Austin Kindschi accepts the 2010 National FFA Swine Production Entrepreneurship award from National FFA Southern Region Vice President Chelsea Doss at the 2010 National FFA Convention. Photo courtesy of the National FFA Organization.

National Junior Swine Association member Austin Rhye Kindschi of the Mulhall-Orlando FFA Chapter in Oklahoma was named the National FFA Organization’s national winner in swine production entrepreneurship at the organization’s recent annual convention held in Indianapolis.

Kindschi began his swine operation with three sows, and has worked to develop award-winning breeding stock. Kindschi markets 85 percent of his swine and 18 of those have won county championships with one being named state fair champion. He has sold pigs to young swine exhibitors in eight states. He is supported by his FFA advisor Allen Miller. This award is sponsored by LA-CO Markal and the National FFA Foundation.

Kindschi is the son of Kenneth and Brenda Kindschi, and attends Mulhall-Orlando High School where he participates in livestock judging, FFA, golf, discus, and shot put. Outside of school, Kindschi enjoys 4-H, showing pigs, managing Real Time Genetics, and hanging out with his friends.

Kindschi started showing pigs when he was 9 years old. When asked why he shows pigs, he answered, “At the beginning it was because it seemed like a good 4-H project, but then I quickly realized that it was so much more. Setting goals, meeting people, trying to improve yourself along with the breeds of your choice along the way is what has captured my attention and keeps me doing what I love.” Kindschi says meeting new friends is his favorite part of showing pigs. “Being able to build those relationships with kids three states away is pretty unreal,” he said. “Showing pigs gives kids the opportunities to grow communication and leadership skills and that is what I enjoy most about showing pigs.”

Along with being named the national winner in FFA Swine Production Entrepreneurship, some of Kindschi’s accomplishments include 2010 Oklahoma FFA swine production entrepreneurship proficiency winner, state 4-H vice president, Logan County 4-H president, Reserve Champion Bred-and-Owned Hampshire Gilt at the 2009 NJSA Southwest Regional, Oklahoma 4-H National Congress delegate, and Oklahoma 4-H Key Club.

Kindschi says his most memorable moment in the NJSA was driving his Hampshire gilt that he raised in his first NJSA show and winning Reserve Champion Bred-and-Owned Hampshire Gilt. When asked what he would tell a younger member about NJSA, Kindschi responded, “Although I haven’t been to many NJSA shows, I’ve been surrounded by the hog industry since I was 9 years old, and I would tell them that no matter the situation, always have fun. But, also know when it’s time to be serious, and through the great activities of the NJSA you are able to learn and grow as individuals in that area.”

Currently, Kindschi is managing Real Time Genetics, working on marketing methods, and would like to expand his customer base to northern states. “My primary focus at Real Time Genetics is to provide a high quality showpig at a reasonable cost, and produce the type of hog that I feel is durable, thick, wide based and sound, along with providing the one of a kind customer support!”

Kindschi’s future plans are to expand Real Time Genetics’ sow base by incorporating new purebred Hampshire and Chester White sow lines. By the time he graduates from college, he hopes to own and manage approximately 15-20 Hampshire, Chester White, and/or exotic boars with which he will form Real Time Sires. He hopes to attend Oklahoma State University to become an ag teacher. After teaching, Kindschi would like to run for the state legislature and further a future in politics.

The NJSA would like to congratulate Kindschi on his national FFA award, as well as all of his achievements, and wishes him the best of luck with his future endeavors!

Written in part by Cally Hass, 2010 NJSA Intern

Listen to Kindschi’s radio interview with Ron Hays, Director of Farm Programming for Radio Oklahoma Network, on the Oklahoma Farm Report website at:
http://oklahomafarmreport.com/wire/news/2010/10/01200_NatFFAProfAustinKindschi10222010_061426.php