Latest News From Young Farmers

Some say he’s single-handedly changed the Brazilian beef industry. Others say he’s changed their life. No matter how you look at it, Professor Zequinha is a game-changer.

Aryeri Bardales knew graduate school in the U.S. wouldn't be easy, but she believed it was the best chance for her to find her niche in the pork industry. Here's how she's working to improve pig livability.

How can next-generation boar sperm analysis address the current shortcomings in sperm quality assessment? Iowa State University grad student Ian Shofner is exploring how artificial intelligence can help.

It’s easy to make assumptions about what others think, but recent research funded by the Indiana Pork Producers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance proves it’s always better to go to the source itself.

When Cameron Swallows heard his sister crying, he knew he had a big problem to solve.

It’s a bond that’s hard to put into words. Not only do these four young leaders share an unmistakable connection and friendship that ties directly to purpose, but they have a way of selflessly putting each other first.

Summer Doty hasn’t saved anyone from a burning building or led an army into battle. She hasn’t jumped into the path of an oncoming train. Still, the work she does at Islercrest Farms is proof not all heroes wear capes. 

The classic American meal of meat, potatoes and vegetables was fused with Japanese ingredients to win over judges at this year’s student Taste competition, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association on Monday. 

It’s cold, windy and rather dreary in central Illinois today. But when I looked at the calendar, I had to smile despite my not-so-inspiring surroundings. Here’s why. 

Restaurant chain’s new initiative recognizes outstanding FFA members, offers prizes and educational opportunities. Here's how FFA members can get involved.

When people ask what made Winter National a success, I'm quick to say it was not the numbers, format, or lack of complaints. It was simply the smile on the next generation’s faces as they took pride in their livestock.

Lilly Bru of Gladbrook was named the 2024 Iowa Pork Queen during the Iowa Pork Congress. She will be joined by Abby Elsamiller and Aubrey Johnson to serve on the Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team.

Celebrating a shared passion for agriculture, 13 students from eight states met at The Maschhoffs in Carlyle, Ill., for its 6th Annual Leadership Experience Externship. 

There's just something about the bond between youth exhibitors and their livestock. Stories of triumph, resilience, accountability and work ethic are some of the themes woven into 2023's top stock show stories.

What started with an eagerness for a hands-on learning experience in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, ended with a new passion and opportunity for Carlie Rogers, a first-gen college student.

“Schillinger Farms is Prop 12 compliant in California.” Messages like this are popping up on social media as show pig producers who’ve become Proposition 12 certified prepare to sell show pigs in California in 2024.

I’ll never forget my first 4-H speaking experience. It wasn’t very pleasant, and if I’m honest, tears were shed. But I survived. I learned. I gained confidence. I moved on. I got better, and that’s what I love about 4-H.

Oklahoma State University student Alexis Main and Les Voyageurs, a Louisiana State University club, took home the top prizes in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program.

The best day of his judging career, only four points shy of a 50-year-old record, will be how John Reaves of Spring, Texas, remembers being named high individual at the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

Seeing the anticipation, excitement and hope that our youth have for this season of life reminds me of their optimism and zest for the future, says National Pork Board's Brett Kaysen.

Davis Howell is the first to admit winning the 2023 National FFA Swine Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award is still a bit of a blur. 

Do you know any graduate students who are passionate about the pork industry? If so, encourage them to apply for the 2024 Real Pork Scholars program. Applications are now available for the 2024 cohort.

When I opened the door, my jaw dropped. Despite what every mother in her right mind would be tempted to do in that moment, I paused when I saw her black heels in the middle of the mess.

A pig showman, golfer and FFA officer, Paizlee Hardin was a happy high school sophomore. But on March 15, her life as she knew it changed when she began experiencing “crazy symptoms” and lost her ability to walk.

The Butler Community College Livestock Judging team was named high team overall in a tight to the top of the junior collegiate contest at the 2023 North American International Livestock Exposition.

A large crowd gathered for the 4-H Livestock Contests results at the North American International Livestock Exposition on Nov. 15 in Louisville, Ky. Here are the winners in livestock judging, skillathon and quiz bowl.

Livestock judging changed the direction of Dale Hummel and Ryan Rash's lives, opening up opportunities they never saw coming. They share 5 tips on how to score better in the reasons room.

It's all about education in the classroom, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra told Agritalk host Chip Flory. Last week, Feenstra, alongside U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, introduced the Future FARMER Act.

It's not easy to be an award-winning FFA advisor, but Riley Hintzsche of Streator Township High School in Illinois, makes it look that way. Here's one of his secrets and how that's making an impact on the pork industry.

Zack Peppmeier is using image processing algorithms to help evaluate and select market and breeding swine. This could aid in genetic selection, saving the producer on labor and increasing a herd's genetic potential.

Years ago, our 4-H club started a tradition of honoring its senior members during 4-H Week with a display sign in their hometown. I knew my daughter Olivia’s sign was coming.

Naomi Gretter, Kari Berg and Sky Hahn share a lot in common: teaching, motherhood and pig farming. Here's why they quit their jobs and opened up a coffee truck in a quest to stop the "crazy life" and "grow slow."

In a world where more and more young people are glued to electronic devices and missing out on community, FFA offers connection, hands-on learning and adult mentors to invest in their lives. 

Although there’s nothing like getting the grand champion slap in front of a huge crowd in the coliseum, youth livestock exhibitors point out that a lot of hard work and tough lessons were learned behind the scenes first.

From lactose alternatives to the effects of varying feed intake levels during early gestation when sows are housed in a free-access housing setting, Rafe Royall is on a mission to improve profitability for pig farmers.

One may argue teenagers have a lot of learning left to do, but I could argue they are wiser than they get credit for. After all, they are in a period of life where they hear a lot of advice from well-meaning people.

Caitlyn Wileman, an Iowa State University Ph.D. student, is studying the changes in the microbiome of the pig and its manure when fed different levels of soybean meal. Here's why she's an up-and-coming leader to know.

“Is this a buffalo?” asked a young 20-ish fairgoer as he stood before the Grand Champion Market Steer in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. He looked at me – dead serious – awaiting my response.

From consumer preferences to labor, the challenges are stacked for the next generation of swine enthusiasts entering the pork industry. Despite the obstacles, five Ph.D. students share their optimism and viewpoints. 

Dalton Obermier works to develop novel phenotypes available for genetic selection in hopes of speeding up genetic progress towards feed efficiency and conversion by utilizing the NUtrack livestock monitoring system.

Missouri youth had the opportunity to show off their swine knowledge and evaluation skills on Aug. 10-11 during the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. 

We try to be good parents by setting boundaries for our kids. We want to raise decent humans who are kind, make good choices and respect others. But let’s be real. During fair week, that all goes out the window.

Just in time for school to start, in the midst of the Illinois State Fair, students across the state will no longer be penalized for participating in a 4-H or FFA event.

If we are being honest, showing livestock is for crazy people. Late nights, early mornings and little time for social lives. But I think most stock show families would agree they live for summer to do just that.

A wheelchair didn’t stop Joel from showing a pig at the state fair. He was one of many kids with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who made a debut in the show ring during the “Breaking Boundaries” Pig Show.

A heat wave that's smashed records in the Southwest is spreading into the Midwest and Northeast this week. Unfortunately, it's the peak of county fair season for many and the daunting forecast has exhibitors concerned. 

“I want you to know the importance of the people you allow into your life,” Ray Perryman said. “The company you keep has absolutely everything to do with where you end up. Be careful who you allow into your life.”

2023 FFAR Vet Fellow Lauren Nicole Cromwell of the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be studying swine pain management. 

The U.S. pork industry has a plan to help keep foreign animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF) out of the country, but it requires everyone in the pork industry to do their part.

Bridging the gap between the youth show ring experience and production ag is crucial for creating a pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable individuals who can contribute to the ag industry, says Rebecca Keel Stack.