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2008 June Youth Issue
Change brings opportunities
by Darrell Anderson
“Change is a challenge for the courageous, an opportunity for the alert and a threat for the insecure.”
One of the most anticipated workplace trends of the 21st century is the huge retirement wave that will impact business and industries across this country. This trend will play a major role in the future employment needs of animal agriculture as well, but I’m not sure many of us are really prepared to deal with it.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that 25 percent of the nation’s workforce will be eligible to retire within the next five years, and throughout the next decade, that number will jump to 43 percent.
Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, comprise 46 percent of the workforce. The first “boomers” can opt for early retirement this year. It’s not certain if their workplace exodus will be swift or gradual. Either way, it will leave a large void in the workforce that will create enormous opportunities for those poised to pursue them.
How does this relate to our June Youth Issue of Seedstock EDGE?
We just returned from our NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. As I watched these leaders of tomorrow interact and demonstrate their leadership skills, I couldn’t help but think about the incredible reservoir of talent that is embodied by the 10,500 NJSA members.
These youth are truly our greatest resource, and I believe you will see other sectors of our industry recognize the tremendous pool of talent available through them.
I stressed to these young leaders in Texas that they should be a sponge – spending as much time as possible with people who really know the hog business and listening to those folks.
I reminded them that the word “listen” contains the same letters as the word “silent.” If they would only be silent and listen to the industry leaders at the conference, they could learn a wealth of information.
We are heading into that time of year when you will have the chance to make a great impact on these youth.
That impact could encourage them to pursue a career in animal agriculture. Or, you could discourage them and cause them to leave our industry.
It’s a huge responsibility that each of us carries. We didn’t ask for it, but it is there every day that we are around young people. As you interact with them at the county fairs, state fairs and national events, be sure that you provide a positive image for them to emulate.
And, if you are one of those bright and energetic members that make up the NJSA, be sure you find time to hang out with some of the veterans in our business and listen to their wisdom and knowledge. It will make an impact on your life and future career path.
We recently interviewed some sharp young people who applied for our three summer internship positions.
As we completed the final interviews for the field staff summer intern position, I couldn’t help but reflect on their answers to my favorite interview question, “Tell me about someone who has made a strong impact on your life, and tell me what qualities it is about this person that has impressed you.”
One common denominator arose as we interviewed the six outstanding finalists for this position. Each described a person that had the highest integrity he had witnessed, and/or simply has always just “done it the right way.”
I found those answers interesting and encouraging.
Our young people have their priorities in order and realize the mentors they admire most are the ones who have demonstrated great character and high integrity. On more than one occasion, these sincere and dedicated youth choked back tears as they described those individuals that have played major roles in their lives.
There is an enormous need for more young people with a passion for our industry, and we have the talent that is needed. We also have provided those youth with great mentors and life skills that will be tremendously valuable in the next generation.
Let me encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity this summer to truly make a difference in the lives of young leaders that you interact with on a daily basis. It is well worth the effort!
