Meet the Staff

NSR Vice President of Operations, Ellen Knauth

How many years have you worked for the NSR?                                                                                            

I have been with NSR since July of 2014, so six years.

What is your favorite aspect of your role with the NSR?

I grew up in the swine industry and was able to make a lot of friends from across the country. In my position at NSR, it is fun for me to see those “kids” I grew up with having success at our shows.

What is one thing you wish members knew about your job?

The best part of my job is seeing members succeed and getting to be a part of making that happen. It’s tough to be the bad guy who has to make the rules and enforce them, I really just want everyone to be able to come to our events and have an easy and enjoyable time!

What is your favorite NSR memory?

Some of my favorite memories at NSR include taking trips with members of the Junior Board. We try to enjoy some local experiences at every event we attend. We have favorite restaurants in every town and have been able to visit some awesome places, the Pacific Ocean and Niagara Falls to name a few.

What was your involvement in the swine industry before your time with the NSR?

I grew up raising and showing Durocs and crossbreds in 4-H. As I got into junior high and the ICPA started, I became more involved at the state level and started showing at NJSA shows and attending other NJSA leadership events.

Kyle and I met through showing pigs in Illinois. We got married in 2014 and now run about 75 showpig sows in Milford.

Please list your spouse and children (fur children included).

Kyle, Kolton and Knox

Where did you go to college and what was your major?

Lake Land College- Agriculture

University of Illinois- Agriculture and Consumers Economics

What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?

I enjoy spending time with my boys. We enjoy time in the barn with our pigs and cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Illinois basketball and football.

Where is your favorite place to visit or where is your dream vacation?

We don’t really travel a whole lot, unless it is for a pig show. Kyle and I do enjoy taking short trips to Chicago to get away from the farm occasionally.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Probably pasta.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

When I was growing up, our family was on the cover of Successful Farming magazine and in a feature story. I am sure my grandma still has a copy of the magazine in her house!