The 2014 NJSA Regional Leadership Conference was the largest regional conference we have had yet! On December 6, it was held in Manhattan, Kansas at Kansas State University. NJSA youth ages 12-18 and adults with these members were welcomed by the KSU Staff, the NJSA Junior Board, and the NSR Staff. The Kansas State FFA Officers attended the conference starting the morning with an icebreaker and a little fun. The youth proceeded to learn about Biosecurity from Dr. Joel DeRouchey (KSU) and the Reproduction Tract & A.I. from Hyatt Frobose (KSU PhD student). The parents broke off into another room talking with Dr. Dave Nichols (KSU) about Preparing Kids for College.
Right before lunch, everyone listened to a talk by Kevin Sheehan, Vice President Pork Livestock Procurement, Cargill Inc. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” was the question Mr. Sheehan had for the youth. Some understood showing pigs is a hobby for many of us but it is not capable of being a career, for most of us. Mr. Sheehan talked about so many different paths people can take with the showing background we all have. The routes and opportunities are endless! But in order to be successful in any path, you have to work hard, be respectful, and communicate well with others.
Youth members continued the day with sessions about advocacy, making a pig diet, and knowing your pig’s meat. The adults talked about animal nutrition and left Weber Hall to tour Kansas State University’s campus and animal facilities just outside of campus. Dr. Joel DeRouchey gave an informational tour allowing us to stop at the Stanley Stout Center and the sheep unit. A slow drive by the swine unit allowed us to see their new nursery barn and learn more about their swine research operation.
The day concluded with a delicious ice cream break and a great livestock panel. The panel included Dr. Bob Hines, Mr. Jeff Nemecek, and Mr. Willard Olson. These three successful men shared with everyone their story and how they became the person they are today. Very important advice was given through stories of back when and examples through their own children and family. A huge thank you to the panel, each speaker who gave their time to speak at the conference, and the Kansas State University staff who helped the biggest regional conference yet run so smoothly!
The next leadership conference the NJSA is Bootcamp, February 14th for kids ages 8-12. 2015 NJSA Bootcamp will be held at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. You can register now at http://nationalswine.com/shows/jr_shows/bootcamp/bootcamp_info.php.
The 2015 NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference for kids ages 14-21 will be held in Fort Collins, CO April 10-12th. You can register now at http://nationalswine.com/shows/jr_shows/national_leadership_conf/national_leadership_conf_info.php.