< PreviousVisioneering“Our people are our most important asset. As a membership and organization, we cannot take them for granted.”In May of this year, Mike and I had the opportunity to attend the National Pedigreed Livestock Council (NPLC) meeting in Kansas City, Mo. This organization presents breed associations from a wide array of species to come together to collaborate, learn and exchange ideas. During the course of the meeting, long-term sustainability and future initiatives were woven into the fi bers of the topics. These concepts made me refl ect on NSR and pose the question, “What will we look like in the next fi ve, 10 or 15+ years?” My hope in drafting this editorial is to lay out a vision of what our association may look like in the future, what our priorities may be, and ultimately use this editorial as a time capsule to refl ect on in years to come. Here are my fi ve considerations of a future breed association: 1. BREED INTEGRITY AND RECORDING SERVICES – Ultimately, our responsibility and purpose has been, and always should be, to maintain the integrity of our respective breed’s herd books and provide our breeders and members the services to record purebred swine. While the systems and processes in which these services are delivered may change, the fundamental “why” of our existence should never leave focus. Today, we are implementing progressive DNA profi le testing, digital services for members and utilizing the latest forms of digital engagement to reach our members. This serves as a great segway into thought number two. 2. TECHNOLOGY – Our association will have to adapt and develop progressive technological services and opportunities to best serve our membership. Digital pedigree services, streamlined catalog processing, online options for marketing seedstock, informational phone apps and implementing the newest technological resources to serve our membership will have to be a top priority. Consider this for a moment: Prior to the summer of 2007 we had never seen an iPhone. A little over ten years, the iPhone, or any smartphone for that matter is second nature to the general population. While we have no idea what the next major technological advancement will be, we cannot ignore the speed and effi ciency in which technology changes. I fear if we do, we become irrelevant. 3. ADAPTIVE MARKETING STRATEGIES – I will not sit here and proclaim I have lived and seen it all. This industry has ups and downs and many of our members have lived through those times. My own catalyst to becoming involved in the swine industry was a direct result of my family having to disperse our swine herd in the wake of the 1998 hog prices. However, we cannot expect to continue to market and offer seedstock the way we have for the last 30 years. Online seems to be in vogue right now, but I sense a need and yearning for personal relationships and contact when purchasing animals. Different live sales models are showing promise, and progressive thoughts and ideas are going to be essential for the long-term sustainability of our industry. 4. EDUCATION – This is a large, broad topic that is going to be extremely essential moving forward. As our membership base continues to be further and further removed from the business of agriculture and a mindset of stockmanship, our association is going to have to place more emphasis on education. Mentoring our youth, younger breeders and providing our “veterans” with tools and resources for success must be a priority. Moreover, we as an industry must take more ownership in educating our consumers about pork production. This mission is critical in my mind for our sustainability. We are blessed with strong partners like the National Pork Producers Council and National Pork Board, but we are going to have to step up and help advocate for our industry. An attitude of life-long learning will be critical to success. Continued on page 56EDITORIALClay Zwilling | clay@nationalswine.comNSR V.P. of OperationsCatching UpSEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE1018 Sept SE Form.indd 108/23/2018 8:44:16 PMOLSENY ORKS.COMBEN: 605.660.2828 • CHUCK: 605.661.786429369 451st Ave. • Irene, SD 57037PATHFINDER x BRUNOLOOKOUTCOBRA x THE GRIZZIRRESISTIBLESTAND TALL x HE’S THE ONESTAND PROUDUNDISPUTED x OUTLIERINSIDERCall us for semen!11SEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 Sept SE Form.indd 118/23/2018 8:44:17 PMIn a world where there are so many opportunities and so many things to be a part of it is very easy to get caught up in life. I can say this because my generation is arguably the guiltiest of this. We are so focused on our careers and self-improvement that we never take the time to look around and appreciate those around us.Graduating from Iowa State University this past May, I was dreading leaving my friends, you know—those who started out as complete strangers when I arrived for my fi rst day of class and are now practically family. I thought about how I would be moving seven hours from those I was close with and from life as I knew it. I was recently at the Iowa State Fair when a friend made the comment to me, "We still see each other, we still talk, we still hang out and know what is going on in each other’s lives because we make an effort." I thought about how true this is whether it comes to friendships, relationships or anything in life really. It has never really seemed like I was putting in an effort to talk to and see my friends, I just was doing it because they are important to me. I was making time for what is important and I did not even realize it.We recently hosted our NJSA Junior Board Retreat where we posed this question to them—"Who got you to where you are today?" They then wrote a thank you letter to that person and took some time to show them how they appreciate them. Have you done this lately? Or ever? Sometimes, people do not ever fully understand the impact they have on someone. In fact, people are often mentors and role models to people who they do not even realize look at them that way. A nice thank you note to let someone know that they infl uenced, helped or guided you in the direction you are going always goes a long way in this industry and in life. We get moving through life so fast that we never actually take the time to look back and appreciate where we have been. I would ask that you take a moment to think about those in your life, family or not. I would strongly encourage you to write a note to that person(s). Tell them what you are doing nowadays, how much you appreciate what they have done for you and most importantly, thank them.Making Time for What is Important"I would strongly encourage you to write a note to that person(s). Tell them what you are doing nowadays, how much you appreciate what they have done for you and most importantly, thank them."EDITORIALAustin Pueschel | austin@nationalswine.comNSR Director of Education & Outreach Youth ViewSEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE1218 Sept SE Form.indd 128/23/2018 8:44:19 PM13SEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 Sept SE Form.indd 138/23/2018 8:44:19 PMThis may sound a tad odd, but my favorite time period of the NSR’s calendar year spans from the conclusion of our Louisville shows to the start of Southwest Regional. Don’t get me wrong, I thrive off the adrenaline rush that comes with WPX and Louisville, but the planner in me gets really fi red up during our offi ce’s “down time” for all the things to come.From the outside, it probably looks as though the NSR staff has it fairly easy during most of July and August. There are not any shows or big events to execute, so why wouldn’t it be a nice break? The truth is that during our almost two-month break, the NSR staff dedicates a considerable amount of time to learning, progressing and improving.I have always been a big believer that people should never stop learning, and more importantly improvements can always be made. During July and August, several NSR staff members attend professional conferences to better themselves and their skillset, as well as see ways our organization can grow.I recently attended the Livestock Publications Council’s Ag Media Summit. While there I learned new techniques and talked with fellow communication specialists to bounce ideas off one another. I also used this time period to research other agricultural and non-ag businesses to see what marketing tactics work for them. All the learning and brainstorming often puts my mind in overdrive with ideas on how the NSR Marketing and Communications Department can better serve its members. This is where the real fun begins. Prior to the start of the new show season, the Marketing and Communications staff, myself and Steve Weintraut, meets with Vice President of Operations, Clay Zwilling, and the Events and Education staff, Ellen Knauth and Austin Pueschel, to plan out to the fi nest detail the upcoming year. Everything from sponsorship deliverables, print and digital content, digital marketing tactics and everything in between gets hashed out and put into motion. From these meetings, we ensure that the upcoming year is going to be better than the previous year, which is always the ultimate goal. Moral of the story: it is easy and comfortable to continue your business like you always have, but greatness doesn’t come from staying complacent. I challenge each of you to constantly learn, brainstorm, set realistic goals, make changes and grow. Changes = Growth“Moral of the story: it is easy and comfortable to continue your business like you always have, but greatness doesn’t come from staying complacent.“ EDITORIALCassie Godwin | cassie@nationalswine.comNSR Social Media Coordinator & EditorFueling CreativityNeed to build your resume?Choose from Full-Time internships!SEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE1418 Sept SE Form.indd 148/23/2018 8:44:25 PMNeed to build your resume?ThinkInternships! Field Staff Marketing & Communications Events & EducationChoose from 3 great Full-Time internships!Oct. 1• Full-time positions• Mid-May through August• Weekly stipend, travel expenses coveredFor more information visitnationa lswine.com15SEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 Sept SE Form.indd 158/23/2018 8:44:26 PMFIELD REPRESENTATIVESMichael Lackey • 765.427.3733Mickey Bellamy • 765.427.7741Clay Parrish • 765.421.1155Keeping you connected with news in the purebred swine industry. INFORMATIONFor YourTo submit announcements for FYI, contact steve@nationalswine.com.CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERMike Paul • Ext. 107V.P. OF OPERATIONSClay Zwilling • Ext. 106V.P. OF GLOBAL TECHNICAL SERVICEDr. Doug Newcom • Ext. 116PEDIGREE DEPT. DIRECTOR & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTLisa Kennedy • Ext. 105CONTROLLERMindee Pollard • Ext. 108DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONSStephen Weintraut II • Ext. 118SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR & EDITORCassie Godwin • Ext. 111DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR SHOWSEllen Olson Knauth • Ext. 101DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & OUTREACHAustin Pueschel • Ext. 109DNA SECRETARYWhitney Webb • Ext. 102 DUROC SECRETARYTaran Eads • Ext. 120LANDRACE/HAMPSHIRE SECRETARYMegan Dragstrem • Ext. 100YORKSHIRE SECRETARYWhitney Hendricks • Ext. 112SOFTWARE DEVELOPER/DATABASE MANAGERMatthew Fouts • Ext. 104EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dusty Cain, Iowa CHAIRMAN • 641.203.2257Brett Beyers, Ill. VICE CHAIRMAN • 815.848.3549Kyle Baade Neb. • 402.239.2229Dan Burzlaff, Iowa • 563.357.1957Steve Cobb, Ark. • 870.219.7281 Cody McCleery, Texas • 817.613.6666Jim McCoy, Ohio • 740.572.0271Bill Range, Ill. • 618.973.1070Lynsee Shaffer-Pullen, Ind. • 765.717.9924Dr. Mike Tripp, Okla. • 580.513.0723DUROC BOARDDon R. Smith, Ohio PRES. • 2020* Doug Albright, Mich. V.P. • 2019Joe Roberts, Mo. • 2018* Brett Beyers, Ill. • 2019*Chad Hill, Texas • 2019Jayson Butts, Wis. • 2020Darrell Drake, Ind. • 2020 HAMPSHIRE BOARDDusty Cain, Iowa PRES. • 2018*Kyle Baade, Neb. V.P. • 2019 Mike Day, Okla. • 2019Jim McCoy, Ohio • 2019*Mike Watson, Ind. • 2020*Kevin Wendt, Ohio • 2020*Kevin Sharrett, Ohio • 2020*LANDRACE BOARDLynsee Shaffer-Pullen, Ind. PRES. • 2019*Nick Siedelmann, Iowa V.P. • 2018Sam Malcolm, Ind. • 2018Mark Korb, Ohio • 2019 Jonas McGrew, Ill. • 2019 Russell Pedrett, Calif. • 2020Freddie Grohmann, Ill. • 2020YORKSHIRE BOARDDr. Mike Tripp, Okla. PRES. • 2018*Broc Thompson, Ohio V.P. • 2020*Dan Burzlaff, Iowa • 2018*Steve Cobb, Ark. • 2019Matt Rohrig, Iowa • 2019*Ben Olsen, S.D. • 2020Kevin Ricker • 2020*denotes second term2639 Yeager Road • West Lafayette, IN 47906765.463.3594 • nationalswine.comNSR employees celebrate employment milestonesThe National Swine Registry would like to take a moment to recognize the recent work anniversaries of some of our great employees. Congratulations to the following NSR staff for their service. LISA KENNEDY • 28 YEARSSTART DATE: June 30, 1990 lisa@nationalswine.comELLEN KNAUTH • 4 YEARSSTART DATE: June 7, 2014 ellen@nationalswine.comTARAN EADS • 4 YEARSSTART DATE: Aug. 5, 2014 taran@nationalswine.comHelp us congratulate these employees for all they do for the NSR, by emailing them a congratulatory message.NSR NEWSNSR debuts new websiteThe National Swine Registry would like to invite everyone to check out our new website at www.nationalswine.com.Almost a year in the making, we hope the new look is more intuitive to our users. With more than 60 percent of the NSR membership looking at the website on their phones and mobile devices, the new website is a mobile respon-sive website. This means that the pages will fi t your phone and be easier to navigate with the touch of your fi nger.If you have any questions about the new website or any comments, please email Steve at, steve@nationalswine.com.SEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE1618 Sept SE Form.indd 168/23/2018 8:44:28 PMSEPT. 5, 2018 NJSA EASTERN REGIONAL Entry DeadlineSEPT. 8-9, 2018 NBS® JUNIOR CLASSICAustin, Minn.SEPT. 8-12, 2018 NATIONAL BARROW SHOW® Austin, Minn.SEPT. 26, 2018 OCT./NOV.SEEDSTOCK EDGE Advertising DeadlineOCT. 1, 2018 NSR INTERNSHIPS Application DeadlineOCT. 3, 2018 NSR FALL CLASSIC Entry DeadlineNSR FALL CLASSIC WEBCAST TITLE SPONSOR AUCTION thepigplanet.com & showpig.comOCT. 19, 2018 AMERICAN ROYAL Kansas City, Mo.OCT. 22, 2018 DECEMBER BROOD SOW ISSUE SEEDSTOCK EDGE Advertising DeadlineNOV. 3-5, 2018 NAILE Louisville, Ky.NOV. 14-17, 2018 NSR FALL CLASSIC Duncan, Okla.&DATES DEADLINESINDUSTRY NEWSSEP5SEP8SEP8SEP26OCT1OCT3OCT19OCT22NOV3NOV142018 Indiana Livestock Breeders Association Hall of Fame HonoreesThe purpose of the ILBA Hall of Fame is to recognize those individuals involved in animal science, who have made signifi cant contributions or attained outstanding achievements in the livestock industry.RUTH WATSON Hampshire Swine BreederMooresville, Ind.Ruth (Darnell) Watson grew up in Morgan County, Indiana. Her father, Archie Darnell, was a highly respected livestock breeder who often consulted other farmers in the area about their breeding stock. As the daughter of a farmer, she learned to gather eggs, milk the cows, and feed the hogs at an early age. Ruth was known as an excellent horse woman growing up and often participated in the town rodeos.She went on the graduate from Monrovia High School in 1949 and from Indiana Central School of Business. She married George Watson shortly after in 1950. Since then, Ruth has been involved in the purebred swine industry and has contributed to many different facets of it. Ruth and George moved to the farm where she still cur-rently resides and were married for 54 years before he passed away in 2004. Over the years, Ruth and George raised 4 children (Ann, Julia, Mike, and Steve) and started a purebred Hampshire Swine farm which continues today after 58 years. All of the Watson children were 10 year 4-H members and showed Hampshire’s at the local, state, and national level. Ruth’s 4 Grandsons were also 10 year 4-H members and her 5 Great-Grandchildren are now starting to participate as well. Ruth coordinated the Monroe-Gregg 4-H club for over 20 years. She has helped to organize and clerk the family 4-H spring pig auction for 37 years. Along with this, she started the “George Watson Memorial Scholarship” for 4-H members in 2005. Record Setting Landrace Sale at 2018 STCCongratulations to Landrace breeders and exhibitors on achieving the highest grossing Landrace sale in NSR history on July 7, 2018. In this year’s sale, 10 animals grossed $34,350 for an average of $3,435. Ron Kries auctioneered the event. The high-selling boar was consigned by McGrew Farms, Illinois, and purchased for $23,000 by Purple Power Boar Stud, Kent Brattain & Family and Dean Walker & Family, Indiana. The high-selling gilt was consigned by Nolan Hoge, Illinois, and was purchase for $3,000 by Teagan Walker, Indiana. The previous record was set in 2004 at the NSR Southwest Type Conference. 17SEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 Sept SE Form.indd 178/23/2018 8:44:28 PMRuth was a charter-member of the Monrovia Extension Homemakers and still actively participates. She was a nominee for the Extension Homemaker of the Year at the Indiana State Fair. She served on the Indiana State Porkettes Executive Board and travelled around to promote the swine industry. She also participated in all Morgan County Pork Producers events and helped to organize the Morgan County Purebred Swine Breeders. Ruth, along with George, were both active members in the Hoosier Hampshire Swine Club. Those who are fortunate enough to know Ruth know that she does most of her work behind-the-scenes. She can always be found helping exhibitors with paperwork or in the bleachers watching the shows and continues to run the farrowing house at the farm. Her appreciation for fi ne livestock and love of competition have played a huge role in the success of the George and Mike Watson operation. Congratulations and thank you to Ruth Watson for your leadership and dedication to Indiana youth, the Hampshire breed, and the swine industry as a whole. TOM FARRER Livestock Breeder • Royal Center, Ind.Tom Farrer has been involved with livestock for all his life, starting with when he showed beef and swine in 4-H. After graduating high school and his 4-H career, he attended Purdue University. Tom earned his BS degree in Animal Sciences during the 70’s, he was also a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. After college, Tom returned to Farrer Stock Farms which Tom’s parents established in 1947. He mar-ried Lisa in 1979, they have Payton and Taylor along with their wives that are involved in the operation. Farrer Stock Farm sells seedstock, semen and show animals throughout the United States. They are a leader in genetics in both swine and cattle, especially concerning Spotted hogs and Shorthorn cattle.Farrer Stock Farms has had a boar and gilt from both the Spotted and Yorkshire Breed selected to be on Hog College Row at the National Barrow Show. They have led the nation in registrations of Spotted hogs from 1991-1995 and transfers of Spotted and Hampshire hogs in 1998.Tom has judged in 26 states and Canada. He has judged the National Show for the Chianina and Herefords and the Junior Nationals for the Shorthorn and Maine Anjou breeds. Tom has judged the market steers at the North American International Livestock Exhibition, San Antonio, Hoosier Beef Congress, and Royal Winter Show in Canada.Judging breeding stock at the World Pork Expo, National Barrow Show, Fall Classic and Junior National Gilt Show for both NSR and CPS Associations. Market hog shows at Houston, San Antonio, Denver, Phoenix, Pa. Farm Show, Royal Winer Show in Canada, Oklahoma OYE, plus many state and county fairs.Farrer Stock Farms will have its 43rd Club Calf Sale in October 22nd Dynamic Dams Sale in November, and 43rd Show Pig Sale in April. Previously had 45 seedstock hog sales from 1962 to 2007.Service contributions Tom has been apart of to better his community are Jefferson Township 4-H Leader, Cass County Beef Producers, Cass County Beef Committee, Cass County Pork Producers, Indiana Yorkshire Association, member of NSR, member of CPS, member of American Shorthorn Association, Member of American Angus Association, Member of American Simmental Association, Member of North American Limousin Association, Member of American Chianiana Association, Member of American International Charolais Association.Congratulations and thank you Tom Farrer for all your hard work and dedication to improve the genetics in both the swine and cattle industries.getsocial Facebook | National Junior Swine Association Snapchat | National Swine Registry or nsr_njsa Instagram | National Swine Registry or nsr_njsa Twitter | @NationalSwine Blog | nationalswine.com/blog/ YouTube | NationalSwineReg Twitter | @NationalSwine Blog | nationalswine.com/blog/ YouTube | NationalSwineRegSEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE1818 Sept SE Form.indd 188/23/2018 8:44:29 PMOBITUARIESLOIS MAXINE WALTER 1930-2018Lois Maxine Walter, 88, of Warren, passed away on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, following a valiant battle with cancer.Lois was born on August 2, 1930, in Huntington County to Charles and Ina (Pinkerton) Love. A lifelong resident of Jefferson Township, she graduated from Jefferson Township High School in 1948. On January 6, 1951, she married Jerry Walter, who preceded her in death. Throughout their marriage, Lois was an active partner with Jerry on their livestock and grain farm. Together they raised three children, Gary (Rosalie) Walter and David (Lynette) Walter, all of Warren, and Susan (Merlyn) Lucas of Knox, all who survive. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Matthew (Lianna) Walter, Michelle (Andy) Rans, Jeff (Sydney) Walter, Braden (Liza) Walter, Brandt Walter, Crystal (Sang Mark) Chung, Jeremy (Claudia) Lucas, thirteen great-grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lorene Hill.Lois’s life passions included her strong Christian faith, devotion to her family, music, and art. A lifelong member of Jefferson Center United Methodist Church and Solid Rock United Methodist Church, she shared her gift of music by faithfully serving as church pianist and organist for more than sixty years. While an accomplished musi-cian, her creative talents also were evident in her many landscape and nature oil paintings. To her family, Lois offered unwavering support throughout any circum-stances. Family gatherings were punctuated by hugs, laughter, and a tangible sense of unconditional love. Lois’s life was devoted to service to others, and her service was performed with quiet strength and grace.A service to celebrate Lois’s life was held on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Solid Rock United Methodist Church, Warren, with Rev. Paul Burris offi ciating. Visitation took place one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment followed at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Huntington County.Preferred memorials are to Solid Rock United Methodist Church Building Fund in Warren.Arrangements were handled by Glancy H. Brown and Son Funeral Home, Warren, Indiana.DENNIS D. WILLARD 1956-2018Dennis D. Willard, age 62, of West Point IL, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was born at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL to Glenn Donald and Dorothy (Gleckler) Willard and was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Southeastern High School in 1974 and graduated from Spoon River College with an associate’s degree in agriculture. Dennis served on the St. Albans Township and the Soil and Water Conservation boards for several years. He was a proud member of the Pork Producers of Hancock County and took pride in raising purebred Hampshires. Dennis and Donald started DDW Genetics and showed hogs nationwide. He was Superintendent of Swine in Hancock County 4-H for several years. He was a seed dealer for NuTech seeds, an avid Cardinals fan and enjoyed deer hunting.He is survived by his wife, Judy Willard, his two daugh-ters, Deanna Willard and Rachel (Derrick) Bostic, his two sons, Jeremy (Brea) and Daniel (Amanda) Corrigan, his two granddaughters Ellie and Oakley Corrigan, his mother, Dorothy Willard, and his two sisters, Darla (Lance) Hurley, and, Donna (Tony) Newton, his nieces and nephews; Jared (Crystal) Hurley, Luke Hurley, Logan Hurley, Brooke (Matt) Lafrenz, and Jake (Sarah) Newton.Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Donald Willard. He will be remembered as a gentle, bright, and loving man with the ability to smile in any situation and bring warmth to every place he visited.Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Bowen Christian Church in Bowen, Illinois, with burial following at the Bowen Cemetery. Visitation was held on Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m., with family meeting friends from 4 to 7 p.m. at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.Memorials may be made to Deanna's educa-tion fund or the Hancock County 4-H.19SEPTEMBER 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 Sept SE Form.indd 198/23/2018 8:44:29 PMNext >