< PreviousAs you turn the pages in this issue of the Seedstock EDGE, you will notice the focus on youth. For several years, the June Issue has been deemed the “Youth Issue.” There is no question that the junior exhibition of purebred swine continues to grow and provide sustainability for our business. NJSA continues to be the largest junior livestock association in the country and our events continue to grow through participation and entries. Moreover, our staff evaluates new opportunities to provide learning experiences outside of just showing a purebred animal. Leadership conferences, internships, scholarships, skillathons and other educational opportunities, help develop our young people into well-rounded, young agriculturalists. While these initiatives are certainly added value for our youth, our staff, Youth Advisory Board and Executive Committee continuously evaluate new ideas and programs to help enhance the junior membership experience. One of these initiatives was restructuring the previously branded “Junior Department” to “Events and Education.” This was done to allow staff to really focus on the education and development piece of our youth. While Ellen Knauth still serves as Director of Junior Shows, she works collaboratively with one of our newest staff members, Nicole Chance. Nicole serves as the Director of Education and Outreach and has begun infusing new ideas and concepts into our organization. While progress from driven staff and advisory groups is essential, it is still critical that the membership help provide ideas, feedback and suggestions regarding how to enhance the junior experience. The reality is, these young people will lead our industry. As a result, we must invest in them; both time and resources. I often hear comments like “these young people do not appreciate production traits,” or “these young judges do not emphasize any practicality or traits that are important to the commercial sector.” You personally may or may not agree with these comments, however, there is a desperate need for generational knowledge transfer. There are many negative stereotypes about young people, whether they be Millennials or Generation Z, however, one observation I have made is members of these generations are hungry to learn. Our attention spans may only be 15-30 seconds, however, personal growth and development is important. NSR and NJSA is developing high impact educational programs, but we still believe the best way to learn, is through hands-on experiences. I would encourage experienced breeders to have open, candid conversations with young people in our business. Likewise, I would encourage young people to engage successful breeders about their practices and experiences in the swine industry. I know at times this can be intimidating, but what I have found is, many are willing to discuss “how they work” with people who have the motivation and drive to begin the conversation. As we move into the summer show season, I would encourage all levels of membership to communicate more with each other. Ask tough questions, but be respectful. Be committed to your beliefs but not confrontational. Most importantly, just simply initiate a conversation. The possibilities are endless as to what you could learn. Hungry To Learn “The reality is, these young people will lead our industry. As a result, we must invest in them; both time and resources.” Clay Zwilling :: clay@nationalswine.com Chief Executive Officer CATCHING UP EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 1011 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGEI’m genuinely optimistic of the future of the swine industry. Why do I say that? Before I started as the Director of Education and Outreach, Clay asked me if I would be interested in attending the 2019 NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into because I never had the opportunity to be a member of the NJSA or attend NYLC, but I have always heard good things. Once we got there and the event started, I was very impressed with what I witnessed over the next few days. I saw kids engaged and attentive while listening to industry professionals. I heard kids ask well-thought questions about the swine industry. Bottom line, I met some great, bright, young kids over the course of those three days, reaffirming that this job and that conference is where I needed to be. Fast forward one week following NYLC, I had my first day at the NSR. Like most people who start a new job, it can be a little intimidating and weird to transition into a new role, but to be totally honest the NSR staff made me feel like a part of the family on the very first day. I went with Ellen to lunch and knew from the conversation we had, that I was going to like it here. But it’s what happened when we got back from lunch that really made my day. I had a letter sitting on my desk. I thought to myself, “wow, that is pretty cool having mail on the first day,” and without hesitating I opened it up only to find: Dear Nicole, I’m am so happy you will be joining the NJSA staff. Your personality, positivity and ingenuity will be a great asset to the organization. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet you and appreciate you taking the time to attend NYLC and interview myself and the fellow junior board applicants. Thank you, Shelby Weinrich I recalled meeting Shelby on the bus headed to TopGolf at NYLC. Awkward, just started her job –Nicole– is sitting at the back of the bus trying to observe the situation and everyone around me. Shelby struck up a genuine conversation with me. She asked me if I was excited to start this new job and I very enthusiastically answered yes. We then chatted about what each of us were up to and her involvement at Oklahoma State. Shelby’s personality was distinct. She is a very nice, outgoing person who wants the best for everyone around her. Her note encouraged me. Her note gave me the confidence I needed stepping into a new job. I will always cherish and remember those uplifting words. So, as I look ahead to the future of our industry, there will certainly be challenges and tribulations, but it’s young, kind and inquiring minds, like Shelby, that give me confidence in the youth that will soon be our leaders! Week One’s Encouraging Words “Her note encouraged me. Her note gave me the confidence I needed stepping into a new job. I will always cherish and remember those uplifting words.” Nicole Chance :: nicole@nationalswine.com NSR Director of Education & Outreach YOUTH VIEW EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 12• Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to fund future leadership and scholarship opportunities with the National Swine Registry Foundation. • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. • Support the future of the National Swine Registry by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. Use smile.amazon.com EVERYTIME you shop 13 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE“Think before you speak.” This is a phrase that little DeShea heard a lot growing up. I have always been one to tell people just how I feel, when I feel it. This can date all the way back to one of my parent’s favorite stories to tell about me. As a toddler, my parents would tell you that I was a terror. So much so, that my mom prayed every day that my little sister would end up being her “easy” child. One day in church, when I was about two years old, I was driving my parents crazy. It was all they could do to make me sit still and be quiet throughout the entire service. They were at their wits end and it just so happened to be Communion Sunday so my dad got the bright idea to tell me, “DeShea, if you can just sit still and be quiet for a little bit at the end of church were going to go up front and get some food.” Well, I was all about that! I sat really quiet and still for probably what was an eternity for two-year-old me. We went up and got the bread and grape juice and made our way back to our pew in the back of the church. My parents, at this point, probably took a sigh of relief that we were almost out of there. But I had a different plan, little me proceeded to stand up and say in my loudest public speaking voice, “But mom, I wanted French fries!” And again, I will say, think before you speak. It is a funny story to tell everyone when they are getting to know me and my personality, but, as an adult, it is something I need to remind myself of daily. With the times of social media this phrase becomes more relevant every single day. Much like that story that will be told for years and years, words stick with us and once we say them, we can’t take them back. Boy, can you imagine if we could? Every day I hop on social media and cringe at the things people post. Do you think they really thought that through before they posted it? Do you think they know that the delete button won’t make that disappear (as much as we would like it to)? I know kids in this generation get tired of being told that employers will check their social media accounts before being hired. You would think that is obvious but we still see comments, posts, shares and pictures that say otherwise. I totally get it, there are times in life we may get so excited about something, we don’t think before we speak. We may be so angry and frustrated that we forget to think before we speak. We may be so caught up in the moment that we may not think before we speak. Whatever the case may be, we need to take time in this crazy, fast-paced life to ask ourselves a few things before we blurt the first thing that comes to mind. 1. Do I know that what I am about to say is as true and factual as it can be? Have I done my research, or do I know enough about this topic to speak my mind? 2. What is my purpose in saying this? Is it going to add fuel to the fire or clarify facts for someone? 3. Am I helping myself or anyone else by saying this? On the same token, am I going to hurt myself or anyone by saying this? Think Before You Speak “...words stick with us and once we say them, we can’t take them back.” DeShea Wallace :: deshea@nationalswine.com NSR Creative Design Coordinator FUELING CREATIVITY JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 14Continued FUELING CREATIVITY Remember that these words will stick with you, if they are posted on social media they can be shared, screenshot and used for or against you and the situation at hand. Save the thought as a draft, whether in your head or on the screen, organize your thoughts and come back to it. You will be amazed once the heat of the situation has calmed down how happy you are that you didn’t react right away. Sometimes it is best to follow the trusty golden rule and consider not saying anything at all. We don’t always have to have an opinion on every topic. Be selective and strategic in your communication. And if the unfortunate, “But mom, I wanted French fries” situation occurs, be prepared to own it and apologize. After all, your words reflect who you are. Are you thinking before you speak? EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL A performance pedigree is more than a piece of paper – it’s your word. It says your breeding stock is a superior product backed by superior genetics and predictable performance. It sets purebred producers apart from those who pass common, ordinary pigs off as breeding stock. And, a pedigree is something else. It’s the lifeblood of an entire industry, making it possible for you to have the leadership, research, programs, services and support you’ve come to expect from the National Swine Registry. So, if you’re raising and selling purebreds, you owe it to yourself to register every litter. If you purchase seedstock for your commercial operation, you owe it to yourself to ask for the performance pedigree. Why not take advantage of more than 100 years of genetic selection and performance documentation? 15 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGEFOR YOUR INFORMATION FOR YOUR INFORMATION FOR YOUR INFORMATION Keeping you connected with news in the purebred swine industry. To submit announcements for FYI, contact stevew@nationalswine.com. STAFF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Clay Zwilling • Ext. 106 V.P. OF GLOBAL TECHNICAL SERVICE Dr. Doug Newcom • Ext. 116 PEDIGREE DEPT. DIRECTOR & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Lisa Kennedy • Ext. 105 CONTROLLER Mindee Pollard • Ext. 108 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Stephen Weintraut II • Ext. 118 SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR & EDITOR Cassie Godwin • Ext. 111 CREATIVE DESIGN COORDINATOR DeShea Wallace • Ext. 113 DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR SHOWS Ellen Knauth • Ext. 101 DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & OUTREACH Nicole Chance • Ext. 122 DNA SECRETARY Whitney Webb • Ext. 102 DUROC SECRETARY Emily Tepe-Kimmel • Ext. 120 LANDRACE/HAMPSHIRE SECRETARY Megan Dragstrem • Ext. 100 YORKSHIRE SECRETARY Whitney Hendricks • Ext. 112 SOFTWARE DEVELOPER/ DATABASE MANAGER Matthew Fouts • Ext. 104 FIELD REPRESENTATIVES Mickey Bellamy • 765.427.7741 Clay Parrish • 765.421.1155 Luke Ziegler • 765.427.3733 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Brett Beyers, Ill. CHAIRMAN • 815.848.3549 Steve Cobb, Ark. VICE CHAIRMAN • 870.219.7281 Dusty Cain, Iowa • 641.203.2257 Dr. Kevin Sharrett, Ohio • 937.603.6942 Kyle Baade Neb. • 402.239.2229 Cody McCleery, Texas • 817.613.6666 Don R. Smith, Ohio • 419.571.3987 Dan Burzlaff, Iowa • 563.357.1957 Ben Olson, S.D. • 605.660.2828 Lynsee Shaffer-Pullen, Ind. • 765.717.9924 DUROC BOARD Brett Beyers, Ill. PRES. • 2019* Doug Albright, Mich. V.P. • 2019 Justin Rodibaugh, Ind. • 2021 Don R. Smith, Ohio • 2020* Darrell Drake, Ind. • 2020 Jayson Butts, Wis. • 2020 Chad Hill, Texas • 2019 HAMPSHIRE BOARD Mark Peter, Ill. PRES. • 2018* Kyle Baade, Neb. V.P. • 2019 Shon Grimm, Iowa • 2021 Mike Watson, Ind. • 2020* Mike Day, Okla. • 2019 Jim McCoy, Ohio • 2019* Steve Earnhart, Ind. • 2020 *denotes second term 2639 Yeager Road West Lafayette, IN 47906 765.463.3594 nationalswine.com FOR YOUR INFORMATION INDUSTRY NEWS Rodibaugh Farms announced as a Featured Farmer for the 2019 Indiana State Fair Rodibaugh Farms of Rensselear, Ind., has been announced as one of the Featured Farmers introducing fairgoers to Hoosier farmers each day during the Fair with opportuni- ties to learn more about where their food comes from. These farmers have incredible stories to tell. On average, an American farmer feeds more than 165 people – that’s up from 25 people in the 1960s. American agriculture is doing more and doing it better. Visitors to the Indiana State Fair can attend a live chat at 2:30 p.m. in the Glass Barn with a Featured Farmer every day of the Fair, in addition to many other opportunities to talk with that day’s Featured Farm family and learn about their operation. To learn more about the farmers, visit IndianaStateFair.com, and follow along on social media @IndyStateFair. INTERNS Hannah Frobose • MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Justin Swanton • EVENTS & EDUCATION Thomas Crome • FIELD STAFF THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO! The 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. WHITNEY WEBB 10 YEARS Start Date: May 27, 2009 whitney@nationalswine.com DR. DOUG NEWCOM 6 YEARS Start Date: May 9, 2014 newcom@nationalswine.com LANDRACE BOARD Lynsee Shaffer-Pullen, Ind. PRES. • 2019* Mark Korb, Ohio V.P. • 2019 Russell Pedrett, Calif. • 2020 Kyle Knauth, Ill. • 2021 Jonas McGrew, Ill. • 2019 Freddie Grohmann, Ill. • 2020 Sam Malcolm, Ind. • 2021* YORKSHIRE BOARD Steve Cobb, Ark. PRES. • 2020 Kevin Ricker, Ohio V.P. • 2020 Chad Martin, Ind. • 2020 Colton Blehn, Okla. • 2020 Matt Rohrig, Iowa • 2019* Ben Olsen, S.D. • 2020 Broc Thompson, Ohio • 2020* JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 16NFORMATION FOR YOUR INFORMATIO JUNE 2-8, 2019 THE EXPOSITION OPEN & JR. SHOW Des Moines, Iowa JUNE 12, 2019 JULY SEEDSTOCK EDGE Advertising Deadline JULY 1-6, 2019 NSR SUMMER TYPE CONF. NJSA NATIONAL JUNIOR SUMMER SPECTACULAR Louisville, Ky. JULY 12, 2019 AUGUST SEEDSTOCK EDGE Advertising Deadline AUG. 8, 2019 NJSA SOUTHWEST REGIONAL Entry Deadline AUG. 15, 2019 NBS ® OPEN & JR. SHOW Entry Deadline AUG. 21, 2019 SEPT./OCT. SHOWPIG ISSUE SEEDSTOCK EDGE Advertising Deadline AUG. 30-SEPT. 1, 2019 NJSA SOUTHWEST REGIONAL Woodward, Okla. & DATES DEADLINES JUN 2 JUN 12 JUL 1 JUL 12 AUG 8 AUG 15 AUG 21 AUG 30 MINDEE POLLARD 5 YEARS Start Date: May 2, 2014 mindee@nationalswine.com MICK BELLAMY 3 YEARS Start Date: May 23, 2016 mick@nationalswine.com CLAY ZWILLING 2 YEARS Start Date: May 16, 2017 clay@nationalswine.com CLAY PARRISH 1 YEAR Start Date: June 18, 2018 clayp@nationalswine.com NSR NEWS Ziegler joins NSR staff The National Swine Registry welcomed Lukas Ziegler as the Northwest Territory Field Representative. In his new role, Lukas works cross-functionally with the Eastern Region and Southwest Region Field Representatives and is responsible for the membership in the Northwest portion of the United States. He will be assisting the membership through genetic consultation and selection, education about the NSR and its programs, and the general promo- tion of U.S. Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, and Yorkshire breeds and their breeders to the collective swine industry. Lukas is a graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he earned a degree in agricultural education with an emphasis on agriculture and extension leadership. While attending Texas Tech he was a member of the wool and meat judging teams. Lukas was also a key member of the 2015 National Champion Livestock Judging Team. He was also an active member of Block & Bridle and the Agricultural Council. Prior to working for NSR Lukas managed the small ruminant division at the West Virginia University research farm in Morgantown, West Virginia, before serving as the assistant livestock judging coach at Clarendon College, in the Texas Panhandle. Lukas first discovered his passion for agriculture on his families cow-calf operation located in Western Maryland. He is a former Jr. Fair Board member at the Maryland State Fair and is still active in working with junior livestock judging programs in the state. In his spare time Lukas is a passionate Red Raider sports fan, and enjoys the outdoors through hunting and fishing. Lukas Ziegler 17 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGEFOR YOUR INFORMATION FOR YOUR INFORMATION FOR YOUR INFORMATION BIRTHS Proud parents, Kyle and Laura Baade welcomed another member to the Baade Bunch on March 26, as Callan Penner made his appearance. His arrival came two weeks early and at six pounds, six ounces and 18.5 inches long the newest and smallest member of the family has already won over his big brother and sister. Grandparents are Martin and Carol Anderson of Hitchcock, South Dakota and Doug and Michele Baade of Rock Rapids, Iowa. CALLAN PENNER BAADE March 26, 2019 Let’s be friends! FOLLOW US! PROVEN. PROGRESSIVE. PUREBREDS. SAVE TIME Enter Online Online entries are the easiest and most efficient way to enter for your favorite NSR and NJSA events. 1. Go to nationalswine.com. 2. Find your event in the EVENTS tab. 3. Click on the entry form CLICK HERE button. 4. Fill out the form and submit payment. 5. You’re all set! SAVE TIME JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 18NFORMATION FOR YOUR INFORMATIO VIRGINIA KAY MILLER 1945-2019 Virginia Kay Miller, 73, of Chatsworth, Illinois, passed away at 10:06 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at her home. A visitation was held from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth and one hour prior to services at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatsworth on Thursday, April 4, 2019. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatsworth. Burial fol- lowed services at Chatsworth Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatsworth or Chatsworth Fire and Rescue. Virginia was born April 13, 1945 in Fairbury, Illinois, a daughter of Wesley and Margaret (Mehrings) Johnson. She married Dale LaVern Miller on January 5, 1964 in Chatsworth, Illinois. He passed away on August 22, 2000. She is survived by her three sons: Michael (Marcie) Miller of Charleston, Illinois, Matthew (Tammy) Miller of Campus, Illinois, and Marcus (Alicia) Miller of Forrest, Illinois; her one daughter: Michelle (Gregg) Honegger in Forrest, Illinois; her twelve grandchildren: Rachel and Quinn Miller, Hannah, Holden and Hayden Miller, Clay, Cole, and Crew Miller, and Lauren, Logan, Leigh, and Laine Honegger; and one brother: Harry (Til) Johnson in Forrest, Illinois; She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Virginia was educated in the Chatsworth Schools. She was a beautician for over 27 years out of her home. Once she retired, she farmed with her husband, Dale, working together getting everything done. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatsworth where she was very active. Virginia also served on the Charlotte Township Board and as an Election Judge for many years. Above all, Virginia enjoyed being with her chil- dren and grandchildren. They were her hobbies, and she loved spending time with them whenever she could. She was a loving mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed. BETTY LEE FARRER 1928-2019 Betty Lee Farrer, 90, of Royal Center, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, on Friday morning, March 29, 2019. Born July 26, 1928, in Carroll County, she was the daughter of the late Basil Ray and Ethel Delilah (Bock) Milburn. Betty was a 1947 graduate of Logansport High School. A lifelong 4-H supporter, Betty met William C. “Bill” Farrer through their years in 4-H. They fell in love during the magic of a county fair romance. On June 22, 1947, in Cass County, the sweethearts were married. Sadly, Bill passed away, much too soon, at age 54 on March 23, 1981. Her life revolved around her family and the farm. As a homemaker, she was an excellent cook who was always prepared to offer food when you came to visit. Her cookies were simply the best. As a farm wife, she worked hard alongside her husband and watched the fruits of their labor grow into a family business – Farrer Stock Farms – where they bred and raised purebred Spotted swine and Shorthorn cattle. Later, as a widow, she showed her resolve and worked alongside her sons, Steve and Tom, as they continued to grow the farming operation. A faithful member of the Crooked Creek Christian Church, Betty exemplified the Proverbs 31 description of a noble woman. Many children will remember her sweet nature and the important lessons she taught as their Sunday School teacher. Betty gained so much from her years in 4-H that she spent the rest of her life giving back including her many years as a Jefferson Township 4-H Leader. Her sons and grandchildren knew they would always find her in the stands, cheering them on, whenever they competed in 4-H or at Pioneer sporting events. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve W. and Terry Farrer, and Tom A. and Lisa Farrer, all of Royal Center; three sisters, Joan Martin, Burrows, Bonnie McGill, Lafayette, and Roberta Elliott, Lucerne; six grandchildren: Brad (Brandi) Farrer, Drew (Stacy) Farrer, Payton (Kristen) Farrer, Taylor (Kristen) Farrer, John Farrer, and Bailey (Taylor) Graham; and eight great-grandchildren: Kendalyn Farrer, Alexis Farrer, Curtis Farrer, Chase Farrer, Kolton Farrer, Molly Farrer, Scarlett Farrer, and Chip Farrer. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Marjorie Crume, Hilda Redding-Harvey and Martha Sharp; and one brother, Bob Milburn. A funeral service celebrating the life of Betty Farrer were- held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 5 in Fisher Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in the Crooked Creek Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Cass County 4-H Fair Association or the Crooked Creek Christian Church. To share memories and words of comfort with the family, visit Betty’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com. OBITUARIES 19 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGENext >