barn: How Showing Livestock Builds Future Leaders

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:16:44 GMT

“Late nights spent in the barn, the early mornings — that is where memories have been made.”

Making memories with her family and friends in the barn and at pig shows has been key to Oliva Shike’s playbook as a young agriculturist. Her experiences in the swine industry have motivated her to pursue a career in agriculture and make a positive difference in the future of the pork industry.

The oldest daughter of Dan and Jennifer Shike, Olivia’s passion for agriculture, and specifically livestock, comes to her naturally. Her journey showing livestock, participating in FFA and conducting research have shaped her into a passionate advocate for the agricultural industry.

As Olivia returns to college, she joins her mom on The Pork Podcast. Taking the hot seat, she reflects on her final summer with her siblings in the barn and attending pig shows and the importance of those experiences as she prepares for a career in the agriculture industry.

It Started in the Barn
Olivia’s competitive spirit started at a young age. She began showing horses when she was little and quickly transitioned to showing pigs and later sheep.

Olivia and her first pig Rosey.

(Jennifer Shike)

Throughout her show career, she learned valuable life lessons about perseverance, mentorship and personal growth. Her participation went beyond the show ring. She shares fond memories of practicing speeches, preparing for skillathon competitions and livestock judging with her siblings Hunter and Harper. These contests helped her develop valuable life skills that she will use far beyond her time as a pig showman.

Winning the Illinois State Fair with her Chester barrow, Billy, was a moment she’ll always treasure in the show ring. It also meant staying at the state fair for an extra week in the Hall of Champions.

(BROOKLYNN SALO/Cindy’s Livestock Photos)

“It’s an awesome opportunity for the average person to be able to get to experience livestock,” she says. “I would sit with my pig and little kids would come up to see him. I’d let them rub his belly – he loved it. But the best part was I got to answer their questions. That was a rewarding part of the process, knowing we were helping educate people about agriculture.”

While winning banners and buckles is one of the big goals, she says you don’t realize how special each moment is until it might be over.

“Live in the moment because it goes by incredibly fast,” she says. “People always say that. But when it’s 100 degrees and you’re 13 years old, you’re probably not thinking about how it’s going to all come to an end someday, so you might take things for granted or not truly appreciate those moments. Take advantage of every moment when you’re at a show.”

Whether it’s talking to friends, meeting people in the industry or soaking in advice from mentors, she encourages people to take advantage of the time they get to spend at shows.

Outside of the Show Ring
“I’ve always known that I wanted to have a career in the ag industry, but truly finding where I feel I fit in, I definitely owe a lot of it to FFA,” Olivia explains.

Her involvement in FFA and agricultural science fairs became a significant part of her personal and academic growth. During high school, Olivia conducted three research projects. Her first project was a cattle project using cows from her grandpa and uncle’s farm. It sparked her interest in research and a curiosity and desire to understand and improve the industry.

“My dad walked me through the process and taught me how to do stats on it,” she says. “I loved every part of it, whether it was doing the background research, running the stats, or being able to talk about my conclusions.”

In her second project, she set out to study Generation Z meat preferences. With so many stereotypes surrounding her generation, born between the mid-1990s and 2012, she wanted to see if the stereotypes were valid.

“I wanted to learn what was going through their mind when they’re at the grocery store or when they’re at a restaurant making a meat selection,” she explains. “I know that the purchases a consumer makes have a direct impact on the livestock industry as a whole.”

She plans to continue this study as part of a Black Hawk honors class this year, focusing on meat preferences in Generation Z students who are now in high school and college.

Her third project focused on understanding leadership capacity in agricultural careers. One of her key findings was that the agriculture industry needs to create more opportunities for youth to have mentoring relationships.

“I discovered that being able to identify a mentor and then being able to mentor someone else were both highly correlated with greater leadership capacity,” Olivia says. “That made so much sense to me. The people that I’ve learned the most from are my mentors. And, when I’ve had the opportunity to mentor other people, I feel like that’s given me an even greater sense of leadership ability.”

One of Olivia’s most significant observations through her research projects and time in the show ring is the disconnect between agricultural producers and consumers, particularly among her generation. She says social media is both a challenge and a solution, emphasizing the need for accurate, positive messaging about agriculture.

“Social media doesn’t have to be the problem,” she says. “It was created as a tool, and I think that’s what it should be. How can we figure out how to use social media in a healthier way so that we can still be able to form important relationships?”

Coming Full Circle
Now a sophomore at Black Hawk and a member of the livestock judging team, her next step is choosing a four-year university where she will finish her degree in agricultural economics with a focus on policy while continuing her judging career.

The Exposition Judging Contest

(Legacy Livestock Imaging)

Olivia says her future goal is to advocate for the agricultural industry, potentially through political engagement or policymaking. She sees herself working to bridge gaps and promote understanding of agricultural practices.

“I want to actively work to make changes that will help create a better future in our industry,” she says. “Being able to grow up in the swine industry, I have a greater appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes and what kind of support is needed. I want to be able to use this knowledge and skills I’ve gained to fight for them.”

Learn more about how Olivia relies on her faith and humor to keep a positive outlook on life, and how her experiences in the pork industry have helped her develop critical life skills such as time management, resilience and leadership on The PORK Podcast. You can watch it here on YouTube or listen anywhere podcasts are found.

RFID Tags for Sows and Exhibition Swine Provided at No Cost Starting This Fall

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:35:45 GMT

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will provide no-cost RFID (radio frequency identification) eartags for swine beginning fall 2025. These tags will be available for sow and exhibition swine producers. Once available, producers and State animal health officials will be able to order tags on the Merck Animal Health website .

A $20-Million Contract
In July 2025, APHIS awarded a contract to Merck Animal Health to supply up to $20 million in tags to sow and exhibition swine industry segments, over the next five years.

“Modeled after the no-cost RFID cattle tag program, this effort will supply no-cost RFID tags to swine producers to boost national swine disease traceability, which is vital to supporting the safety and marketability of the U.S. swine herd,” USDA said in a release. “Although animal disease traceability does not prevent disease, an efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the response time involved in a disease investigation, limiting the number of farms and animals affected. This, in turn, reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities.”

A Unique Distribution Model
This program offers a direct-from-manufacturer to swine premises distribution model. Merck will receive, process and ship orders directly to producers and state animal health officials, removing APHIS as intermediaries and expediting getting tags into producers’ hands and pigs’ ears, USDA explains.

Producers must have a valid premises identification number, provide shipping and contact information, and provide the number of sows onsite (for commercial sow farms) or the number of show pigs on the premises (for exhibition swine) to order these tags. State animal health officials may also order no-cost RFID tags based on the number of sows in their state.

USDA notes that these RFID tags will need to be applied with a compatible tag applicator, which is not supplied through this program.

Click here for more information about this program .

StockLink Launches Agriculture Industry’s New Go-To Social Media App

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:26:19 GMT

The wait is over for the livestock industry, say the creators of StockLink, the first-ever social media app built exclusively for livestock producers. It’s now available for download for iOS and Android users nationwide.

StockLink takes aim at the censorship of traditional platforms by offering a space where livestock comes first, says co-founder Kaitlyn Hofschulte.

“StockLink was built because our industry deserves better,” she says. “We needed a platform where producers can promote, connect, and grow without the fear of being shut down for selling livestock. So we built it ourselves.”

The inspiration behind StockLink struck in 2019 when Facebook unexpectedly deleted the Hofschultes’ business page for Hofschulte Genetics , erasing years of customer connections and content. After realizing they weren’t alone, founders Kaitlyn and Chris Hofschulte set out to build a tool the entire industry could rely on.

She says StockLink combines the features breeders need with a design that respects the way the livestock industry works. Key elements include:

• General posts, listings and business pages are cleanly separated, so content is easier to find and promote.

• StockLink allows animal sales and genetic promotions without violating platform policies.

• Free for all users, with an optional Business Pro upgrade that includes analytics, priority search visibility, and a branded company profile to drive more sales.

StockLink is for everyone who is interested in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other businesses that help make the stock show industry what it is today, she adds.

“We’re not trying to replace how people do business — we’re making it easier,” Hofschulte explains. “Whether you’re raising show pigs or club calves, StockLink is a place to stay connected with your buyers and peers.”

Learn more here.

There's No Tired Like State Fair Tired

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:58:46 GMT

You don’t know tired until you know end-of-state-fair tired. I’m on day 1,247 of the state fair or so it feels today. I’m not sure what day of the week it is or what’s happening in the next hour. I know I showered today, but it probably wasn’t obvious as I was instantly covered in dirt, sweat and who knows what within my first hour in the barn.

I realize I am not the only one who feels this way as I’m greeted by fellow show parents suffering from the same affliction. We knowingly nod and putter on, cleaning pens, tidying up our tack areas and adding more ice to the cooler.

Sadly, state fair mini donuts and coffee aren’t enough to wake us from the state fair stupor.

But goodness, it’s a good kind of tired. It’s the kind of tired that reminds me there is nothing better than working hard for something and knowing you gave it your best.

It’s the kind of tired knowing that this week you anticipate all year is coming to an end, requiring you to move on to the next thing. But truth be told, you just want time to stand still for a few minutes so you can soak it all in through those tired eyes.

Because these are the moments we live for as show parents.

The fierce determination on her face as she takes her first sheep into the show ring at the state fair.

(Cindy’s Livestock Photos)
The conversations and coaching on the way to the show ring.

(Jennifer Shike)
The laughter of kids united by a common passion, kids who see the world through a different lens than others.

(Jennifer Shike)

The friend who always steps in to help without being asked.

(Jennifer Shike)

The smile she can’t contain as she shakes the judge’s hand.

(BROOKLYNN SALO/Cindy’s Livestock Photos)
The connection between kids and animals that reminds you there are some places in your heart that humans can’t fill.

(Jennifer Shike)

We live a lot of life in these show barns. Some of it’s fun to talk about and some of it’s not. But in the good times and in the tough times, we grow and we learn. We find out how to understand others better and we realize this world isn’t all about us. We get humbled, we get praised, we get hurt, we get redeemed, and we gain perspective.

These tired eyes aren’t just for lack of sleep during state fair week, but rather for a lot of life lived.

Parents aren’t the only tired ones!

(Jennifer Shike)

Read More: No, He’s Not a Buffalo: Why We Can’t Avoid Their Questions Anymore

Legislators 'Battle for the Bacon' at the Ohio State Fair

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:11:45 GMT

Some of Ohio’s boldest and fun-loving state legislators came together to show off their animal handling skills at the Ohio State Fair’s Battle for the Bacon, a collaborative event produced by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA).

Rep. Melanie Miller and Addilyn Bryant share a high five before the competition.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“We bring state legislators, whether or not they have a farm background, and team them up with our OH-PIG youth participants,” says OPC president Nathan Schroeder. “It is a great way to bridge a gap between two worlds and have a lot of fun doing it.”

Rep. Bob Peterson and Rep. Roy Klopfenstein served as judges for the event. OPC Executive Vice President Cheryl Day, along with ODA’s Director Brian Baldridge, kept the crowd informed of the show ring events while recognizing those who volunteer to make it all possible, especially the youth mentors and their families who helped the legislators prepare for their show ring experience.

Sen. Michelle Reynolds keeps her eye on the judge.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“This continues to be a highlight for us to be able to show our state legislators just what it takes to not only show a pig but to care for it round the clock every day,” Day says. “That’s why we’re so pleased to have so many great youth mentors and their families from our OH-PIGS show pig circuit who step up to assist these lawmakers each year in preparing for the show ring and explaining how they raise these animals on the farm.”

After the legislator and mentor were introduced to the crowd of cheering fans, the lawmakers took their pigs to the ring as the crowd watched them employ their “unique showmanship style” to keep their animal showing at its best.

Ohio lawmakers pose with their show ring honors after learning what it takes to show a pig at the Ohio State Fair during the Battle for the Bacon event sponsored by the Ohio Pork Council and Ohio Department of Agriculture.

(Ohio Pork Council)

The 2025 participants (legislators and youth exhibitors) included:

Senator Kyle Koehler & Wade Smith
Senator Michele Reynolds & Megan Smith-McCarley
Senator Willis Blackshear & Allison Brink
Senator Kristina Roegner & Gilbert White
Representative Christine Cockley & Alli Knecht
Representative Dave Thomas & Taylor Ellsworth
Representative Haraz Ghanbari & Clair Lampe
Representative Kellie Deeter & Kinsley Swanson
Representative Melanie Miller & Addilyn Bryant
Representative Michele Grim & Tucker Schuffenecker
Representative Kevin Miller & Colton Beckstedt
Representative Erika White & Ava Genter
Representative Johnathan Newman & Genevieve Davis

In the end, Rep. Haraz Ghanbari of Perrysburg was named the grand champion, with reserve champion honors going to Rep. Johnathan Newman of Troy.

Taking grand champion honors was Rep. Haraz Ghanbari shown here with his Ohio pork youth mentor, Claire Lampe.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“The real champions are our 4-H and FFA youth,” Ghanbari said in a release. “Claire was an outstanding coach and ambassador for Wood County and the entire state. I’m proud to share this win with her — and ice cream.”

Each lawmaker went away with a specialized banner, recognizing their efforts and ensuring future fond memories.

“This event is a unique way to engage with our state’s key political leaders in a fun and lighthearted way that connects them with our industry,” Day says. “It’s always about bringing people together to understand that we’re all striving to do what’s best for our state and beyond—doing what’s right for our people, our pigs, and our environment to ensure a better future for everyone.”

A Time of Transition for the Purebred Swine Industry

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:05:06 GMT

What’s next for the purebred swine industry? That’s a good question and one that a passionate group of people are exploring and asking of themselves right now.

“The purebred side of the business is constantly changing,” says Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry. “It’s a dynamic industry. I think we truly are in a place of transition. We always talk about the generational gap. But the industry is so fast paced that even in my short tenure of being gone, it changed so much.”

After leading the National Swine Registry for four years, Zwilling decided to make a career change for his family. But his passion for the purebred swine industry drew him back in 2024.

“A lot of what we’re focused on now as an organization is creating sustainability from a breeder base and from a generational knowledge standpoint,” he explains. “We are focusing on educational activities like our Young Breeder Forum held before NSR’s Draft Sale and partnering with National Pork Board and showpig.com to create the National Show Pig Summit to bring people together and have critical discussions.”

National Swine Registry CEO Clay Zwilling

(Legacy Livestock Imaging)

Of course, he says NSR never wants to lose sight of the bigger industry as well. From participating in the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan to collaborating on industry biosecurity efforts to working with National Pork Board, Zwilling says it’s critical to the future of the purebred industry to be actively engaged strategic partners in these efforts.

Are Youth Swine Shows Shrinking?
Although there have been many exciting conversations around digital pedigree systems and branded pork programs, Zwilling says one of the big topics of conversations NSR is having right now is around talent build in the industry and developing young people.

“We get so focused at the shows on the pig. Is this pig what we expect in terms of phenotypic quality? What did this judge say about my pig? How am I making breeding decisions that are important to the business?” Zwilling says. “But at the end of the day, what are we actually trying to do with these pigs as a product? To me, beyond the pig ultimately ending up in the food chain, we have to consider what we are trying to teach young people.”

He estimates a third of the exhibitors at the National Junior Summer Spectacular held in Louisville, Ky., this summer were new families. With the significant rise in the price of the pig project in the last few years, he says that is pretty incredible.

Stormi Swaim showing Hampshire pig

“We know with inflation, the cost of travel, feed, all those things have gone up,” Zwilling says. “I think that’s why my perspective has changed a lot in focusing on how many families are engaged (and how many are new) versus how many pigs are actually at the show.”

He believes pig numbers will likely level out and maybe even retract some in terms of actual numbers exhibited at shows. That’s why he is focused on the exhibitors.

“If the exhibitor number continues to grow and new families come in, that tells me we’re in a healthy place in our business,” he says.

But he admits he’s concerned about county and state fair participation. Zwilling says national shows like the ones offered by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, have “super fans” who are highly committed to engagement.

“Candidly, if we look at the average Midwest county fair, livestock numbers as a whole, but particularly in the pig barn, are on the decline,” he adds. “I think a lot of it does have to do with the economic factor of it and we have a lot of discussions in the boardroom on bringing in new participation.”

Show pigs are the most accessible for young families in his opinion. That’s why he is driven to focus on engaging new exhibitors and new families to try out the show pig project.

“The cycle of which we sell pigs because of the maturity of the pigs we show today has certainly changed,” he says. “I think we need to start having the discussion of merchandising pigs to specific endpoints in specific places.”

An Attention Competition
In a time where everyone’s competing for time, talent and resources, providing the best experience possible isn’t just important, it’s crucial, Zwilling says.

“Without our members, we’re not here,” he says. “A lot of people may not know this, but at heart, I am a people pleaser. I want everyone to be happy and have a positive experience. I’ve realized I can’t do that all the time because it’s not feasible or realistic. But I do want to identify things that don’t go well and figure out how to make them better. I want people to feel heard.”

Perhaps even more important to Zwilling is to remember that NSR is reaching consumers.

“We’re in the animal protein space, and regardless of whether you have one sow or 100,000+ sows, that’s where pigs are ultimately going to end up,” he says. “We were able to partner with National Pork Board to bring a cooking competition for kids to the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Frankly, with the new consumer facing campaign, Taste What Pork Can Do, it just aligned really well for us to try out this contest this year.”

A team of chefs from Oklahoma work on a tasty dish utilizing pork loin.

(Jennifer Shike)

Teams of young chefs participated in a cooking demonstration by a chef, learning about how to best prepare pork.

“The feedback I got from participants was, 1) we had a ton of fun and 2) it was really interesting to hear the chef talk about the preparation of pork and the different philosophies around cooking pork,” Zwilling says. “Our goal should always be to drive consumer demand and interest in eating pork. If that contest provides a little context around that and a new appreciation for eating pork, it’s worth it for us to invest in doing.”

It’s hard, but he says we have to accept the reality that the majority of our talent in the swine industry doesn’t come from a traditional farm background anymore.

“Projects like this create that passion, create that knowledge, and then open the gateway to ultimately go on and pursue a career in the pork industry,” Zwilling says. “It excites me to know we have a group of young people who are passionate about taking care of pigs and being involved in the pig business.”

Listen to The PORK Podcast to listen to the full conversation on the future of the purebred swine industry and the most valuable leadership lesson Zwilling has learned over the years. Watch this episode on YouTube or listen anywhere podcasts are found.

Read More:

Don’t Let Them Go: We Need to Try Harder to Keep Them in the Swine Industry

Why Keystone Cooperative is Investing in the Stock Show Industry

Grand Champion Moments: Why Ohio Pork Producers Can’t Wait for the State Fair

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:37:23 GMT

Picture this: A mouth-watering double-decker dream come true featuring two thick slices of pork loin layered with coleslaw, bacon and barbecue sauce. Outrageous? Yes. And that’s exactly why everyone loves it and comes back for more at the Ohio Pork Council Food Booth each year.

“We call it our secret menu item,” says Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. “If they ask for it, we’ll give it them. However, you won’t see it on the menu. Several years ago, our Double Decker Loaded Pork Loin Sandwich became a viral favorite — and a masterclass in how farmers and foodservice teams turn bold ideas into state fair gold. We won the A&E Best in Chow with that one and if you ask for it, we’ll make it for you!”

(Ohio Pork Council)

From award-winning creations to $3 bacon boats on Thursdays to a new hit-in-the-making – pork tenders, the offerings from the Ohio Pork Council bring fairgoers back year after year. But that’s not the only way they are sharing pork’s story.

Beyond the Banner
Two exciting shows will take place at the Ohio State Fair this year, including the Battle for the Bacon show on July 30 and the Breaking Boundaries show on July 25.

“We believe the investment we make in the barn goes deeper than just the grand champion trophy,” Day says. “We definitely will sponsor awards for youth exhibitors from the skillathon to the livestock judging contest to recordkeeping, but what’s most important to us is the time spent in the barns with people.”

One of the ways Ohio Pork Council intentionally connects with the next generation is through Kelly Morgan. Not only does she also serve as the director of OH-PIGS, a series of jackpot pig shows held throughout the summer, but she’s also the superintendent of the swine barn at the state fair.

(Ohio Pork Council)

With deep roots in the industry, Morgan develops meaningful relationships with youth who show pigs and their families which in turn allows her to more easily connect families with fairgoers who have questions about raising pigs.

In addition, Morgan helps organize two very special shows during the state fair. One of the shows, “ Breaking Boundaries ,” is near and dear to Day’s heart. The show pairs up a show pig exhibitor with a young person who has a physical or intellectual disability . Together, the pair works to show a pig together.

“One of our interns, Kylie, has a special needs brother. She puts on a similar show at her county fair and asked if we could do it at the state fair,” Day says. “I told her this could be her intern project, and she went to work getting permissions and organizing it. We wanted to build a community where our show pig exhibitors learn how to have compassion for other people, and this was one way of doing this.”

(Ohio Pork Council)

Participants will get a red-carpet moment and will get to be a celebrity in the show ring on July 25. More than 45 kids reached out to be a mentor and said, “Please use my pig for that show.”

“Just like our kids get that connection with their animals, we’re going to give these young individuals that have intellectual disabilities some connection with an animal, and make them feel really special,” Day says. “It’s really living out those We Care principles that our pork producers follow every day and showing them that it’s more than just competing in the ring.”

Battle for the Bacon
What happens when lawmakers show pigs? Day says the relationships grow.

During this popular crowd-pleaser, 12 to 14 legislators are invited to show a pig in this battle between Ohio’s Representatives versus Ohio’s Senators in a showmanship competition. Working with the Ohio Director of Agriculture, lawmakers are invited to participate in this program that pairs them up with a show pig exhibitor who will teach them all about showing pigs.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“We’re on our third year,” Day says. “Last year, we had several of those kids who mentored the lawmakers invite the lawmakers out to their farm or they sat down for a meal. Ohio Pork Council did not do that. We just showed them it was okay to connect with those lawmakers.”

Day says many families shared that they’d never met with a legislator before because they didn’t think they would have anything to offer them.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“This is about teaching people to tell their story at a level that the person they are connecting with can understand,” Day adds. “It seems like a very scary conversation at first, but honestly, once you realize that lawmakers are people just like you and me, it’s pretty fun. I think we need to teach our youth to be fearless. Be very respectful, but at the same time, don’t be afraid and don’t apologize for what you’re doing in the barn every day.”

(Ohio Pork Council)

She appreciates the unscripted stories the kids share with the lawmakers during this event.

“These kids are telling stories from their heart,” Day says. “We don’t tell them what to say. We just make the connection. We give them the tools and the pat on the back. They do the rest and that’s what I love about it most.”

Power of Piglets
But Ohio pork producers aren’t forgetting where it all starts – in the barn. A sow giving birth in real time in front of a crowd at the state fair is a powerful sight that Ohio Pork Council uses to educate fairgoers who can’t get enough of the piglets on display. Although it’s a lot of work and not an easy effort to organize, the farrowing display generates big crowds every time.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“People love to come see how many piglets the sows will have,” Day says. “They will wait three or four people deep to watch them farrow or even just to see the piglets.”

The sows are supervised and cared for by Ohio Pork Council’s education director Kayli Mitchell and two interns who interact with the public, explaining the farrowing process and the safety the farrowing stalls provide the sows, piglets and caretakers.

(Ohio Pork Council)

“Our team does such a great job of caring for the animals,” Day says. “Every time I turn around, they are scratching one of those sows behind the ears. That is how their love for animals shows through. Again, we can’t script that. That is a genuine connection.”

These Moments Matter
It all comes back to food and reminding fairgoers of why pig farmers do what they do. Each year the Ohio Pork Council’s Rib-Off attracts highly skilled grillmasters to compete for the best ribs, pulled pork and barbeque sauce in the state. After celebrity judges sample the food, fairgoers can enjoy free samples and cast their vote for the highly sought-after People’s Choice Award. Most say it’s worth the cost of admission to the fair, just to get a taste of what the rib teams put together each year, Day says.

Ohio Pork Council’s Rib-Off always draws the crowds!

(Ohio Pork Council)

“ Vice President JD Vance was one of our judges for the Rib-Off when he started his humble campaigning career in 2022,” Day says. “He still talks about it with his kids when they walked in the barns.”

She says this illustrates how the pork industry engages and builds relationships truly makes a difference.

“These ‘grand champion moments’ aren’t just PR stunts — they’re bridges between rural communities and decision-makers,” Day says. “They give consumers, lawmakers and influencers a taste (literally and figuratively) of what it means to raise pigs in Ohio with care, integrity and innovation.”

The Truth About Stock Show Moms

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:09:55 GMT

Stock show moms can’t be put in a box. From the mom who can feed barrows better than anyone in the barn to the mom who always has the best snacks for the kids, and from the mom who takes all the pictures to the mom who listens to everyone’s problems, it takes all kinds to make the show go on.

Emily Spray, a stock show mom of three from Indiana, says there is no shortage of lessons learned at stock shows. One of the most valuable she has learned from being a stock show mom is humility. If it’s not the animals, it’s the kids who humble you, she laughs.

The Spray family and friends at the 2024 Indiana State Fair.

(Lindsay Hanewich)

“The other day I saw a picture of a house with a long row of hydrangea bushes,” Spray says. “The owner was discouraged because there was only one bloom on that whole row of bushes. The owner said, ‘I’ve been fertilizing them the same way. I’ve been watering them the same way. They’ve all been tended to the same way. But I’m only getting one bloom on that bush.’”

Spray relates this to showing livestock and raising kids.

“We’re not just going to dig out all the bushes and plant something else,” Spray says. “We’re going to keep at it. We’re going to keep going. Sometimes when we’ve got these kids who have big goals, there’s a lot of stress, competitiveness and goals being made. You’re doing the right things. You’re walking them all the same, feeding them all the same, but you’re not getting those blooms.”

Motherhood is about teaching kids to keep doing the next right thing. And someday, Spray adds, they might have more blooms on all those bushes.

“Keeping things in perspective is a valuable lesson,” she says. “Being able to change, adapt and edit as you go is important because there’s not always one right answer.”

“Her flexibility with an ever changing and always busy schedule is probably her super power,” Makayla Spray (r) says about her mom Emily (l).

(Jennifer Shike)

Sometimes It’s Not Your Turn
Disappointments inevitably come when goals aren’t reached or hard things happen. Spray recalls a story about one of their best Hampshire gilts before the state fair.

“I’ll never forget when my husband Craig and daughter Makayla walked in from the barn,” she says. “I could tell there was something wrong.”

The gilt had shucked her hair. Because she had a thin belt to begin with, they knew the gilt would likely not be eligible to show as a Hampshire according to breed requirements.

“That led to some hard conversations about the right thing to do. Ultimately, we’re in this industry to teach our kids the right things to do. We had to sit down and say, ‘Okay, if this happens, this is how we’re going to handle it.’”

Emily Spray

During breed checks, the gilt didn’t pass. As she and Makayla walked out of the ring, Spray says she had to initiate another conversation to shift both of their perspectives.

“That week there was a family who had some teenagers coming to the state fair when they were in an awful wreck on the interstate,” Spray says. “There we were complaining we weren’t passing a breed check, but there was another family just down the road fighting for their life in the hospital. As hard as it was to say, ‘Okay, this is what we really wanted,’ we had to think about keeping the big things the big things.”

Sometimes it’s your turn, and sometimes it’s not, Spray says.

“In that moment it wasn’t Makayla’s turn,” she says. “Instead, she had a front row seat to the Hampshire show. It wasn’t from the middle of the ring like she wanted, but she sat in the front row and watched the entire show. Those are the moments that put that drive and desire in your heart – being so close to getting that goal – to come back and try again.”

Stop Comparing
New York Times bestselling author Shauna Niequist says, “You can compare and you can connect, but you cannot do both.”

Spray believes one of the biggest challenges parents face right now are social media highlight reels.

“So many of our kids are seeing all the wins, all the kids who are having success at all the shows across the nation,” she says. “That wasn’t a thing when we were kids. We saw who won the open show when we were there that day in living color. These kids are constantly seeing everyone’s highlight reel, so it’s easy for them in that moment to stop and compare themselves.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other families at shows.

(Craig Spray)

Spray wants to challenge people – kids and parents alike – to reframe that moment to connection instead.

“The best way to stop comparing is to find ways to connect,” she says. “I think there’s a lot of disconnect when it comes to being friends on social media. Have you ever had a conversation with that person? Do you know anything more than what you’re seeing on a screen about that person? How can you really get to know them?”

A few years ago, she had a t-shirt made for state fair that said, “You can’t compete with me.”

“When you read that first line, you think, ‘Oh, well, that’s kind of proud.’ But the second line said, ‘I want you to win, too.’ When I wore that shirt, it confused a lot of people,” Spray says.

She remembers one dad who was particularly bothered by her shirt. He finally came up at the end of the day and asked her about it.

(Emily Spray)

“He said, ‘What do you mean? You don’t want your kid to win?’ I said, ‘Absolutely, I want my kid to win. But if you look at any other kid in this barn, it’s not like they just threw their pig on the trailer and decided to come to a show,” she says. “All of these kids have put in so many hours of work. And you know what? If your kid gets to win today, I’m going to clap for them, and I’m going to be happy for them.”

Keep the Big Things Big
The show barn is filled with people who share many common interests. It’s where true friendships are forged. For Spray, it’s worth remembering that as she strives to keep the big things big and the little things little.

“What are your big things? What is most important for you as a family?” she asks. “Is it winning a banner? Is it developing character? Is it enjoying what you’re doing? I think it looks different for every family, but taking that time to decide what means the most for your family is key to not letting all the other stuff get in the way.”

Episode 24 with Emily Spray is one you can’t miss.

(Jennifer Shike)

Even though it’s easy to judge others by what you see on the outside, Spray says the truth is that no mom has it all figured out.

“Look for that mom who’s in the season ahead of you,” she says. “Invite her to coffee and talk with her about the things she’s going through. That has been valuable for me, because when you’re in the thick of it – when you’re in the weeds and you can’t see beyond one day to the next – it’s helpful to have somebody who’s already paved that path ahead of you.”

Listen to The PORK Podcast to find out how Spray’s social media persona, The Funny Fair Mom, came to be, why she chooses to redirect when life gets stressful, and helpful hacks every show family needs to know before state fair season. Watch this episode on YouTube or listen anywhere podcasts are found.

Don’t Let Activists Spoil the Fun this Fair Season

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:25:45 GMT

As we move into fair season this year, there are so many reasons to be excited! It’s a time to get out and visit with friends and neighbors, eat delicious snacks, and celebrate the hard work that youth put into raising livestock for shows. As a member of the agricultural community, this is also an invaluable time to reach outside the bubble and engage with the public about agriculture and where our food comes from. However, there are often detractors attempting to sway public opinion and, in some cases, even protest these events.

In recent years, animal rights groups have been known to protest with a variety of tactics, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) bringing their “Hell on Wheels” vehicle to the fairgrounds. This initiative from PETA is a large truck that is meant to look like it is transporting pigs – it also claims to be loud, playing “the screams of panicked animals.” Last year, this truck made an appearance at several Midwest state fairs and is currently circling the U.S. with recent stops in Nebraska, Indiana and Illinois.

Other tactics seen at fairs and expos last year include animal rights groups handing out stickers and other pamphlets. It was reported that a group of animal rights supporters previously handed out what seemed like coupons to fair attendees. These coupons claimed to be for free fair food, like turkey legs and pulled pork sandwiches, but when you scanned the QR code, it would take you to a website in support of their vegan cause.

Fairs have also been the target of animal rights groups protesting birthing centers, specifically those highlighting pork production. While this is a great experience for fair attendees to potentially see piglets born up close (and the care that goes into this practice), animal rights groups have used this as an opportunity to protest sow housing and farrowing stalls.

Unfortunately, animal rights activist organizations see fairs as a major opportunity to spread misinformation about our industry and to diminish the great work done in the agricultural community. The good news? There are some steps fair organizers and exhibitors can take to keep security top of mind and keep the fun times rolling:

• All events should have a crisis plan outlining who should do what in various scenarios – protests, disruptions, etc. Crisis plans can also address natural disasters, accidents and other issues that may arise during the event. During this planning process, local law enforcement should be consulted about how to handle activist activity at fairs.

• Keep an eye out for suspicious activity: people carrying signs or other protest materials, someone taking a strange amount of photos/videos or recording with their phone (livestreaming is a common practice), individuals asking very direct questions, etc. Report any concerns immediately to fair management.

• Avoid confrontation. Activists want attention – please avoid giving it to them. Keep your cool and let law enforcement or event management handle any issues.

I hope that this is truly a great fair season for everyone and that you don’t let the actions of animal rights groups stand in the way of this great opportunity to interact with the public and share what truly supports pig farming in the U.S. – great farm families, starting with youth!

Abby Kornegay is the manager of issues and engagement for the Animal Agriculture Alliance.

Livestock Expert Urges Youth to Follow Biosecurity Practices Before and After Fair

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:46:54 GMT

A Kansas State University livestock specialist is urging youth and others showing animals at local fairs to take the time to make sure that those animals remain safe – both at the fair and during transportation.

Joel DeRouchey said youth and others associated with showing animals should have basic biosecurity practices in place to prevent the spread of diseases between animals, and to contain the sickness when it occurs.

According to DeRouchey, swine can spread some pathogens quickly amongst themselves. He advises those showing swine to look for symptoms before, during and after fair season.

“If your pig begins to cough, has a loose stool or isn’t eating, it is important to consult a veterinarian on a treatment plan to help cure and prevent the spread of the sickness,” he said.

DeRouchey said maintaining biosecurity at the fair can be hard with multiple showmen bringing hogs together. He said a common practice using something solid -- such as a wood or plastic board inside of the pens -- to prevent the hogs from making nose to nose contact, which is one way in which disease is spread.

According to Derouchey, “If you’re bringing your livestock back home from the fair, you need to have in place a plan to protect other animals not taken to the show.”

“Isolation is the primary way to prevent bringing sicknesses home to your (non-fair) animals,” he said. “If you do not have a separate area to isolate your (fair animals), then separate the hogs that were at the fair in a separate part of the barn from the others.”

Another way to prevent spreading sickness includes cleaning and disinfecting equipment that was taken to the fair, or used frequently at the farm. DeRouchey said sickness can also be carried on clothes and shoes, so making sure to thoroughly clean clean and change clothing can prevent sickness.

If you do have a sick animal, it is important not to spread it to the other pigs,” said DeRouchey, who encourages youth to become certified by a program known as YQCA, or Youth for the Quality Care of Animals.

Why Keystone Cooperative is Investing in the Stock Show Industry

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:31:27 GMT

When it comes to hiring employees, Keystone Cooperative, Inc., looks for three core competencies: customer focus, drive for results and teamwork. The company says it is finding its next generation of employees within organizations like the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).

“We talk a lot at Keystone about these core competencies, and you definitely must have all three if you’re going to be successful in the show ring,” says Nathan Hedden, vice president of swine and animal nutrition at Keystone. “You have to work hard at home and that will end up bringing the other three competencies along.”

Keystone is a farmer-owned cooperative with roots that go back to 1927, Hedden explains. Based in Indianapolis, Ind., the company operates in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan.

“We have 2,000 employees at Keystone across four different divisions: agronomy, energy, grain, swine and animal nutrition,” Hedden says. “It really made sense for us to partner with NJSA. When we think about talent, we want to be the employer of choice in the Midwest, not just in agriculture, but across all different industries. We see this as the next talent pool to continue to grow Keystone.”

(Legacy Livestock Imaging)

During the National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville, Ky., Keystone representatives were on site watching the show and meeting young people from all over the country.

More than 600 exhibitors from 28 states brought 1,324 pigs to the event, says Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry.

“One of the things that was the most exciting for me was asking how many of new families were in the crowd at our opening ceremonies,” Zwilling says. “Probably a third of the crowd raised their hands. It really heeds to the passion people have for this industry and the excitement of the long-term engagement and sustainability of our side of the business for young families that are coming in and getting engaged.”

(Jennifer Shike)

Molding Leaders
NJSA is focused on developing the next generation of leaders for the pork industry, Zwilling says.

“It’s been really exciting to watch this grow and blossom and be able to connect really talented young people back into the pork industry,” Zwilling says. “The number of new employees and tenured employees at Keystone that have come through the junior livestock project, and specifically NJSA, is incredible.”

The core competencies that Hedden looks for align with NJSA’s focus, he adds.

“It’s incredible to watch little kids that we’ve got to encourage to break out of their shell go on to have success in the show ring and ultimately come back to the industry as talented leaders,” Zwilling says. “I think this alignment makes a ton of sense. I’m very excited about the future and appreciate the support of people willing to help invest in these kids.”

It’s A Big Industry
The stockmanship skills youth learn raising and showing pigs is another reason Keystone was drawn to support this youth swine program.

“We have 282 sites across the Midwest where we raise pigs today, working with an independent farmer who is actually taking care of those pigs,” Hedden explains. “Well, as those farms have grown, we’ve seen a lot of those operations that haven’t had pigs or maybe haven’t had pigs for a while and haven’t kept up with the technology that’s available today, want to raise pigs again. If you can find employees with stockmanship skills that can stand in the gap and help them learn and develop that, that creates a huge competitive advantage for us.”

The pork industry is full of opportunities, Hedden adds. He’s committed to helping youth see that there is more waiting for them after they finish showing pigs.

“It doesn’t end at the end of your show career,” he says. “Find people that you can talk to, maybe even ride along with, to better understand what they do. That may help you find your passion for what you want to do next.”

Young Author Tackles Show Pig Journey in First Book: 'Bye-Bye Buddy'

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:53:06 GMT

It’s the time of the year that many stock show parents dread and struggle to talk about with their kids – the end of the show season.

That’s one of the reasons why 20-year-old Isabelle Doherty decided to write Bye-Bye Buddy, a book about the sensitive subject of saying goodbye to your show animals.

During a literacy class last year at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, she learned what it takes to make a good children’s book. An early childhood and special education major, she says she has always wanted to write a book about this topic because she thinks it could help kids.

“I’m not a writer, and I’m not an illustrator,” Doherty says. “But I knew this was a topic that needed to be talked about and that kids needed something to look at when they’re having to say goodbye to their best friends.”

Bye-Bye Buddy is written and illustrated by Isabelle Doherty.

(Jennifer Shike)

For Alex Bobell, a 10-year-old show pig exhibitor from Illinois, that’s one of the things she appreciates about the book.

“I love this book!” Bobell says. “It showed me that I am not the only one who gets sad when I have to say good-bye to my pigs at the end of the year. The pictures were also so good.”

Wravenna Bloomberg, a mother of four youth livestock exhibitors from Illinois, was one of the first to read Doherty’s book.

“What a sweet story depicting the bond between show pig and showman,” Bloomberg says. “The amount of time young exhibitors spend with their show animals creates a special relationship with memories far beyond that animal’s show career. I love how this story highlights this, while making it an easy read for young children.”

The Show Pig Journey
Doherty has been showing pigs since she was 3 years old. Her book explores the journey of the show pig project, including all of her own illustrations.

Isabelle Doherty reads her book, “Bye-Bye Buddy,” at a special event during the Team Purebred National Junior Show in Springfield, Ill.

(Showpig.com)

“The process of writing this book was difficult because I had to teach myself everything,” she says. “I couldn’t have done it without my parents and my family. I did not show them the book until it was finished, though. I wanted it to be something special and get the reaction when it was done and when it was printed.”

Her parents have served as her inspiration throughout her show career and the development of this book, Doherty points out.

“The show pig industry has been my life,” she says. “Now, it’s not every piece of my life, because there’s a bigger world out there. But what we take from this industry can help us impact that bigger world.”

Although she isn’t pursuing an agriculture-related degree, she believes the foundation she’s developed in agriculture will impact all of the children she meets in her future classrooms.

“I can’t wait to spread the love from this industry and what it has taught me to my future students,” Doherty says.

Of all the lessons she’s learned in the show ring, she hopes the industry will remember that the youth show industry is not about the breeders, feeders or fitters.

“This is about the kids,” she says. “We need to stay on track to that by placing value on showmanship and the contests, too. It is not about the place you get in class. That’s what’s so important about this industry and what it has taught me.”

Don’t Let Them Go: We Need to Try Harder to Keep Them in the Swine Industry

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:14:34 GMT

It makes sense why we struggle to find people to come back to the farm and put in long, hard days working with livestock. It’s not easy. People don’t understand what it’s all about. With more and more generations removed from the family farm, the pool of potential employees continues to shrink.

There is no question that visa programs are making a big difference. But I believe the swine industry is missing opportunities by not investing more into the next generation of kids who simply love pigs.

The pork industry needs to recruit kids when they are young to help them realize there are lots of opportunities for kids who like working with pigs.

(Jennifer Shike)

I’ve spent the last month on the road watching hardworking, driven, talented young people chase big dreams – and contrary to what some may think, they aren’t just dreams about banners. They are dreaming about so much more because of the opportunities the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred are providing to gain knowledge, develop leadership skills and explore career opportunities.

They Know How to Work
For Nathan Hedden, vice president of swine and animal nutrition at Keystone Cooperative, Inc., there’s no better place to find his future work force.

Youth participate in the first Foundations of Flavor Cooking Contest at the National Junior Summer Spectacular.

(Kyle Knauth)

“We don’t just see young people in the NJSA—we see our future. These youth bring grit, passion and a work ethic that mirrors our values,” says Nathan Hedden, vice president of swine and animal nutrition at Keystone Cooperative. “These kids know how to work. That’s why we’re fully invested—not only in their success, but in building a pipeline of leaders who will shape the future of agriculture, protein production and beyond.”

It’s easy to discredit things you don’t understand. I am excited to see more commercial swine producers and industry partners engage with these kids who have a passion for the swine industry.

One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is your time and attention. Merck Animal Health’s Dr. Abby Redalin and Eric Fugate offers insight to a junior exhibitor at The Exposition.

(Legacy Livestock Imaging)

Give Them a Chance
It’s not hard to find stories of incredible leaders who found their path to the pork industry because of youth programs. Paul Ayers shares how a hands-on activity during a Pork Quality Assurance training session years ago sparked his curiosity and inspired a career as the animal care programs manager for The Maschhoffs today in a recent column .

(Country View Family Farms)

For Courtney Case, our newest Barn Hero, managing a 5,000-sow farm for Country View Family Farms wasn’t on her radar as a city kid. But through 4-H, she was exposed to showing pigs where she uncovered a passion for working with animals. This led her to pursue a degree in animal science at Delaware Valley University and an internship that changed her life. Read her story here.

We need more Courtneys and Pauls. Their stories show what can happen when we pass on our passion to others.

Say Yes
My son’s favorite part of competing in the speaking and skill-a-thon contests offered at these shows is interacting with swine breeders and industry leaders. From the outside, it might look like a group of people evaluating his knowledge, but it is more than that. It is a group of people encouraging and pointing to the pork industry with every question they presented him to figure out.

Their time made a difference.

Kyle Crowder, an Indiana pork producer and member of the Indiana Pork board of directors, facilitates a station in the skillathon contest at The Exposition.

(OG Media)

We can’t fix this problem by talking about it. We’ve got to do something. If you aren’t sure where to start, check with your local 4-H program. Volunteer to judge projects or be an official at a local judging contest. Ask the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred organizations if they need financial support or help with the contests.

The worst thing we can do is let them go without trying to keep them.

Lighting the Spark: Why Investing in Youth Is Vital to the Future of the Swine Industry

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:25:11 GMT

By Paul Ayers

What was your spark?

For many of us, our path into the swine industry wasn’t forged by accident. It was ignited by a spark that lit out passion for agriculture. In 4-H, a “spark” is defined as something that gives a young person’s life purpose, direction and meaning. It’s the thing that excites them, challenges them and keeps them coming back for more.

For me, that spark came from a local 4-H extension agent who challenged me to get involved in swine projects. I still remember a hands-on activity during a Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) training session in which he made complex concepts feel real and relevant. That experience didn’t just teach me about pigs – it sparked my curiosity and inspired me to pursue a career in swine production.

Recently, I had the chance to lead a similar PQA activity with our local 4-H youth. Watching their curiosity grow, I couldn’t help but hope it might light a spark for them the way it once did for me.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders
Our industry’s future depends on people – innovators, caretakers, leaders – and they don’t appear overnight. They’re developed through early exposure, guidance and mentorship. Programs like 4-H and FFA teach far more than animal care; they instill responsibility, leadership and resilience. But these programs only thrive when adults invest time and energy into them.

That’s why I’m proud to work at The Maschhoffs, where our purpose is “feeding families and building communities.” That purpose isn’t just a tagline, it’s something we live out every day. One of the ways we do that is by giving every employee a paid volunteer day to support causes they’re passionate about. For many of us, that means showing up for youth in agriculture. Whether that’s mentoring a local 4-H’er or volunteering at a fair, we all can be the spark for someone else.

A Call to Action: Be the Spark
So here’s my challenge to you: think about who sparked your interest in this industry. Reach out and thank them. Then, pay it forward. Volunteer at a youth livestock show, speak to a local ag class, or invite a young person to your farm. Even the smallest gesture can make a lifelong impact.

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. The future of pork production doesn’t just lie in our genetics or technology; it lies in the hearts and hands of the next generation. Let’s make sure they find their spark.

Paul Ayers is the animal care programs manager for The Maschhoffs.

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