Young Farmers
As a new pig show season fires up in many parts of the country, the last thing anyone wants is to get left out of the fun of evaluating livestock and chasing banners because of a case of influenza.
A third-generation pig farmer, running coast-to-coast chasing dreams and supporting kids, Jesse Heimer of Heimer Hampshires, is proof that hard work, determination and passion can lead to great success.
Summer Doty hasn’t saved anyone from a burning building or led an army into battle. She hasn’t jumped into the path of an oncoming train. Still, the work she does at Islercrest Farms is proof not all heroes wear capes.
As a college student, Ella Thome often thinks about her future. Should she work in the industry after graduation or return to the family farm? Should she further her education or seize an internship opportunity?
Some say he’s single-handedly changed the Brazilian beef industry. Others say he’s changed their life. No matter how you look at it, Professor Zequinha is a game-changer.
It’s easy to make assumptions about what others think, but recent research funded by the Indiana Pork Producers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance proves it’s always better to go to the source itself.
When Cameron Swallows heard his sister crying, he knew he had a big problem to solve.
It’s a bond that’s hard to put into words. Not only do these four young leaders share an unmistakable connection and friendship that ties directly to purpose, but they have a way of selflessly putting each other first.
The classic American meal of meat, potatoes and vegetables was fused with Japanese ingredients to win over judges at this year’s student Taste competition, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association on Monday.
It’s cold, windy and rather dreary in central Illinois today. But when I looked at the calendar, I had to smile despite my not-so-inspiring surroundings. Here’s why.
Restaurant chain’s new initiative recognizes outstanding FFA members, offers prizes and educational opportunities. Here’s how FFA members can get involved.
When people ask what made Winter National a success, I’m quick to say it was not the numbers, format, or lack of complaints. It was simply the smile on the next generation’s faces as they took pride in their livestock.
Lilly Bru of Gladbrook was named the 2024 Iowa Pork Queen during the Iowa Pork Congress. She will be joined by Abby Elsamiller and Aubrey Johnson to serve on the Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team.
Celebrating a shared passion for agriculture, 13 students from eight states met at The Maschhoffs in Carlyle, Ill., for its 6th Annual Leadership Experience Externship.
With a slogan of “raised, not sourced,” Tim Haer had a wild idea to differentiate their business: create a vending machine to sell meat produced on their family’s farm, an idea he says that’s been wildly successful.
There’s just something about the bond between youth exhibitors and their livestock. Stories of triumph, resilience, accountability and work ethic are some of the themes woven into 2023’s top stock show stories.
What started with an eagerness for a hands-on learning experience in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, ended with a new passion and opportunity for Carlie Rogers, a first-gen college student.
When I opened the door, my jaw dropped. Despite what every mother in her right mind would be tempted to do in that moment, I paused when I saw her black heels in the middle of the mess.
“Schillinger Farms is Prop 12 compliant in California.” Messages like this are popping up on social media as show pig producers who’ve become Proposition 12 certified prepare to sell show pigs in California in 2024.
The best day of his judging career, only four points shy of a 50-year-old record, will be how John Reaves of Spring, Texas, remembers being named high individual at the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.
I’ll never forget my first 4-H speaking experience. It wasn’t very pleasant, and if I’m honest, tears were shed. But I survived. I learned. I gained confidence. I moved on. I got better, and that’s what I love about 4-H.
Oklahoma State University student Alexis Main and Les Voyageurs, a Louisiana State University club, took home the top prizes in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program.
Seeing the anticipation, excitement and hope that our youth have for this season of life reminds me of their optimism and zest for the future, says National Pork Board’s Brett Kaysen.
Davis Howell is the first to admit winning the 2023 National FFA Swine Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award is still a bit of a blur.
Do you know any graduate students who are passionate about the pork industry? If so, encourage them to apply for the 2024 Real Pork Scholars program. Applications are now available for the 2024 cohort.
A pig showman, golfer and FFA officer, Paizlee Hardin was a happy high school sophomore. But on March 15, her life as she knew it changed when she began experiencing “crazy symptoms” and lost her ability to walk.
The Butler Community College Livestock Judging team was named high team overall in a tight to the top of the junior collegiate contest at the 2023 North American International Livestock Exposition.
A large crowd gathered for the 4-H Livestock Contests results at the North American International Livestock Exposition on Nov. 15 in Louisville, Ky. Here are the winners in livestock judging, skillathon and quiz bowl.
Livestock judging changed the direction of Dale Hummel and Ryan Rash’s lives, opening up opportunities they never saw coming. They share 5 tips on how to score better in the reasons room.
It’s all about education in the classroom, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra told Agritalk host Chip Flory. Last week, Feenstra, alongside U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, introduced the Future FARMER Act.