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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 [ … ]
Meet the Staff
NSR Chief Executive Officer, Clay Zwilling
How many years have you worked for the NSR?
Three
What is your favorite aspect of your role with the NSR?
Working with our membership to navigate and overcome industry challenges and to enhance the goals of their operations.
What is one thing you wish members knew about your job?
Every day is different, and making challenging decisions can be difficult, but we are here to represent the membership. If members ever have questions, ideas, or concerns, they should feel comfortable reaching out to the staff and myself. It is always better to have accurate information and perspectives. And we are here to listen.
What is your favorite NSR memory?
Last year was the first year we did a “retiring ceremony” for the Junior Board. The staff took total ownership in the making it special and watching the Junior Board retire and seeing the young NJSA members in the crowd [ … ]
From the Mic :: 2019 NJSS
Photo Credit: National Western Stock Show Media Team
Duroc and Landrace Barrow Judge :: Brian Arnold, Ind.
What is your favorite show to attend?
As far as shows I’ve attended, I have probably enjoyed the NJSA Eastern Regional in Hamburg, New York the most. It’s low key, a great time of year, the fairgrounds are world class and the host staff is second to none.
What do you and your family do for fun?
We enjoy spending time together working outside and visiting our families when we get a chance. We live close to Purdue, so we make it to several sporting events throughout the year.
What is your background and current involvement in the swine industry?
I grew up on a grain and swine farm in northeast Indiana and our family raised a few showpigs. I competed on college judging teams at Blackhawk East (BHE) and Purdue. Upon graduation, I [ … ]
From the Mic :: 2019 NJSS
Hampshire and Yorkshire Gilt Judge :: Jason Lackey, Texas
What is your favorite show to attend?
Houston Livestock Show.
What do you and your family do for fun?
Our business consumes a lot of our time. We find enjoyment in taking our kids to smaller jackpot shows where we can hang out as a family. I enjoy the spring after our major stock shows are over. The boys really enjoy baseball and I like getting to watch them compete.
What is your background and current involvement in the swine industry?
I showed as a kid but I’m not a second or third generation hog farmer. It was and has always been a passion of mine. Currently, we have 100 showpig sows and a handful of boars.
What are you looking for in your champion gilt?
Skeletal correctness, density and an animal that possesses unique traits that allows them to set themselves apart from [ … ]
From the Mic :: The 2019 Exposition :: Russell Pedrett
Crossbred Barrow Judge :: Russell Pedrett, Calif.
What is your favorite show to attend?
I really enjoy the NJSA Events — World Pork Expo and Western Regional in particular. I love that they have a laid back environment and are set up to encourage kids and families to get to know one another. We always have a great time at these events.
What do you and your family do for fun?
Since showpigs are my job, when we get time off we enjoy traveling and seeing new places. So far, we’ve been to three different Hawaiian Islands and we try to make a trip to the California coast at least once a year.
What is your background and current involvement in the swine industry?
I am from Minden, Nevada. Growing up, I loved attending the NSR events — my dad and I traveled to the World Pork [ … ]
From the Mic :: The 2019 Exposition
Novice and Intermediate Showmanship Judge :: Samantha Winter, Okla.
Junior and Senior Showmanship Judge :: Shari Bakker, Iowa
What is your favorite show to attend?
SW :: Mine has always been the World Pork Expo! Our family has made so many memories there together over the years, from hanging banners to donating livestock in honor of my sister. The nostalgia of the Iowa State Fairgrounds is second to none.
SB :: World Pork Expo. Not only do I love that I get to see family, friends and breeders from all over the country, but the fairgrounds hold significant memories for my family. It’s where my husband and I first met, where we got engaged, where we spent our honeymoon and was the first national show we ever brought our kids to. The history in those barns is incredible, as is the atmosphere.
What do you and your family do [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]