The nominating committees have made their selections, and the 2023 National Swine Registry Boards of Directors candidates are ready to serve. Don’t miss the chance to cast your vote. Ballots will be mailed November 1 and should be postmarked and returned to the NSR office by November 30.
UNITED DUROC SWINE REGISTRY CANDIDATES
AT LARGE – Randy Shipley
Age: 68
Residence: Newark, Ohio
Spouse: Sandi
Children: 2
Grandchildren: 2
Size and scope of operation: 200 sows farrow to finish, 60 head boar stud, showpigs and commercial semen.
Swine industry leadership activities: Shipley Swine Genetics Boar Stud
Other leadership activities: Raised Durocs for 54 years. Served on multiple boards at the county, state and national level over the years.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and United Duroc Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I have always felt that the showpig industry will take care of itself. The National Swine Registry role needs to be one of leadership. They do a great job organizing and running the national shows. They need to come up with ways to control the over-aging at these events. They need to create and enforce the code of fair practice at these events, in the cases where the purchased animals fail to perform or doesn’t work out. Honesty and integrity at these events are important for the longevity of this industry.
I think the main focus should be on the rest of the industry. Durocs have always been known for their growth, meat quality, and over all toughness; not only as purebreds, but also in a crossbreeding program. Meat quality is huge in today’s market. Berkshires have really captured this market. Durocs needs to catch up and take their place as a household name for the #1 meat quality.
The NSR, in my opinion, has done a great job maintaining breed purity within the different breeds that they oversee. From the outside looking in the field staff does a nice job promoting and covering the country for all breeders. Lisa and the office staff do a great job assisting when called upon. In general the NSR and staff have done a great job. I think it is important to remember the showpig industry is big, but the rest of the industry is huge with great opportunity for younger and older breeders alike.
The main job of NSR is leadership and cultivating new areas of growth for its breeders and membership and have the ability to make the tough calls when necessary. The different breeds do not need to look alike. We need to quit single traiting these hogs for only one purpose, we need to breed hogs that cover all parts of the industry.
Lastly remember integrity and treating your customers the way you would want to be treated will make any business grow.
AT LARGE – Derek Bartholomew
Age: 53
Residence: Huron, Tennessee
Children: Daughter Abi Sartain 22, Son-in-Law Steven Sartain 23, Granddaughter Audrey 10 months
Size and scope of operation: Maintain 25-30 Duroc sows
Swine industry leadership activities: Present-Member TN jr. swine show circuit board. Past- Member TN Pork Producers Board, TN State Fair swine show committee.
Other leadership activities: Taught school for 31 years. High school baseball coach 5 years, FFA advisor 3 years, JR HIGH Boys and Girls basketball coach 15 years. Church Treasurer 21 years.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and United Duroc Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I have been raising Durocs since 1978, and have maintained the same sow line since 1982. Durocs have meant a lot to me and my family over the years. I was a National FFA Swine Proficiency winner in 1988 and my daughter was in 2019. I don’t know of any other father/daughter combination to win a national swine proficiency award (much less from the same line of sows). We still to this day raise hogs for breeding stock, showpigs, and local BBQ pits.
My point is this. I’m old enough to remember the days of spring/fall production sales, test stations, progeny tests,etc. and also seen the showpig era from its beginning. I hope my experience adapting to all the different changes this industry has been through would be beneficial to the membership as new challenges/opportunities arise.
I firmly believe that the Duroc breed is one of the most dominant purebred lines of animals ever created. Whether from a production standpoint, meat quality, or show ring. Duroc pork has a prime opportunity to be on the cutting edge of marketing for the meat case.
I would like to see more communication between the different groups raising red hogs, showpig, commercial, old line,etc. to try and propagate and merchandise the more productive and useful lines of animals. As an older breeder once told me,” Durocs have withstood lots of changes through lots of eras which is a testament to the strength of the breed.”I would just like to give back to something that has given so much to me. With the 4th generation now being in my purebred family, I would like to keep Durocs as functional and true as we can for future generations.
CENTRAL – John Huinker
Age: 63
Residence: Decorah, Iowa
Spouse: Ruth
Children: Lee, Jackie, Danielle and Steven
Size and scope of operation: 125 Duroc Sows, 25 Crossbred Sows, 15 Boar AI Stud.
Swine industry leadership activities: Past President Iowa Duroc Breeders, Past President United Duroc Swine Registry, Past President Winnoshiek County Pork Producers
Other leadership activities: Member St. Aloysius Parrish, Past Youth Development Board Member
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and United Duroc Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I believe NSR and The United Duroc Swine Registry’s job is to keep breed purity and pedigree accuracy at the forefront. They need to continue to provide avenues for shows and sales to promote our breed. We also need to provide the commercial sector with the resources it needs to promote and improve the Duroc pork products of the future!
CENTRAL – Blane Olson
Age: 38
Residence: Elkhart, Illinois
Spouse: Kristi
Children: Braden, Kelten, Luke and Coley
Size and scope of operation: Own and operate a 30 head Duroc sow herd with a focus on showpig and breeding stock production. We also row crop corn and soybeans with my parents, John and Ann and own a 2,400 head wean to finish barn integrated with the Maschhoffs.
Swine industry leadership activities: I’m currently a member of the NSR Duroc Board and the District 4 Director with the Illinois Pork Producers Association.
Other leadership activities: I sit on the Logan County Catholic Church Parrish council and also help coach basketball at Mt. Pulaski grade school.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and United Duroc Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: Today’s purebred swine industry, much like the rest of the world around us, is moving faster and continuing to change all of the time. With that said, I feel the leaders at NSR should be working to maintain the momentum that we have going while keeping a close eye on the future. In my opinion, any business or industry that will continue to succeed in the future will be will to adapt quickly to change, properly manage and invest finances and always look for ways to grow and improve to meet the goals of all involved. Strong and disciplined leaders who are invested in the good of the whole and not working in self interest are the kind of people that I see being successful as we move forward – not just in our organization, but in all that we do.
WESTERN – Charles (Chuck) Real
Age: 70
Residence: Marion, Texas
Spouse: Debbie Real
Children: Daryl Real, Laura Huebinger, Russell Real
Size and scope of operation: Farrow to Finish swine operation with 110 purebred and 20 crossbred sows. Commercial Cattle– 75 cows. Crop farm 700 acres of corn, wheat and oats
Swine industry leadership activities: Texas Pork Producers Board for 43 years serving as President and Executive Committee, past board member on American Berkshire Association Board from 2018 to 2020, and the Duroc Swine Registry Board from 1999 until 2001. Served on National Pork Council Board from 1983 to 1994.
Other leadership activities: Coach of Guadalupe County 4-H Livestock Judging team for more than 30 years, Served on Livestock Judging Committees at Houston, State Fair of Texas, San Antonio, Louisville and National Barrow Shows. Board of Directors for Producers Coop, Bexar County Farm Bureau and Guadalupe County Youth Show.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and United Duroc Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Duroc breed as a board member. I feel it is very important to continue a strong relationship and support of NJSA. Youth development should be a high priority of the board. I also feel the Duroc board should actively promote and support the use of Duroc genetics in the commercial industry and the promotion of Duroc pork. We need to be open-minded and work with all producers, giving them the opportunity to pursue and promote their Duroc breeding program.
WESTERN – Robbie Harkey
Age: 51
Residence: Hale Center, Texas
Spouse: Shelly Harkey
Children: Sheena, Kylie, and Brendan
Size and scope of operation: We run approximately 40 duroc sow operation with a few spot and cross sows in the mix.
Swine industry leadership activities: CTBR (Certified Texas Bred Registry) Chairman, TPPA (Texas Pork Producers Association) Board Member, and County Board Member
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and United Duroc Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: As a producer myself, the importance of the National Swine Registry and individual breeds is to support our industry for us to truly capitalize in all areas. We spend countless hours, money, and resources to provide the highest quality product. Therefore, as times are revolving, purebred breeders need help to find markets and avenues to get their product out there. Regarding the Duroc breed, I feel as though it is our responsibility to help one another advocate for the breed by finding unique areas to market while establishing a higher market. Obviously, this is a task we will continue to chase. However, as a registry we must continue to support and market the purebred industry in order to make advancements in the right direction. Our role should be to always keep an emphasis on the quality of what it means to raise purebred stock. I firmly believe that by doing so, the demand will be encouraged and eventually come. At the end off the day, if we do all we can to make the highest quality product, with the support of the registry we can compete in today’s market.
HAMPSHIRE SWINE REGISTRY CANDIDATES
AT LARGE – AJ Lewis
Age: 44
Residence: Center Point, Iowa
Spouse: Kim Lewis
Children: Caleigh (12), Kolten (10), Brailey (10)
Size and scope of operation: 110 sows, consisting of Hamps, Yorks, Durocs , Berks, Spots and crosses
Swine industry leadership activities: Iowa Pork Producers Association member, Iowa Purebred Swine Council member, Iowa Junior Swine Jackpot sponsor, Linn County Swine committee chair, Volunteer mentor for County 4-H Livestock judging team, Host Collegiate & County Livestock judging workouts.
Other leadership activities: Linn Co Oil Co-op board member, St. Marks Church Member, St. Marks Hospitality Volunteer, Member of the Iowa Farm Bureau
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and Hampshire Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I feel the role of the Hampshire board is simple: To allow Hampshire breeders and enthusiasts to be profitable, competitive against others breeds and continue to make genetic progress. All this can be accomplished without taking any shortcuts that could be setbacks in the future.
AT LARGE – Kelly Bowen
Age: 68
Residence: Bloomington, Illinois
Spouse: Cheryl
Children: Brent and Brieanna (Bowen) Mitchell
Size and scope of operation: 80 Hampshire Sows, 6 Hampshire Boars in Stud,
Other leadership activities: Currently serving second 4 year term as Supervisor and Chief Financial Officer of Dry Grove Township
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and Hampshire Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: The real question would be what markets are available for breeders in addition to show pigs and replacement gilts. The Duroc and white line associations have done an excellent job promoting meat quality with the help of National Pork Board, what is available for the Hampshire breed.
The main focus still should be with the kids because they are the future of the industry. As a breeder there is no greater joy than seeing that picture of a child with their pig and ribbon to show for their hard work. Honesty and integrity in the industry must start here.
AT LARGE – Lee Cain
Age: 53
Residence: Chariton, Iowa
Spouse: Jana Cain (Special Ed Teacher)
Children: Aaron 23 (graduate of ISU) / Dylan 20 (student at ISU)
Size and scope of operation: Cain Farms- 400 sows Farrow to Finish (150 Hampshire / 50 Durocs/ 25 Yorkshire / the rest Cross) & Cain Super Sires Boar Stud.
Swine industry leadership activities: Assist Swine Dept. for County Fair, host Judging team workouts, member of ISU Judging Team. I have been involved Cain Farms and with the swine industry since graduating from Iowa State University with an Ag Studies Degree.
Other leadership activities: Coach High School Football, Coach Little League Baseball, league basketball, and youth football, member First Methodist Church.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and Hampshire Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: To continue to grow youth membership (NJSA) and provide shows and other activities that will encourage participation. Also to provide accurate linage of purebred animals through pedigrees and continue to provide assistance in marketing the breeders animals.
WESTERN – Pat Arkfeld
Age: 28
Residence: Alma, Kansas
Spouse: Becky Arkfeld
Children: Newborn son Beau
Size and scope of operation: Arkfeld Genetics is a family-owned operation consisting of 50 purebred Hampshire, Duroc, and Yorkshire sows as well as a few crosses. Our goal is to make the highest quality breeding stock and competitive show pigs that we can as a family while always maintaining a commitment to integrity.
Swine industry leadership activities: Member of the Hampshire and Duroc breed registries, former NJSA member, volunteer on the Otoe county swine committee.
Other leadership activities: Former collegiate livestock judging coach of 7 years, Holy Family Catholic Church member.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and Hampshire Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: In my opinion the role of the NSR and the Hampshire Swine Registry is, most importantly, to provide the platform and knowledgeable staff to help its members market their genetics. This should not only be targeted to the showpig driven programs but also to commercial producers looking to capitalize on branded pork programs.
The NSR and HSR also need to continue to be progressive in their approach of the NJSA. As the NJSA and youth show programs are now helping to drive our industry and demanding Hampshire genetics it is important to continue building the greatest junior livestock association in the world. This will help not only NSR’s membership in making profit but also give young people the opportunities and networking events to become great future leaders. The NSR is in a great spot right now; with continued vision and open eyes to the future the opportunities are endless.
WESTERN – Donnie Persall
Age: 56
Residence: Newcastle, Oklahoma
Children: 2 children , daughter Emily And son Ben
Size and scope of operation: Farm name is Savage Genetics, we run around 30 purebred Hamp sows and 15 crossbred sows
Other leadership activities: Member of life church in Moore, Oklahoma been attending for 5 years and helping with activities when called upon
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and Hampshire Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I feel the NSR Serves a vital role in today’s industry ,leadership is the number one requirement and building a great relationship between board members, members and NSR youth activities in order for growth I feel we need to encourage every breeder to register every purebred litter, tracking heritage is very important for future Generations
EASTERN – Mike McCoy
Age: 45
Residence: Bloomingburg, Ohio
Spouse: Jordan McCoy
Children: Maya, Keaton, Malcolm, & Stevie McCoy
Size and scope of operation: We have 80 sows and 25 boars (mostly NSR breeds and Crossbreds). Our main focus is to build showpigs and seedstock for the showpig industry with emphasis on balance and function.
Swine industry leadership activities: I have judged county, state and major shows across the country. This includes NJSS gilts and barrows, Southeast Regional, and Houston.
Other leadership activities: I have served as a Swine Official at the National Barrow Show, Louisville, Houston, the Ohio State 4-H Contest, and many other contests across the nation. I was a part of the initial committee that started the OH-PIGS circuit, and was very active on the committee that made several progressive changes to the Ohio State Fair Junior Show.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and Hampshire Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: The NSR’s role in my opinion should be to provide a platform for each breed under its umbrella to make and showcase progress and growth. This structured platform should emphasize integrity among breeders/exhibitors, respect for each breed’s history, and maintaining a progressive mindset to stay current with DNA technology, advertising, and marketing.
EASTERN – Steve Rodibaugh
Age: 55
Residence: Rensselaer, Indiana
Spouse: Married to Shannon for 33 years
Children: Four children-Lauren, Brooks, Sarah, Regan and 4 grandchildren.
Size and scope of operation: I am owner of Jack Rodibaugh & Sons with my three brothers David, Jim and John. Jack started in 1950 and today we run 200 sows and row crop 2,200 acres.
Swine industry leadership activities: I am a board member of the Indiana Yorkshire Association and a past president. I have served as a board of the American Yorkshire Club, and the United Duroc Association.
Other leadership activities: I am a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and coach youth basketball for 18 years.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and Hampshire Swine Registry’s role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I believe the most important job of a board member is voting for executive board members and maintaining breed requirements and purity.
AMERICAN LANDRACE ASSOCIATION CANDIDATES
AT LARGE – Kyle Crowder
Age: 47
Residence: Attica, Indiana
Spouse: Denise Crowder
Children: Ashley 20, Garrett 18 & Tyler 14
Size and scope of operation: Our family own and operate a 900-sow breed to wean commercial operation that utilizes York x Landrace F1 females. Also, 40 showpig sows that include Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Crossbreds.
Swine industry leadership activities: Involved in local 4-H swine committee and Midwest Pork Conference committee
Other leadership activities: Church council at Attica First Lutheran, Fountain County Advisory plan Commission, Fountain County 4-H Foundation.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and American Landrace Association role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: The American Landrace Association role in maintaining breed purity and finding new ways to market the breed through shows and sales should be a priority for breed growth. It has been great to see enthusiasm grow for the Landrace breed in the show ring!
AT LARGE – Austin Kindschi
Age: 29
Residence: Sparks, Oklahoma
Size and scope of operation: Real Time Genetics is co-owned between my father, Kenny, and I. We started raising pigs in 2003, and ever since an operation that started with just a couple of show gilts has snowballed into 18-20 sows year-round. Our sow herd primarily consists of Durocs, Landrace and a handful of crossbreds. In 2019, we purchased our first landrace gilt from the Southwest Type Conference and as of today, we run around 5 Landrace sows that have had a nice run here in the southwest.
Swine industry leadership activities: NJSA Member (2003-2011), The Maschhoffs Genetics Intern (May-Aug 2014) COBA Breeder 2020-Present, Breeder Battle Breeder (2021-Present)
Other leadership activities: OAETA Member (Oklahoma Agricultural Education Teachers Association)
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and American Landrace Association role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: Over the past few years the American Landrace Association has done a very good job at working with the Oklahoma Youth Expo in helping to reinstate the Landrace Gilt Show portion of the Purebred Gilt Show. Providing monetary incentive programs for Landrace exhibitors at shows like this as well as donation females at the Fall Classic to generate funds for those programs has helped reinforce some financial sustainability as well as helping to generate interest among 4-H and FFA show families. In my opinion the growth of the Landrace breed all stems back to availability (for people to purchase) at least in our part of the world. Perhaps an approach that works to solve that problem is for the American Landrace Association to develop a more integral role in the youth show scene here in the southwest. Working with state swine producer associations such as the Texas Pork Producers or the Certified Oklahoma Bred Swine Association and providing some financial assistance or meaningful incentives for the Top 5 Landrace Breeders would help spark more involvement on a state/regional level. One of the board’s primary focuses should be, in my opinion, to keep fighting and working to keep the Landrace Breed Division in the Southwest Major Shows. If not, that will be the quickest way to stifle the growth and future of this breed.
AT LARGE – Lance Strange
Age: 40
Residence: Rensselaer, Indiana
Spouse: Allison
Children: Payton (13), Ainsley (9), and Harper (6)
Size and scope of operation: My wife, three daughters, and I operate as Sandy Ridge Farms and currently run 12 sows focused on raising show pigs. The majority of our herd consists of purebreds (Landrace, Duroc, and York) with a few crossbreds.
Swine industry leadership activities: I am the chairman of the One Shining Moment Pigs Sale
Other leadership activities: I currently sit on the Jasper County BZA, Hanging Grove Township Board serving as President, and Jasper County Ag Strategy Committee. I also serve in the youth program with my wife at Grace Church, in DeMotte, IN.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and American Landrace Association role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: The National Swine Registry and American Landrace Association need to continue being innovative and focused on the future. I think we need to continue finding new ways to connect our purebred breeders with our juniors, providing projects for the development of our youth. We need to cultivate new events allowing all breeders to showcase and market their weanling pigs. We also need to continue to help our juniors market their projects along with the breeder’s breeding stock with new and innovative ideas.
The American Landrace Association set in motion a few years ago a plan to improve breed purity. I think we need to continue to work and communicate with Landrace breeders on this effort and be transparent with the guidelines and timelines to keep the integrity of the breed. It is exciting to see the continued breed progress while improving the purity and integrity of the breed.
I also think it is important to continue to find ways to accelerate the NJSA. The members of the NJSA are not only the future on the swine industry, but also the agriculture industry. Today, roughly 10% of the U.S. employment is in agriculture. As it becomes increasingly difficult for some to return to the family farm, we must continue to provide a catalyst for our juniors to stay connected to the livestock and agriculture industries. There are countless young people that have pursued degrees and employment in the livestock or agriculture industries because they were active in organizations such as the NJSA that kept them connected and educated in these industries.
AT LARGE – Carter Schulte
Age: 35
Residence: Marengo, Iowa
Spouse: Aly
Children: Paige (7) and Fletcher (18 mos.)
Size and scope of operation: Schulte Farms consists of 80 crossbred, duroc, landrace and yorkshire sows. The focus is producing highly competitive showpigs for youth exhibitors throughout the country.
Swine industry leadership activities: Benton County Pork Producers Association, Summer Showdown Jackpot Show Coordinator
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and American Landrace Association role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: The National Swine Registry (NSR) and American Landrace Association (ALA) should provide steadfast leadership in a constantly evolving market. I believe there is an opportunity for guidance in navigating these changing tides alongside breeders. It is necessary to adapt and integrate new concepts, but essential to preserve the integrity of the Landrace breed. We can gain enthusiasm by promoting the positive qualities of the breed, therefore optimizing interest and involvement. I credit the NSR for organizing and executing top-notch events for purebred breeders and exhibitors to participate in shows and sales across the country. However, the greatest investment the NSR and ALA can make is the industry’s youth. It is vital to assist the National Junior Swine Association in educating the next generation in the principles of animal husbandry, show ring ethics, biosecurity, and the relevance of purebred swine.
AMERICAN YORKSHIRE CLUB CANDIDATES
AT LARGE – Darin R Kuhlow
Age: 54
Residence: Clinton, Wisconsin
Spouse: Marcela Kuhlow
Children: Chelsea, Courtney, Kallista, Kristina, Logan
Size and scope of operation: partner in Kuhlow Girls Showpigs – 100 sows consisting of Duroc, Yorkshire, Spot and Crossbreds.
Swine industry leadership activities: Swine industry consultant for both commercial and showpig producers and related industry. In this role I’ve been able to help countless people to realize their potential and achieve their goals in 4H, their hobbies as well as their careers.
Other leadership activities: President of Cerdos, LLC.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and American Yorkshire Club role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: I think the NSR is an integral organization for anyone producing purebred stock. While the days of being the primary seedstock provider for commercial producers are long gone, the youth livestock industry, show ring, and several other niche programs still offer tremendous opportunities for breeders of purebred stock. The breed registries remain an important part of that opportunity, not only by maintaining pedigrees, DNA and working to uphold breed integrity, but also by continuing to develop markets for the stock produced by its members. I’d like to see NSR work to get ahead of the curve in implementing new technology and new ideas to market members’ livestock. Realizing the youth shows and the show ring in general offer the most attractive marketing option for most members, I’d like to see focus to continue to grow that market. As well there are other areas where help could be offered to grow niche markets. Pasture pork, humanely-raised, organic, local, high-quality pork, old-line pork, pigs for research, transgenic pigs, etc. are all areas of opportunity where purebred breeders and NSR could take a lead-role in growing and filling those markets.
AT LARGE – Mark Hoge
Age: 49
Residence: Good Hope, Illinois
Spouse: Katie
Children: Carter (17), Nolan (14), Nora Grace (7)
Size and scope of operation: Hoge Livestock runs 50 showpig sows with a wide cross section of breeds (Berkshire, Chester, Duroc, Spot, Yorkshire, and crossbred).
Swine industry leadership activities: My academic pedigree reads Black Hawk East, University of Illinois, Iowa State University (MS), Michigan State University (Ph.D). Throughout my undergraduate degree I was actively involved in livestock judging and all of my graduate degree work was done in swine genetics. I have been on the faculty at Western Illinois University since 2003. I teach 3 or 4 classes per semester, manage the swine and sheep unit, advise the Hoof and Horn club, and coach the livestock judging team. My leadership in the swine industry would come from teaching undergraduates about swine production. Additionally, I helped start the Illinois Club Pig Association and I have had the privilege to judge hog shows at the county, state, and national level. My wife and I have raised our children in the pig show ring. We firmly believe that that has been the best choice when it comes to raising children.
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and American Yorkshire Club role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: Without question, I am a diehard fan of pedigreed purebred livestock! The summer prior to starting my MS degree at Iowa State, I was the NSR summer intern with the field staff. That summer left a lasting impression on me with regards to the impact and importance of a breed association and the role of purebred livestock within our industry. The National Swine Registry is our voice, our promotor, and our defender within the pork industry. The positive relationship between the NSR staff and the breeders sets the foundation for prosperity. My goal would be to continue to explore ways to educate our membership, provide clear transparency about critical issues, and develop young leaders within our industry. The swine showring is an incredible opportunity to advocate for animal agriculture with today’s growing population of American consumers that have no idea where their animal protein comes from.
CENTRAL – Jared Frueh
Age: 45
Residence: Ohio, Illinois
Spouse: Jill
Children: Payton and Parker
Size and scope of operation: Frueh Yorkshires consists of 40 Yorkshire sows focused on producing Yorkshire barrows and gilts that compete at local, state, and national levels.
Swine industry leadership activities: Currently the Vice President of the American Yorkshire Club. Former board member of the Illinois Club Pig Association, Former member of the Bureau County Pork Producers
Other leadership activities: Dover Township supervisor and member of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Please describe what you feel the National Swine Registry’s and American Yorkshire Club role should be in assisting purebred breeders compete in today’s market: The purebred swine industry has a rich history of leaders that had the foresight to form the NSR. The American Yorkshire Club had a vital role in the foundation of the NSR. I think as an organization it is important that we continue to evolve and adapt to an ever-changing industry. The NSR and NJSA are two vital pillars of the industry that provide an opportunity for the youth and breeders of the purebred and showpig industry. I feel that it is our duty as board members to make decisions that preserve the longevity of the industry.