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Written by DeShea Wallace
It was the summer of 1992 and a young Randal Buck was making his way home from Sedalia, Missouri with a new Yorkshire Boar named Eskimo Joe in the trailer. At the time Randal just needed a Yorkshire boar to breed a few sows back home with. But, when he raised his bidder number at the Summer Type Conference and purchased that boar for $4,200 he knew he needed to do much more with “Eskimo Joe” than just breed a few sows to him.
Randal had just finished up his studies at Oklahoma State University where he had worked many hours on the swine farm. One of Buck’s advisors, Kim Brock, was with Randal on his venture home from Missouri. Randal, a man of many words, was at a loss trying to figure out how he was going to pay for this new Yorkshire boar in the trailer.
“We [ … ]
Written by Cassie Godwin
“I may not be able to control it, but I can make it better and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Bret Vickrey can tell you the exact moment and exactly what he was doing when he got the phone call informing him that his then 13-month-old daughter, Dalaney, had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). “I was pulling into the farm to feed sows and had to pull off to the side to process what I had just been told.”
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation® website states that cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breath over time. More than 30,000 children and adults in the United States have CF, and 70,000 worldwide. In people with CF, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional, ultimately causing the mucus [ … ]
Written by DeShea Wallace
Goal setting is not a new idea to those junior members involved in the NJSA. For some, their goal is to win showmanship, while others have their sights set on winning a national show. However, several make it their goal to one day own and operate their very own showpig operation. This was the goal cousins, Jared and Erik Trogdon, had in junior high.
Originally, Trogdon Show Pigs was founded to raise showpigs for the cousins to compete at a county fair level. Since then, they have found success at shows such as OYE and the Illinois State Fair. They now have their sights set on a Grand Champion Barrow banner at a national event.
“We started raising pigs for ourselves for 4-H. With us both being involved in sports growing up, it wasn’t to travel the countryside showing pigs,” Jared recalls. “But nevertheless, it was something we did [ … ]
Written by Cassie Godwin
Livestock helps kids thrive. Young people hone work ethic, responsibility, relationships, communication, critical thinking and countless other skills while feeding pigs and cleaning pens. For special-needs youth, the benefits found in livestock projects are tenfold. What happens when caring for show animals brings you peace, but the show ring overwhelms your anxiety and emotions? The Seedstock EDGE Media team spoke with volunteers in two different programs whose goal is to ensure the show ring is for everyone.
Home. The word itself brings to mind a specific place and often evokes a sense of calm and peace. For youth with special needs, livestock and animals often bring that sense of home. However, livestock projects are meant to be exhibited. When a child lives with a disability, stepping into the show ring can trigger a sensory overload, feelings of entrapment and overwhelming information. The Indiana State Fair Special [ … ]
Pork Industry Career Round Table Facebook Live Chat: Kylee Deniz, Director of Marketing & Youth Engagement for the National Pork Board
Could you describe how your role fits into the collective pork industry?
Pig to Plate
“If you’ve got one show pig you are a part of an industry that totals 90+ billion dollars and that’s allied industry, that’s on-farm production, that’s the consumer sale, so consider yourself a part of something really big and really dynamic.”
“It’s critical today that we really have an industry that thinks about developing the next generation of leaders through organizations like the NJSA or Team Purebred all the way again to the consumer plate. Because we at the end of the day even if we are showing pigs, we are producing a product that will enter the food system somewhere along the way likely and I think it’s critically important as a group of individuals [ … ]
NJSS Checklist
By: Danika Miller
Packing for a week of challenge, excitement and success at the National Junior Summer Spectacular can be quite daunting and you may find yourself worrying about what you might forget. Have no fear! I have the fix for your packing anxiety! Below I have included the top things you do not want to forget when preparing for the 2018 NJSS.
1. The paperwork!
Do not forget your health papers, pedigrees and YQCA certification/ PQA card. Triple check to make sure you are packing the correct papers for the NJSS with correct ear notches. Check out the rules and regulations page, on the NSR website, if you are not sure what you need.
2. Boots, Belts and Show Shirts
It never failed at nearly every show growing up, we would forget one of the essentials. I would get a new show shirt, belt and most often new socks at the show! Make sure [ … ]
10 Things to Know for NJSS
The most wonderful time of the year is here, and no it’s not Christmas. Its almost time for the National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville, Kentucky! In order to get you geared up for an awesome week, we want you to know there are other events going on as well. We have made a list of 10 events you should try out while you’re at the NJSS.
The Fun Starts at Unloading!
Uh… the dreaded task of having to haul all of your tack to your pen and set up. Look at it on the bright side, you get to see your friend from across the country and maybe make some new friends with the people penned on your aisle.
Barnyard Olympics
Who doesn’t enjoy playing crazy games with their friends? You and three of your friends can compete with other teams of four for ultimate bragging rights as [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]