Young Farmers

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.”

Who Brought Home the Top NPPC Scholarships?

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:22:44 GMT

The National Pork Producers Council announced 10 recipients of the 2026 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship as well as one Neil Dierks Scholarship winner, and four inaugural U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE) Swine Legacy Scholarship winners during the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, Mo.

“These young leaders represent the very best of our industry’s future,” says Duane Stateler, outgoing NPPC president and Ohio pork producer. “At Forum each year, we are reminded the strength of U.S. pork is not only in our farms and businesses but in the people who are stepping up to serve it. Their work ethic, integrity, and commitment to agriculture give me great confidence in where we are headed. NPPC is proud to support them as they carry this industry forward.”

Sponsored in partnership with CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), the scholarships recognize exceptional students preparing for careers in the U.S. pork industry.

“We have proudly supported NPPC and its commitment to the pork industry and its next generation of leaders through the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship since 1990,” says John Ricci, managing director and global head of agricultural products at CME Group.

(NPPC
)

Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship

The 2026 winners of the $2,500 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship are:
Trell Amoss — Oklahoma State University
Elizabeth Anderson — Iowa State University
Avah Burke — Pennsylvania State University
Jenna DeRouchey — Iowa State University
Halle Evans — Iowa State University
Georgia Horosky — Wilmington College
Drew Mickey — Kansas State University
Abigail Morse — South Dakota State University
Kylee Reed — Iowa State University
Joshua Wiley — Iowa State University

Sponsored by CME Group and NPIF, the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship is awarded to undergraduates in a two-year swine program or a four-year college of agriculture program.

(NPPC)

Neil Dierks Scholarship

The 2026 recipient of the $5,000 Neil Dierks Scholarship is Emma Zwart of Iowa State University.

Founded in 2021 and administered by NPIF, the Neil Dierks Scholarship is awarded to current or incoming graduate students in a swine-related program.

(NPPC)

USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship

New this year, the 2026 recipients of the inaugural $5,000 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship are:

Rebecca Brown — The Ohio State University
Jenna DeRouchey — Iowa State University
Kory Storm — South Dakota State University
Trell Amoss — Oklahoma State University

Administered by NPIF, the USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship was established in 2026 following the decision to sunset the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence after 20 years of service as a public-private partnership supporting the pork industry. Through a competitive proposal process, the organization’s remaining financial assets were granted to NPIF to create an endowed scholarship program. The scholarship supports students pursuing careers in research, education, or veterinary science with a focus on the swine industry, awarding one graduate or professional track student and three undergraduate students each year.

The Identity Trap: What You Do is Not Who You Are

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:56:49 GMT

I will never forget how helpless I felt on Jan. 24 when I watched my son stumble across the wrestling mat. He took two major blows to the head during a match – a sound I could hear from the top of the gym bleachers. As he struggled to orient himself, I felt like I was going to throw up.

In a matter of seconds, he was on his back convulsing with trainers at his side trying to take off his shoulder brace so he could breathe. Sweat poured off his body in a way no workout ever could have done.

I held my hand over my mouth and wailed, watching nearly 13 years of hard work, sacrifice and commitment get carried off the mat on a stretcher. I knew in my heart that this was not a “shake it off” moment as they raced him to the emergency room by ambulance.

By God’s grace, the X-ray of his neck was clear. He never lost consciousness. He answered his questions correctly. Minus the uncomfortable neck brace, within an hour, our son seemed a little drowsy, but normal. We were able to leave Loyola Hospital in Chicago later that day and made it home through the snow that night. With time and rest, he was expected to make a full recovery, but it just wasn’t enough time for his brain to heal to allow him to wrestle in his senior year state series starting a couple of days later.

As a parent, this was a pretty excruciating moment because for thousands of days, I watched this kid commit his whole heart to this sport – a three-time state qualifier who overcame a hip avulsion fracture suffered during his sophomore year during the state tournament, a car accident at the end of his junior season and a torn labrum in his shoulder just weeks after his senior season began. It seemed like all of that was enough. And yet the disappointment was not over.

If I can be honest, I’m angry. Not at anyone in particular, but I’m just angry at the way it played out for him. There is nothing worse than watching your kid hurt and not be able to fix it.

The following weekend of regionals was hard to sit through, though we absolutely wanted the best for his teammates. At church the next day, some friends we hadn’t seen in a while came up and talked to our son. I overheard him say, “Wrestling is something I do, it’s not who I am.”

Parallel Paths: From the Mat to the Ranch

Fast forward a few days to the Top Producer Summit where I listened to a powerful panel. Leaders of top companies in agriculture weighed in on a variety of thought-provoking topics, but one message stood out to me.

“All too often, we confuse what we do with who we are,” said Lamar Steiger with The 808 Ranch. “As farmers and ranchers, we are our job. It’s our identity. That was my problem as a young man.”

Steiger grew up on a dairy. High interest rates in the late 1970s made farming particularly challenging. When he was in his 20s, their family lost the dairy. After working so hard to make that operation work, Steiger took this as a deep personal failure.

“There was nothing I could do to save the dairy because outside forces were at hand. But it’s so hard for farmers and ranchers to separate that,” he said. “Looking back, I had depression for quite a while after that, but we didn’t talk about that then.”

When he was in his mid-30s, Steiger attempted suicide.

“I had to be removed totally from my working life and start completely over,” he shared. “I learned the hard way how to separate my identity from my role.”

Steiger said it wasn’t pretty, but he is grateful for how this time of his life changed him.

“When you come to the end of yourself, you look for something bigger and better. That’s worked out really good for me,” he said. “Being a rancher is cool to me, but it’s not who I am. I’m Lamar. I try my best and I fail. We have great successes and then we have some things that just don’t work out. But it’s not all my responsibility.”

There’s something so humbling about another person vulnerably sharing their story. We can learn so much from each other. All it takes is a willingness to share your story. Left unshared, our stories may only change us. But by sharing, we can help each other find our way through the very real burdens of life.

A Truth Worth Holding Onto

It’s easy to confuse your identity with what you do because it becomes such a big part of our lives. As another Shike kid closes one chapter and gets ready to start the next, I find myself confusing who I am with my role as a mom. I’m not sure what life looks like without Saturday wrestling tournaments and late nights posting photos of our wrestlers.

As I sat there at Top Producer Summit, I kept hearing my son’s voice in my head saying, “Wrestling is something I do, it’s not who I am.”

He’s only 17 and has a lot of life to live, but I’m grateful he recognizes this truth. I know there will be times when he will be tempted to measure his worth by his performance. But I believe when we get honest and share these stories, we can help one another avoid the mistake of confusing what we do with who we are.

10 Quotable Moments from The PORK Podcast

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:41:31 GMT

The conversations that take place on The PORK Podcast are some of the highlights of my year. I don’t take the honesty, vulnerability and wisdom shared for granted. Here are some of my favorites (there were too many to list) in case you missed them.

“If my dad was in a crowded room, he would look around for the person nobody was talking to, the person sitting by themselves. And that’s where he would go sit. He always said, ‘Everybody’s got a story, and most of them are pretty darn good.’” — Scott Hays in Episode 20, “ If the Pigs Do Well, We Do Well ”

“I don’t want my child to go through the same sort of struggles that that I went through. I want to be sure that when he grows up, he is in a world where he can have the freedom to eat whatever he wants to eat, have the freedom to go to a grocery store and have those products available when needed.” — Maria Zieba in Episode 19, “ Fighting for Certainty in Uncertain Times ”

“We don’t give up very easily, and that can cause us to have a blind spot at times. Don’t let the passion and pride that are our biggest strengths turn into a potential weakness by causing that blind spot. We’ve got to know and anticipate that a slight deviation in course is necessary at times to continue to make us sustainable. Fighting that course correction could be somebody’s downfall or take you down a path that that you weren’t expecting or intending.” — Josh Maschhoff in Episode 21, “The Next Generation of the Pork Industry”

“I remember a friend sending me this reminder: If not, he is still good. Sometimes things don’t go how we want, and even if that’s the case, I believe God works all things for his good.” — Maddie Hokanson in Episode 32, “ Focus on Your Why ”

“Don’t be afraid to be the only person like yourself in the room.” — Lori Stevermer in Episode 16, “ Don’t Be Afraid to Be You ”

“If you’ve ever watched Yellowstone, that show creeped me out,” Wiley says. “When I saw the family dynamic portrayed, it made me uncomfortable. We can have our disagreements. But, as a family, you better have each other’s backs out in the community, especially in the business we’re in.” — Todd Wiley in Episode 34, “ Avoid Yellowstone Drama When Transferring the Family Farm ”

“Live in the moment because it goes by incredibly fast. 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.” — Olivia Shike in Episode 27, “ Livestock, Leadership and the Next Generation ”

“I always felt like I had to take calculated risks in judging. I was willing to give up a point here or there to try to score big. I think that it’s probably the entrepreneurial R&D piece of me. I think in life, when you’re chasing greatness, you’ve got to take some calculated risks.” — Doug Hankes in Episode 14, “ Weighing the Odds ”

“Without her, it would have not worked at all.” — Rob Brenneman in Episode 26, “ The Gas Pedal and the Brakes ”

“What are your big things? What is most important for you as a family? 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.” — Emily Spray in Episode 24, “ The Truth About Stock Show Moms ”

You can also subscribe to The PORK Podcast on YouTube or anywhere podcasts are found so you don’t miss an episode!

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

From Manatees to Pigs: Sara Williams Finds a Future in Pork Industry

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:36:28 GMT

Meet Sara Williams, our latest addition to Farm Journal’s PORK’s Up & Coming Leaders feature. We are showcasing some of the fresh, new voices of the pork industry who combine innovative thought and work ethic with scientific savvy and a passion to make a difference.

Age: 24
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Eckerd College; Master’s degree from University of Minnesota; Pursuing DVM at University of Guelph – Ontario Veterinary College
Hometown: Northbrook, Ill.

Q. How did you become interested in pursuing a career in the swine industry?
A. I became interested in swine after meeting farmers and agricultural professionals while volunteering as an undergraduate student. I learned about challenges with herd medicine and assorted topics in the agricultural community. I wanted to explore more in the agricultural and swine world after my bachelor’s, which led to a master’s program in animal science.

Q. Describe your internship experiences.
A. I was an agriculture and swine intern at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minn in the summer of 2023. I assisted in swine nutrition and welfare research projects, aided in the daily care and maintenance of swine, and participated in the planning and implementation of outreach activities.

I also had a veterinary internship with Carthage Veterinary Services in Carthage, Ill., during the summer of 2024. I collected biological samples to perform assorted diagnostic veterinary tests, conducted swine research regarding the physiological effects of Meloxicam on wean-to-estrous interval, and assisted swine veterinarians and farm managers in swine health and production activities.

Q. Describe your undergraduate research experiences.
A. During my undergraduate studies at Eckerd College, I collaborated with Dr. Ray Ball, DVM, on a research project focused on developing innovative treatments for manatees suffering from cold stress.

Q. Describe other swine-related experiences.
A. Growing up near Chicago before moving to Florida, I didn’t have exposure to 4-H or FFA activities. In fact, I had never interacted with pigs before starting my master’s. Once I moved to Minnesota, I embraced every opportunity to engage in swine-related experiences.

Q. Tell us about your current studies.
A. I recently completed my master’s degree, researching the effects of a feed sanitizer and a feed additive on reproductive performance and microbiome of sows and piglets. We believe this work could shed novel insights into the relationship between diet modifications and the microbiome of sows pre and post farrowing.

Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. One of the greatest challenges for my generation entering the swine industry is attracting and integrating young people who do not have a traditional background in agriculture or swine production. Personally, I am one of those individuals. Initially, it was quite daunting to navigate this industry without the conventional experience. However, I believe that by embracing new ideas and perspectives, we can foster growth and innovation within the industry, making it more accessible and appealing to a diverse generation.

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

2026 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship Applications Open

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:56:20 GMT

The National Pork Producers Council is accepting applications for the 2026 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship. Each year, ten $2,500 scholarships are awarded to college students preparing for careers in the pork industry and aspiring to become future industry leaders. The program is made possible through support from CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation.

“The future of our industry depends on the passion and commitment of the next generation,” Duane Stateler, NPPC president and pork producer from McComb, Ohio, says. “This scholarship is about more than financial support. It is about encouraging young people to pursue their goals and providing opportunities for them to grow into the leaders our industry and communities will need in the years ahead.”

Undergraduate students enrolled in a two-year swine program or a four-year college of agriculture are eligible to apply. Applicants will be evaluated on an essay addressing current or future issues facing the pork industry and offering potential solutions. Scholarship recipients will be announced in late January and recognized at the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, Missouri, March 4-6, 2026.

Established in 1990 by CME Group and NPPC, the scholarship honors Lois Britt, a former director on the NPPC board and lifelong champion of agriculture. Britt dedicated 34 years to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and later spent 15 years with Smithfield Hog Production in public and government relations. Her contributions earned her induction into both the NPPC Pork Industry Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Pork Council Hall of Fame, as well as the North Carolina 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award.

The application deadline for this year is Dec. 12. Full eligibility and application requirements can be found here .

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

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

Breaking Boundaries Event Helps All Kids Shine in the Pig Show Ring

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 22:38:17 GMT

An inclusive event at the Ohio State Fair offers participants between the ages of 9 and 22 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to shine inside the swine show arena.

This is the third annual Breaking Boundaries Pig Show, which is presented by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC).

Dozens of youth mentors from across the state, who are part of OPC’s OH-PIGS swine exhibition program, are paired with a Breaking Boundaries participant. These mentors offer individualized and appropriate instructions on how to care for, handle, and show a pig in front of a live audience of supporters, guest judges, and the show’s emcee, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge.

“We’re so thrilled to have these special youth and their families come out and be a part of this program each year,” says Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS director. “We are also so proud of youth mentors who truly want to serve in this role to be able to bond with these youth who can often be the same age. It just shows how much the pig community cares.”

Youth from across Ohio participated in the third-annual Breaking Boundaries show at the Ohio State Fair, presented by the Ohio Pork Council. Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President (in blue shirt center), was surrounded by the excited youth mentors and participants along with key supporters, such as Nathan Shroeder, OPC President, and Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS Director (both back right).

(Ohio Pork Council)

Echoing this sentiment is Ava Genter, an OH-PIGS mentor, she sums up her feelings on behalf of her peers.

“This program highlights how agriculture, and the pork industry in particular, has a strong sense of community,” she says. “It’s comforting to know that we all look out for each other, including new friends. Breaking Boundaries allows us to demonstrate this and show others that we’re here to support them no matter the circumstances. We’re here to cheer them on and give them the resources they need to succeed.”

Mentors and their families from the OH-PIGS program provide the event’s show pigs and share knowledge and expertise during their time with the youth participants.

It’s an opportunity for Ohio pig farming families to give back to their communities.

“It’s just a true honor to be in the show arena with these special young people and everyone who is giving of their time and talents to make a difference to these families,” says Cheryl Day, OPC executive vice president. “We’re incredibly pleased to bring this to the state fair each year and bring some true joy to people.”

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.

Your Next Read: Show Pig Exhibitors: Future Talent the U.S. Pork Industry Needs

Somewhere in the Middle’s Just Fine

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:34:15 GMT

My wife and I are naturally very competitive people. Our daughters Ella and Rose have tried a wide variety of activities throughout elementary and middle school, but the two they are the most excited about are 4-H and softball. Our evenings and weekends are packed with meetings, practices, games and working with show pigs.

Both girls play softball, and Ella joined her first travel team a year ago. Ella has shown pigs for about eight years and Rose has had the chance to exhibit some of those in showmanship. Currently, Rose is preparing the first barrow of her own for the Florida National Barrow Show in September. Soon, she will be picking out pigs for the Florida State Fair and our county fair in Spring 2026. Playing softball and showing pigs are activities that our girls enjoy, and my wife and I are excited to help them pursue their interests.

Ella joined her first travel softball team last fall as a 12-year-old playing on a 14-and-under team. Her inexperience playing at this level combined with being one of the youngest players on the team meant she was drinking from a firehose. Ella worked hard, learned to take critique and direction, and was a starting player this past spring. Most of her teammates complemented travel softball with school softball and a few other interests.

Both my wife and I exhibited pigs, and both of our dads raised pigs while we were growing up. Our girls have been showing pigs since 2018 with modest success, but we have not won a class at a national show or even had the county fair grand champion. We have more swine experience and knowledge than most county fair families, but we don’t have a 12-pen trailer and we work within a defined budget.

This spring our older daughter played 44 softball games, nine of which were lost by eight or more runs and eight of which were won by eight or more runs, analogous to playing college teams or marginal rec league teams. A good friend pointed out that there is no longer a middle ground -- today’s culture is all or nothing. I see this in the college students I teach. Parents have children specialize in extracurricular activities at a very young age, to such a level they minimize the well-rounded, jack-of-all-trades, master of none, ideology.

It is unlikely that my daughters will become Division I athletes or win a national swine show. However, my wife and I aim to raise winners both on and off the field and in and outside the ring. Softball and showing pigs serve as awesome opportunities to improve grit, confidence, work ethic, problem solving and leadership skills. In the last year, we’ve seen these skills in action as our girls have chased their interests and strived to improve every day. While winning a game or the county fair would be great, we are acutely aware of the long-term benefits that our daughters will develop through striving to improve every day.

My wife and I want to compete at a high level, but within reason (even though I’m still trying to convince my wife to purchase a nicer trailer!). Parenting is obviously a hard job, but it is absolutely one of the greatest joys in life. By supporting our girls’ interests in the middle while keeping the focus on life skills, we can raise exceptional young leaders that will make an impact on whatever careers they pursue.

Carr is a meat scientist at the University of Florida.

Here’s What Hofschulte Genetics Did When Facebook Shut Down Their Business Page

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:10:54 GMT

In 2019, Facebook unexpectedly shut down Hofschulte Genetics’ business page. In one second, years of audience-building and customer relationships were lost for Chris and Kaitlyn Hofschulte, showpig breeders in Miami, Okla.

“We soon realized we weren’t alone,” Kaitlyn Hofschulte says. “Breeders and farmers across the country were being censored or losing access to their communities due to Facebook’s policies prohibiting the sale of animals, especially live ones, on Marketplace and business pages.”

(Provided by Chris and Kaitlyn Hofschulte)

Instead of giving up on the idea of building community and increasing the reach of their business on a social platform, the Hofschultes developed an ag-friendly alternative app, StockLink, that lets producers sell livestock and genetics without fear of pages or posts being removed.

“The livestock industry needs an app like StockLink because we do not have a social media platform that is safe to market our livestock and products,” she says. “Most platforms are anti-ag and do not want to see us succeed – making it against their rules for us to speak freely on selling livestock and any animal product.”

StockLink will be available in Apple and Google stores mid/late July.

(StockLink)

During The Exposition in Indianapolis on June 9-12, the Hofschultes launched a preview of StockLink for the show pig industry.

“The response was unbelievable at the Exposition,” Hofschulte says. “We had tons of people and businesses reaching out to us asking how they could be one of the first to access the app.”

StockLink will be available in Apple and Google stores mid/late July. While general users of StockLink can browse, buy and connect for free, if you are a breeder, ranch/farm, ag business, etc., Hofschulte says you’ll be able to download and upgrade to a StockLink Pro account for $21.99/a month.

“With the pro account you will be able to have a visible business profile that you can customize, create general and marketplace posts and connect with potential customers,” Hofschulte explains. “If you’re a buyer or interested in the industry you will have a free general account that is hidden that lets you follow businesses, favorite posts to go back to see later, publicly comment and like, and message.”

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, Hofschulte adds.

“This is an app designed for livestock producers, by livestock producers,” she says. “Let’s get away from anti-ag platforms that do not want us to succeed and switch to an app that will link our livestock industry together.”

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Association Headlines: State Pork News You Need to Know

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:30:43 GMT

State pork associations are keeping busy this summer. Here’s a round-up of some of the big headlines.

(Indiana Pork)

Indiana Pork Unveils 2025 Indiana State Fair Taste of the Fair: “Hog and Slaw”
Indiana Pork announces the official “Taste of the Fair” of the 2025 Indiana State Fair: the Hog and Slaw – a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich topped with creamy coleslaw and served on a soft bun.

According to Indiana Pork, the Hog and Slaw shows off the versatility of pork. It combines tender, slow-cooked pulled pork with the crunch and tang of fresh coleslaw. The result is a flavor-packed, fair-ready sandwich that’s equal parts comfort food and delicious, the organization said in a release.

“This sandwich is a delicious addition to our menu of popular pork items,” Jeanette Merritt, director of communications at Indiana Pork, said in a release. “We wanted to create something simple, hearty, and fun! The Hog and Slaw delivers on all fronts.”

The Hog and Slaw will be available exclusively at the Indiana Pork Tents throughout the 2025 Indiana State Fair, running August 1–17 (closed on Mondays) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Learn more at www.indianapork.org .

(Ohio Pork Council)

Ohio’s Pig Farmers Help Ease Protein Gap in Northeast Ohio
Although 1 in 7 people in northeast Ohio are food insecure, Ohio’s pig farmers are helping to ease their protein needs by making another donation this summer of $5,000 of nutritious pork to be distributed by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GFCB), the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) shared in a release.

“This is truly a partnership that we are so fortunate to continue each year with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank,” Nathan Schroeder, OPC president and farmer from Leipsic, Ohio, said in a release. “We know the need for high-quality protein is especially high right now, so we’re pleased to do a small part to help fill the gap that exists and help out fellow Ohioans.”

By providing over 54 million pounds of food and serving more than 424,000 individuals during FY24, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is committed to supporting individuals who are facing food insecurity across Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Richland counties. In addition, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank provided assistance to nearly 39,000 individuals, helping them sign up for SNAP benefits and other resources.

Two Missouri Youth Awarded 2025 Youth Pork Institute Scholarships
The 2025 University of Missouri Youth Pork Institute, sponsored by the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the Missouri Pork Association, was held June 9 through June 11 in Columbia.

Students toured the Mizzou campus and attended several educational sessions focused on areas such as biosecurity, pork processing, nutrition, breeding and market hog evaluation, meat evaluation, biomedical pigs, ultra sounding, and artificial insemination. According to Missouri Pork, the students were also introduced to a variety of career opportunities within the pork industry and an overview of cooking pork with a chef.

At the end of the three-day long institute, students took an exam covering all the information learned. The top two scoring students were each awarded a scholarship.

Keenan Kleiboeker of Stotts City, Mo., and Eli Rajawitz of Dixon, Mo., each received a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia as long as they enter with an agriculture-based major upon completion of high school, Missouri Pork said.

Iowa Pork Producers Association Welcomes 2025 Summer Interns
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) welcomed two Iowa State University students as summer interns. Alley Odland of Webster City, Iowa, will gain hands-on experience in promotions and communications, while Josh Wiley of Walker, Iowa, will gain hands-on experience in outreach and legislative engagement as part of IPPA’s efforts to support future leaders in the pork industry. Both interns plan to continue careers in agriculture after graduation.

Odland, a junior majoring in animal science with a swine certificate, is serving as the promotions and outreach intern. Throughout the summer, she will assist with county pork promotions, help coordinate the Bacon Buddies program, and contribute to IPPA’s presence at summer grilling events across the state. She is also playing a key role in preparing the farrowing display in the Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fair.

Wiley, also a junior in animal science, is serving as IPPA’s legislative intern. His internship begins with a five-week stay in Washington, D.C., where he is working closely with lawmakers and policy advisors. There, he is gaining insight into the legislative process, especially as it relates to agricultural policy and its impact on producers back home in Iowa. While in the capital, he is attending hearings, meeting with members of Congress and their staff, and learning how decisions made at the federal level shape the future of the pork industry. When he returns to Iowa later this summer, Wiley will help lead preparations for the Iowa Pork Tent at the Iowa State Fair.

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Show Pig Exhibitors: Future Talent the U.S. Pork Industry Needs

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:46:44 GMT

From nutrition to genetics to hog equipment, youth exhibitors at The Exposition in Indianapolis, Ind., had the opportunity to learn more about careers in the swine industry and the paths people took to secure them.

“The pork industry is full of businesses, companies and pork operations looking for people to fill important roles,” says Clay Zwilling, National Swine Registry CEO.

The National Swine Registry partnered with the National Pork Board and Keystone Cooperative to help elevate career opportunities in the industry during The Exposition. Zwilling says the show already has great industry representation of career opportunities in its trade show. The career fair served as a way to introduce young people to careers they could find in the pork industry while shining a light on those who are stepping up to support the future of agriculture.

A Talent Pool Worth Your Investment
“While there are so many great skills, experiences and competencies developed in the showring, we know that inevitably the junior show experience will end,” Zwilling adds. “Taking those skills like hard work, commitment and communication, amongst so many others, and translating them to the pork industry create endless opportunity for talent acquisition and the next generation of pork producers.”

Makayla Spray visits with Garry Childs of Kane Manufacturing at The Exposition.

(Jennifer Shike)

Makayla Spray, 18, of Lafayette, Ind., appreciates the support of companies coming in and sponsoring events and opportunities at these shows for young people.

“Growing up in this industry, you meet so many people,” Spray says. “But taking that a step further to really learn what they do for a living gives you insight into possible careers down the road. It helps provide a more well-rounded approach to the agriculture industry.”

Garry Childs, Kane Manufacturing Southeast Region sales manager, says the reason their company thinks it’s important to invest in the National Junior Swine Association and other junior swine programs is because they want to help educate the future leaders of not just the swine industry, but agriculture.

“You don’t have to spend very much time around one of these events and associate with the young people and the families involved in it, before you quickly realize these are some of the most outstanding young people in the world,” Childs says. “And we think that it’s a very good investment.”

There are many valuable lessons we can learn from each other, Zwilling says. Here’s a little career advice shared this week.

Keep Your Options Open
Vincent Osborn, sales representative for Genepro, encourages youth to gain as much business experience as possible.

“If you are majoring in animal science, consider a minor in business or a related field,” Osborn says. “My plan was to go into production, but I found my way into a career in sales. I believe business knowledge is valuable for every career.”

Vincent Osborn, sales representative for Genepro, shows off a new technology turning heads in Europe.

(Jennifer Shike)

Osborn, a 2017 graduate of Purdue in animal science, says he wishes he would have taken some classes in business and marketing.

“For me, it’s not about selling products,” Osborn says. “It’s about helping people and improving their quality of life.”

College Isn’t the Path for Everyone
Josh Couch grew up showing pigs in Texas. After attending auctioneer school, he went to work on a commercial sow farm and managed a multiplier. He also worked for a hog equipment company before coming to ADA Enterprises, Inc., where he serves as a sales manager for swine equipment.

Josh Couch, sales manager for swine equipment, at ADA Enterprises, Inc., says the swine industry is full of career opportunities.

(Jennifer Shike)

“The swine industry is full of opportunities,” Couch says. “I didn’t go to college – I went to work in the commercial swine industry right away. College may not be the path for everyone and that’s o.k. There are so many great careers that pay well in the swine industry that don’t require a college degree.”

In addition, he believes working in the commercial swine industry is valuable for people who want to raise show pigs someday.

“If you want to produce good show pigs, go work in the commercial swine industry for five years,” Couch says. “Learn how to do heat detection better and tips on how to best set up a barn. There’s so much knowledge and experience to be gained that will make you a better hog producer.”

Think Bigger
Don’t limit yourself, advises Greg Lear with Purple Pursuit Show Feeds. He is a former president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

“Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” Lear says. “I get up and get to go to work – that’s the way to do it.”

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The Power of a Mentor: How You Can Inspire the Next Generation

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:12:45 GMT

I learned an important lesson early in life – find someone to look up to and help someone find a reason to look up to you. I know this is easier said than done. In theory, it is a great idea. But in reality, how do you put this into practice?

I spend a lot of time thinking about the next generation and ways to connect bright, promising young people to a life-giving future in agriculture. Over the years, a few things have become apparent to me when it comes to building connections between generations.

1. Make the first move.
Who cares if you get a cold shoulder? All too often we fail to make the first move because we let our doubts have more power than they deserve in our lives. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard farmers and other agricultural leaders express their desire to have young people reach out to them with questions. People want to be needed. The next generation will be more successful if they are armed with valuable lessons learned by today’s agricultural leaders.

It reminds me of the day I met Angie Denton at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Admittedly, she tells the story with more drama than I recall. She says, “I was at the pen and carload show taking photos and this firecracker of a college girl came up and said she wanted to be my intern. I’ll never forget the passion and drive in her voice and her sincere desire to want to learn and grow as a livestock communicator.”

This makes me laugh because I was shaking in my boots – literally. But I also knew that if I wanted to intern with Angie, I needed to create a connection. Email wouldn’t do (and no, we didn’t have social media so don’t even joke about that). Most importantly, that quick conversation was a starting point for a lifelong friendship. But in the short term, it helped me land one of the greatest mentoring experiences of my life at the Angus Journal.

Fast forward a couple decades and it was my honor to encourage my mentor to apply for the Drovers editorial position. I’m excited Angie and I have the privilege of working together at Farm Journal as we seek innovative ways to serve America’s cattle and swine producers.

2. Listen more than you speak.
As one of the youngest executive directors of a state swine organization, Seth Mitchell’s path is one that’s turning heads. He is the first person selected for the Pork Industry Immersion Program, a two-year deep dive into organizational leadership in the swine industry. I’ll never forget my husband telling me Seth was one to watch when he was a student at the University of Illinois. I try not to admit this too much, but my husband was right.

Seth Mitchell on the stage at the National Pork Industry Forum.

(Jennifer Shike)

To say I was fascinated with Seth’s journey in the Pork Industry Immersion Program is an understatement. The forward-thinking approach of the industry leaders who helped create this program reminds me why the pork industry is so special. While other agricultural industries are finding it challenging to engage Generation Z, the pork industry has a different story to tell.

“I’m a firm believer that the pork industry’s greatest asset is its people,” Mitchell told me during a recent conversation we had on The PORK Podcas t. “Some of our tremendous leaders in the industry are starting to age out and we need a bench of good folks to come in and fill those potential vacancies coming down the road.”

Seth learned many valuable lessons during the immersion experience, but I couldn’t agree more with the perspective he gained on listening.

“When you understand that producers drive most of what we do as state and national pork organizations, you understand the value of sitting across the table and listening to what they have to say,” he says. “I believe there is more value in listening than speaking in those circumstances. I like to use the adage, ‘be interested, not interesting.’”

3. Feedback is a gift.
My experiences in FFA and 4-H helped me discover the blessing behind constructive guidance. We’ll never be so smart that we can’t benefit from someone else’s viewpoint.

Seth discovered this early and it’s serving him well in his new role as executive director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

“One thing I’ve tried to be cognizant of is welcoming feedback,” he says. “Lean into it. Be curious and ask good questions. There are a lot of things I can’t fix unless someone makes me aware of it, so being receptive to feedback is helpful.”

Oftentimes the best thing we can do is invest in someone else. How will you accept the challenge to mentor the next generation? Don’t forget that it may be equally important to give someone else the opportunity to help you along in your journey. This is an industry that wouldn’t work without people. An investment in people always pays off in the end.

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