Hi everyone! Thomas here. In Georgia right now it is “cold”. A bone chilling 37 degrees with 15 mph winds, so we are freezing down here. I know, I know, 37 degrees really isn’t that cold but give me a break…I’m from Georgia! Hope you folks up North are staying warm because I’m sure it is colder up there.  As I think about the North, I can only think about one exciting event coming up that allows me to travel to Kentucky, and it’s the annual National Youth Leadership Conference.

The National Youth Leadership Conference has become my favorite NJSA event and I am excited to travel to Lexington for this year’s conference. My first NYLC was in 2013 in Ames, Iowa and I still value the memories and friendships I made over that weekend. The one memory that sticks out the most is Brian Arnold or “Arnie”, attempting to put panty hose on during a game against Brennan Diesen and Joseph Parker. I still laugh when I think about it to this day, mostly because I usually don’t have to deal with pantie hose.

Not to get real sentimental but with this being my last conference as I will be alumni of the NJSA after this year, I have been thinking back to what NYLC has given me. The various leadership sessions, speakers, and group breakouts have made me a better “skilled” person for life. However, the most treasured gift NYLC has given me is the friends I have made. I came home from my first conference with a list of new friends, and I continue to add to the list each year. I stay in touch with quite a few and the others I usually see and catch up with at different shows. Among the many friends I have made, a few of them have become very close.

One of those friends is my fellow board member, Jackson Johnson. Honestly, the first time I met this guy I thought he was, “all jacked up on Mountain Dew”, like Ricky Bobby, but I quickly came to realize this was just who Jackson is. Jackson and I talk frequently and he has become someone I am honored to call a close friend.

Another one of those close friends is Devin Amman. Devin and I talk regularly about pigs, sports, and all sorts of other things probably not suitable for this blog post. I have recently described him to someone as one of my friends who will be in my wedding, whenever that day arrives.

Hannah Zundel has become one of my close friends as well. We probably do not talk as often as we should, but at shows and events we can always pick up right where we left off. Hannah and I have the same opinions about a lot of things so I think that is why we are such good friends.

I realize all of the names I mentioned are all Junior Board Directors but I would have never met them if I didn’t attend NYLC. Also, they are just a few of the friends among the many I have made at NYLC. I encourage you to join us in Lexington the first weekend of April and will be based at the University of Kentucky. The schedule will be filled with fun, games, and many educational and industry relevant material. Below is the link for all of the information pertaining to this year’s NYLC.

http://nationalswine.com/shows/jr_shows/national_leadership_conf/national_leadership_conf_info.php.

See y’all down the road!

-TWF