National Swine Registry

NJSA

Click here to view the NJSA By-Laws.

Membership

Why should I join the National Junior Swine Association?
Becoming a member of the NJSA allows you the opportunity to travel and compete in shows across the country. As well, the NJSA provides the perfect chance to meet new friends that have the same interests as you – showing and raising purebred hogs! Another great reason to join the NJSA is to improve your leadership skills while doing things you enjoy.

What privileges do NJSA members enjoy?
NJSA members will receive a quarterly newsletter, "The Pinnacle," about NJSA activities and events. This newsletter will include helpful show tips, feeding advice, fun facts, puzzles and feature stories. NJSA members will also receive the annual NJSA calendar as well as the youth issue of the Seedstock EDGE.

How do I become a member of the NJSA?
To become a member, just fill out a membership application on the Web. If you have any questions, e-mail Jennifer Shike, NSR Director of Junior Activities, at jennifer@nationalswine.com. Membership is free! So, join today and become part of one of the fastest growing youth livestock organizations in the country!

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Leadership conference | Health requirements | Miscellaneous

Show information

How many shows can NJSA members participate in?
The NJSA holds its premier event, the National Junior Summer Spectacular, in conjunction with the Summer Type Conference each year. This show is held in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center. In the fall, juniors can attend the Southwest Regional in Wichita Falls, Texas, and the Eastern Regional in Harrisburg, Pa. In the spring, travel out west for the Western Regional in Turlock, Calif. Youth can also attend the World Pork Expo Junior National in Des Moines, Iowa; the NJSA Barrow Classic in Austin, Minn.; the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo.; and the North American International Livestock Exposition Market Hog Show in Louisville, Ky.

Where do I find entry forms for a show?
All entry forms are available on the NJSA Web site or in the most recent issue of "The Pinnacle" (NJSA’s quarterly newsletter).

Where do I find show rules?
All of the show rules are listed in the NJSA Handbook.

Where will I be penned at the show?
At the NJSS, you will be penned with the rest of exhibitors from your state. At all other shows the pens are arranged alphabetically by last name. This is done for the safety of our exhibitors in the event of an emergency at the show. In order to make the shows run as smoothly as possible, please follow your pen assignments.

What is the ownership deadline for each show?
Gilts and barrows must be owned at least 60 days prior to the date of show.There are exceptions for the World Pork Expo Junior National and Eastern Regional. The NJSA Handbook contains all of the ownership deadlines.

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Leadership conference | Health requirements | Miscellaneous

Contest information

What contests does each show include?
The contests held at each show are as follows:

Southeast and Western Regional
Gilt show, barrow show, skillathon, showmanship

Southwest Regional
Gilt show, barrow show, judging contest, showmanship

Eastern Regional
Gilt show, skillathon, showmanship

World Pork Expo Junior National
Gilt show, barrow show, judging contest, showmanship

National Junior Summer Spectacular
Gilt show, showmanship, skillathon, judging contest, speech contest (senior, intermediate and junior contestants only), extemporaneous speaking contest (senior and intermediate contestants only), photo contest, state display contest, poster contest

NBS Junior Barrow Classic
Purebred barrow show, showmanship

American Royal
Market hog show, showmanship

NAILE
Market hog show, showmanship, NJSA Barnyard Olympics

What are the NJSA age divisions?
The age divisions are: Novice – 8 years & under; Junior – 9-12 years; Intermediate – 13-16 years; and Senior – 17-21 years. All ages are as of
January 1.

How do I register for the speech contest at NJSS?
Check the box for the speech contest on the NJSS entry form and bring FOUR copies of your manuscript to the speech contestant meeting at the NJSS.

How do I enter the photo contest at NJSS?
Check the box for the photo contest on the NJSS entry form and bring the photos with you to check-in at the NJSS office.

How do I register for the judging contest at NJSA shows?
When checking in at the show, you will be asked whether or not you plan on participating in the judging contest. If you do plan to participate, you must check in with the officials prior to the contest to pick up your cards.

How do I register for the sweepstakes contest?
Sweepstakes contestants must declare their intent to compete in the sweepstakes contest at registration.

What contests are included in sweepstakes?
In order to be eligible for the sweepstakes contest, contestants must compete in all four contests (gilt show, showmanship, judging contest and skillathon) at the NJSS or three contests at the World Pork Expo Junior National and regional shows.

Can I earn bonus points for the sweepstakes contest?
Yes! At the Southwest Regional, Southeast Regional, Western Regional and WPX Junior National, contestants may receive five bonus points for showing a barrow. At the NJSS, senior contestants will receive five bonus points for doing one of the following: speech contest, extemporaneous speaking, photo contest or poster contest. Please note that five points is the maximum number of bonus points allowed, regardless of the number of contests competed in.

Where can I find resources to study for the skillathon?
There are resource manuals available for purchase from the NJSA at $15 at http://www.nationalswine.com/shopnsr/shopnsr.html. This manual, created by The Ohio State University, is filled with valuable information useful in preparing for the skillathon and working with your project at home. You can also prepare for the skillathon with the NJSA skillathon practice CD. Compiled by Warren Beeler, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, it includes 10 PowerPoint presentations to help you prepare. The CD costs $10 and can be purchased at http://www.nationalswine.com/shopnsr/shopnsr.html. The NJSA Web site also provides links for skillathon study sites on the Internet.

Where can I find resources to practice judging?
The NSR has a judging DVD that is available for purchase. There are six classes on the video including the ideal gilt, boar and market hog. The video includes six sets of oral reasons, as well as information on interpreting performance data. NJSA also offers a free judging manual that explains everything from how to mark your card to how to select the ideal gilt. Practice classes and sample oral reasons are included.

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Leadership conference | Health requirements | Miscellaneous

Leadership conference

Who can attend the NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference?
The NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference is for NJSA members ages
14-21.

Why should I attend the leadership conferences?
The leadership conferences provide all members with the perfect opportunity to not only have fun and interact with other NJSA members, but also develop career and leadership skills that will be helpful in their future. This four-day conference offers NJSA members hands-on experience and interaction with leaders in the swine industry. Be sure to stay tuned for more information about the 2008 National Youth Leadership Conference to be held in San Antonio, Texas!

What if I can’t attend the national conference?
In 2008, the NJSA recently held its second-annual Regional Leadership Conference at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, to accommodate those members who cannot attend the national conference or wish to attend both. The Regional Leadership Conference is a one-day leadership event open to NJSA members ages 12-17. Be sure to stay tuned for more information about the 2009 Regional Leadership Conference!

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Leadership conference | Health requirements | Miscellaneous

Health requirements

Where are can I find the health requirements for each show?
The health requirements are available through a link posted on the schedule page for each show. Or contact the NJSA office at 765.463.3594

Do I need to blood test individually if I have a validated herd?
This depends on what state the show is located in. Some states require individual tests and some do not. Read the show’s specific health requirements to find out specific details.

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Leadership conference | Health requirements | Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

How do I run for the NJSA Junior Board of Directors?
NJSA Junior Board of Director elections are held annually at the NJSS. Applications are available by contacting the NJSA and are due March 1. Once your application is received, you will go through an interview at the National Youth Leadership Conference in the spring.The top from each region will be listed on the ballot at the annual elections held during the NJSS. Candidates will be featured in the June Youth issue of Seedstock EDGE and the NJSS program.

When and how do I apply for a scholarship?
Scholarship applications are available online for various NJSA scholarships or contact the NJSA office at 765.463.3594.

Top | Membership | Show information | Contest information |
Leadership conference | Health requirements | Miscellaneous