The NSR Office will be closed November 28-29th for Thanksgiving. The Texas and Arizona litter recording deadline is December 1st. Please plan accordingly.
NJSA Junior Board Feature :: Angie Ruffoni
What is your favorite aspect of being on the Junior Board?
My favorite aspect and the most rewarding part of serving on the NJSA Junior Board is being able to help youth further develop their passion for pigs while continuing to educate our members. Sharing a common passion for pigs that unites kids and families across the nation is inspiring. Ultimately, our members are getting a hands-on education in agriculture that is second to none. The skills and life lessons learned and demonstrated through the ring, along with participating in activities like skillathon, public speaking and career development events prepare them with practical experiences they can apply in every aspect of their lives. The greatest aspect of serving as a NJSA Board of Director is helping youth achieve their potential, along with being a role model knowing that I can make a positive difference in [ … ]
WPX Checklist
By: Lexi Delaney
“The Bible”
The binder that my family calls “The Bible” is home to health papers, pedigrees, PQA cards and so much more. This is the first and last thing we check for before leaving the house. Without “The Bible,” I couldn’t make it past check in to even unload let alone make it to the show ring.
Show Box
Show box or treasure chest? After years of showing, my show box is a mobile, mini show barn that never gets unpacked. I don’t know where anything is placed in there but I know after a little digging I’ll find it. From towels to screwdrivers, safety pins to electrolytes, the show box has everything I’ll ever need. Need a brush? Check the show box. Need a number clip? Check the show box. The best part about pig shows is you’re surrounded by family and friends so if I don’t have what [ … ]
NJSA Junior Board Feature :: Lexi Delaney
What is your favorite aspect of being on the Junior Board?
The most rewarding part of being involved on the NJSA Junior Board is seeing the passion and drive ignite in our members. I value being able to continue educating our members as they learn more about the swine industry. These kids are out doing what they love, but little do they know they are in the midst of developing a person who could make a long-lasting impact on the swine industry down the road. It is humbling for me to look back and realize the impact I’ve had on the development of their passion for the industry.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
By the age of 21, I have visited 12 countries. I love to travel, especially when I get the opportunity to pair my love for experiencing new things and learning about agriculture. [ … ]
NJSA Junior Board Feature :: Lindsey Robinson
What is your favorite aspect of being on the Junior Board?
My favorite aspect of serving on the Junior Board is interacting with all the younger members. Having a front row seat to watch the energy and dedication they bring to the ring is the best part of every show. Through the MVP program and interacting with kids in the barn, I’ve come to know a few of them on a more personal level. I see the drive they exhibit working at home and the excitement they have for being a part of the swine industry. As a member of the Junior Board, it’s rewarding to know I was a small part of helping them advance and achieve their goals.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m a huge history nerd and love to drag my family and friends to all kinds of historical sites when we go on trips. While I’m an agriculture [ … ]
Show Ring Style
By: Maddie Caldwell
Ever since I was a little girl, my grandparents instilled into me the value of first impressions. Whether it was being sure to greet someone with a smile and a firm handshake, or dressing well to display professionalism and class, they always made sure that I would be prepared for any situation. With these values in mind, I attempted to carry on that idea throughout my time showing. Although you may see me in the barn with rubber boots and mismatched t-shirts, I truly believe that making first impressions in the show ring is essential. In preparation for shows this summer, I hope that these tips help you navigate through the ever-growing shopping platform.
Dark jeans are the way to go.
In comparison to stone washed or light shade jeans, darker colors display professionalism and hide excess dirtiness. Also, be sure to steer clear of any jeans with [ … ]
What You Need to Know for The Exposition
By: Angie Ruffoni
1. Super Bowl of the Swine Industry
The Exposition is a one of a kind place for your family to experience an atmosphere filled with so much prestige and excitement that some might say you “can feel it in the air!” It is an awe-inspiring experience to see generations of exhibitors and breeders gather in Des Moines, Iowa to showcase and promote the future of the swine industry. No matter your level of experience, you are sure to have a great time and take away new knowledge and experiences.
2. Preparation is Key
Organization is important when juggling schedules, registration paperwork and more. Give yourself plenty of time to load the trailer and pack, this will allow extra time to double check everything and arrive prepared. It’s an unsettling feeling to arrive at Expo and realize your lucky whip didn’t make the trip.
Pro Tip
Stay [ … ]
NJSA Junior Board Feature :: Kevin Rogers
What is your favorite aspect of being on the Junior Board?
My favorite aspect of being on the Junior Board is being able to meet all the awesome NJSA members from all over the country! Making connections with people who are as passionate about the swine industry as I am is one of the main reasons I decided to run for the Junior Board.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Whenever I am showing and concentrating really hard I stick my tongue out. Growing up showing it’s hard to find pictures of me showing without my tongue sticking out!
What is your favorite stock show memory?
My favorite stock show memory was when I drove the 6th Overall Purebred and Champion Berkshire Gilt at the Arizona National Livestock Show. Seeing all my hard work and dedication payoff is one of my favorite memories from showing.
How do you hope [ … ]
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 [ … ]
NJSA Junior Board Feature :: Jake Sterle
What is your favorite aspect of being on the Junior Board?
My favorite part about being on the Junior Board is setting up and running the many shows that we host and working with all those who are showing.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I will be shooting for the Iowa State Trap and Skeet Team this fall.
What is your favorite stock show memory?
My favorite show memories would have to be either when it snowed when we were showing in San Angelo, Texas because we usually didn’t get snow in Texas or helping line up trailers at WPX and getting to talk to all the families in line.
How do you hope to impact the agriculture industry?
I am currently a freshman double majoring in animal science and international agriculture at Iowa State University. Being a freshman, I am not sure where exactly I fit into the [ … ]
Stock Show Mamas
By: Jennifer Shike
Fellow show mamas, our job is not for the faint of heart. It takes a thick skin, superwoman strength, and lots and lots of patience. Before I had kids, I thought I knew what showing livestock as a family would look like. You know what I’m talking about…like the pictures we all post to Facebook. Kids smiling and getting along. Rock star pigs taking home all the banners. Everyone working real hard together. Smiling parents who always agree. Family bonding at its finest.
But, this weekend, as we loaded up for another jackpot show at 5 a.m., the stars aligned (or did the kids just drive me over the edge?!). Although I had planned to share my secrets of how to pack more effectively for the show, I suddenly felt led to share a different message instead.
From one mom to another, its simply hard some days. Pigs [ … ]
