“If every showpig raised annually was harvested in one day, they would be harvested in less than two hours with total shackles available nationwide.” – Ed Tice, Tyson Fresh Meats

This quote was presented to the youth on the first day of the National Youth Leadership Conference (NYLC). When Brian Arnold told us this, my jaw dropped. Two hours? That’s it? Wow. His next question didn’t disappoint.

“Would the pork industry know if we disappeared?”  Brian Arnold, National Swine Registry (NSR) Vice President of Member Outreach and Youth Development, asked.

The answer is absolutely! It’s not because of the pounds of meat the show industry helps produce. Absolutely is the answer because of the youth developed in our industry that are crafted to become great leaders throughout their lives! Youth as young as 13 years of age attended the 2016 NYLC in Kentucky, this past weekend. The conference consisted of tremendous speakers including Brian Arnold, the University of Kentucky faculty, Warren Beeler, executive director of the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Agriculture Policy, and Dr. Brett Kaysen, dairy production specialist for Zoetis. I was moved by each and every one of the speakers because of their leadership strengths and personal connection to all the youth at thes conference. The young adults at this conference may not have realized the impact of words they took note of during each session, but as they read them a few days after and reflect on what they said, I truly hope they will understand what a privilege it was to have attended NYLC.

We also visited Finchville Farms, UK’s campus, SkyZone and the Horse Park while at the conference. I can honestly say that the only thing I would change about the entire experience would be the cold weather, and nobody has control over that. A huge thank you goes to The Maschhoffs, Pork Checkoff and other sponsors of the conference, as well as everyone who put time into making the event a complete success. Although I will be too old to attend the next NYLC, I am confident the NJSA will see numbers of youth attending the conferences increase year after year. Before we know it, 65 attendees will become 100 and 100 will become 150. The future of the NJSA is very bright, and the youth are even brighter! I am so proud to say I would not be the leader I am today without the NJSA!