National Junior Swine Association

The National Youth Leadership Conference of 2016 was truly one for the history books. We had several amazing speakers that touched our hearts. One unplanned speaker left a group of us in admiration.

We traveled through the horse capital of the world to a place that houses many champion racehorses. Upon arrival we took pictures at the magnificent bronze statue and gravesite of Man O’ War. A group of us headed toward the hall of champions. What we found was so much more. We met a man by the name of David McMillan. Mr. McMillan shared his wealth of knowledge about several champions housed at Kentucky Park.

He then began to tell us the story of an incredible man named Gene Carter. Gene was one of only three men to ever throw a leg over Man O’ War. He grew up in a small town where Man O’ War’s caretaker, Will Harbut, [ … ]

During the second weekend in April, the 2016 NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference (NYLC) was held in Louisville, Kentucky, in conjunction with The University of Kentucky.  NJSA members from all across the country were in attendance.  As a junior board member who has attended the last three consecutive NYLCs, this conference certainly ranked as one of the top ones, for me.  I thought the speakers we had this year were unmatched.  The three presentations that specifically stand out to me were those done by Brian Arnold, NSR Vice President of Youth Development and Member Outreach, Warren Beeler, Director of Ag Policy in Kentucky, and Dr. Brett Kaysen, dairy production specialist with Zoetis.  All three of these men did an outstanding job of motivating the youth (and adults) that attended the conference, and their words of encouragement inspired attendees to always do what is right, even when it may not be [ … ]

“If every showpig raised annually was harvested in one day, they would be harvested in less than two hours with total shackles available nationwide.” – Ed Tice, Tyson Fresh Meats

This quote was presented to the youth on the first day of the National Youth Leadership Conference (NYLC). When Brian Arnold told us this, my jaw dropped. Two hours? That’s it? Wow. His next question didn’t disappoint.

“Would the pork industry know if we disappeared?”  Brian Arnold, National Swine Registry (NSR) Vice President of Member Outreach and Youth Development, asked.

The answer is absolutely! It’s not because of the pounds of meat the show industry helps produce. Absolutely is the answer because of the youth developed in our industry that are crafted to become great leaders throughout their lives! Youth as young as 13 years of age attended the 2016 NYLC in Kentucky, this past weekend. The conference consisted of tremendous speakers including [ … ]

The National Youth Leadership Conference (NYLC) is one of the most rewarding and unique events the NJSA puts on. As a retiring Junior Board member, this was my last NYLC, which might have made it the most unique, for me. Knowing my reign as a Junior Board member is close to an end helped me appreciate and take in more than I have at any other NYLC.

The unique aspect of the conference is that we did not talk about showing livestock once. NYLC focuses on leadership and the characteristics of being a good leader. I’m sure every person has a different set of criteria when it comes to making a great leader, and the conference will definitely help you narrow these attributes down to help develop you as a leader. Becoming a leader is not something you can be given; it is something that you earn by showing others what [ … ]

People who know me well enough know I am always the first to talk about the next hottest sire or which breeder has had the last big sale. One weekend when I put that all to the side has always been the National Youth Leadership Conference (NYLC). NYLC never ceases to amaze me, whether it is the tours where we see different sides of agriculture or the speakers who continue to deliver powerful messages. No matter what age you are, you can always take away so many impactful philosophies from NYLC to help you become a better leader.

The 2016 NYLC was no exception. We listened to a variety of speakers talking about different things within our industry, learned what the FDA is going to do to make our product safe for the consumer and held breakout sessions with the Junior Board Members about having safe, effective social media accounts.

With this [ … ]

As we wrap up another exciting, fast-paced, tiring and truly rewarding show in Georgia, it is time to reflect. This weekend, I was reminded of the passion, service and responsibility that comes with an National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) Junior Board leadership position. Leadership is a very general term used so frequently in this stage of my life (college) that it’s true meaning has become null or less than noticeable. The fact is, leadership may be the most important skill I will continue to develop. Through each new position I take on I unlock another key component of what it means to be a true leader. The NJSA Junior Board highlights humble service’s role in being an effective leader.

Taking on the role of a Junior Board member, I saw the position as an honor and an opportunity to meet and develop industry contacts while sticking to something I know and [ … ]