NJSA Junior Board Feature :: Haley Stark

What is your favorite aspect of being on the Junior Board?

I love watching our youth membership grow and develop, especially at events like NYLC. The NJSA has allowed me the opportunity to meet and interact with swine enthusiasts from across the country, and as a Florida native, that’s really cool because I didn’t have that opportunity very much in high school. Additionally, there’s no better spot to be than in the ring during the WPX and NJSS grand drives. Those moments really put into perspective the privilege it is to be on the Junior Board.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I am the first person in my family to be involved in agriculture. In fact, when I was younger I expected my life to be very different than it is now. My childhood dream was actually to be a paleontologist and find dinosaurs because my childhood hero was Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Needless to say, I’ve grown a lot over the years and I’m glad I fell into the agricultural industry.

What is your favorite stock show memory?

My favorite stock show memory while serving on the Junior Board would have to be 2017 WPX during the grand drive. During that moment I got to see my college livestock judging teammate’s sister win the entire show, and watched her parents jump down and hug her. It’s just a special moment watching youth members win such a prestigious show, but it’s even cooler when it’s someone you know, and a great family.

How do you hope to impact the agriculture industry?

My whole life is centered around the livestock and agricultural industries. I love to write and agricultural communications is undoubtedly my passion, so I hope I can hone in on those skills and use them as a means to promote the industry. It is my goal to serve as a lifetime advocate regardless of my specific career title. Lastly, I have had the opportunity to serve as a mentor two my two MVP protégé, Landry and McKinley Kaysen, for two years. Being a role model to those two girls has been one of the most rewarding experiences, and I hope I can continue to mentor swine youth even after my time on the junior board is over.