< Previous(left) Bryson Stickler, Illinois, drove his Yorkshire barrow to champion honors at the 2017 NJSA Southwest Regional, in Woodward, Okla.(below) Brandon Stickler, Illinois, showed his Duroc barrow at the 2017 World Pork Expo.JUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE2018 June SE Form.indd 205/17/2018 11:21:40 AMWith the fi rst step into the ring, every kid becomes a contender for the champion honors. Most showmen know one of the best feelings in the world comes from the fi nal look and a fi rm handshake from a judge. However, the Stickler brothers from Pleasant Plains, Ill., have learned there is an added feeling of pride when the grand champion comes from your farrowing house. By Lindsey RobinsonToday, Brandon, 20, and Bryson, 10, together with the support of their parents, Michael and Amy, operate Stickler Showpigs. Their livestock experience started when Brandon discovered his dad’s old pig trophies from showing in 4-H and FFA and decided showing pigs was something he wanted to try. At the age of 8, Brandon started showing at the county fair level with two Yorkshire gilts he kept at a family friend’s house.“We sold one gilt and farrowed the other one and from that point on I was hooked,” Brandon says. Ten years later, they have built their own barn, scaled their herd to 20 sows, and learned many lessons along the way. While he has purchased and shown from other breeders, Brandon commented putting in the additional work of raising them makes all the difference. “It’s made me a better steward of livestock in general,” he says. “To me showing and raising (pigs) are two totally different things. More care goes into it and more pride comes out of it because of the time and extra effort.”With busy schedules including school and other activities, each brother, along with their dad, utilize their individual strengths to work together as a team on their showpig operation. The three of them work together to make genetic decisions, but Bryson says spending time in the farrowing house is his favorite aspect of raising pigs.“I enjoy seeing the piglets take their fi rst breath and drying them off,” Bryson says. “I’m also good at assisting the sow because I have small hands and arms.”Brandon, currently a freshman at Lake Land College, puts his skills to use marketing and selling the pigs they raise. He says one of his favorite parts of their operation is connecting with other showmen and helping them reach their goals in the ring. From all the lessons he’s learned about the swine industry, Bryson’s biggest takeaway is having good sportsmanship and good relationships with people both in and out of the show ring. At every show his favorite thing is meeting new people and making new friends he’ll have for a lifetime. Both brothers say many of the life lessons they’ve taken away from the barn and their show ring success can be attributed to the mentors they’ve had along the way. “My parents fi rst and foremost have taught me so many life lessons about carrying myself with integrity, honesty and pushing me to never give up,” Brandon says. “My dad has been so important in teaching me about nutrition, genetics and overall pork production. He is always making me better.”Additionally, they’ve both found people in the industry who have become mentors in their everyday life. “My brother and my NJSA Mentor, Hannah Frobose, both give great advice about showing and are really supportive,” Bryson says. For Brandon, the people he grew up showing with have become his biggest supporters and teachers. “Dan Harrison is an important mentor in my life, not just with the showpigs but for every day questions,” Brandon says. “He’s almost like a big brother.”Although Brandon is at the end of his NJSA show career, he says one of the best parts about their operation is watching his younger brother grow up and take an interest in the pigs. He commented that even with Bryson’s involvement in competitive archery and football, he always puts in the extra effort to be involved with the pigs. “Just seeing him want to be a part of it all is a great inspiration in my life,” Brandon says. Bryson started showing in the Bred-and-Owned division in 2016 taking over from his brother in the Brandon & Bryson SticklerBred and OwnedSPOTLIGHT21JUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 June SE Form.indd 215/17/2018 11:21:46 AMshow ring. While only at the beginning of his career, Bryson has worked hard to make his time so far successful. Last year at the 2017 NJSA Southwest Regional show in Woodward, Oklahoma, he took home the honors of Champion Yorkshire Barrow, Reserve Overall Barrow and Champion Yorkshire Gilt with pigs he raised. Even with so many accomplishments, he most enjoys spending time in the barn with his pigs. For him, one gilt sticks out above the rest.“My Yorkshire gilt named Poppy had a funny personality and unique squeal that was unforgettable,” Bryson says. “It was as though she was talking!”Before he reaches the end of his show career, he hopes to win Grand Overall Gilt at the World Pork Expo or the National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville with pigs he and his brother raise. As a Bred-and-Owned exhibitor, his ultimate goal is to one day be the named Premier Breeder.From a parent’s perspective, Michael says the NJSA Bred-and-Owned program has been so important. “The Bred-and-Owned program has been the most important At the 2018 NJSA Southeast Regional show in Perry, Ga., Bryson Stickler (right) and his IZF6 Cheap Money 2-5 gilt were named Champion Bred-and-Owned Duroc Gilt. This gilt's littermate sister was driven by Taylor Barber (left), Georgia, and was named Reserve Champion Duroc Gilt, in the junior show.factor to the professional growth, production knowledge and overall success Brandon and Bryson have experienced in and out of the show ring over the years,” Michael says.As both showmen and breeders, the brothers are quick to tell you it takes time and a lot of hard work to be successful. “It’s defi nitely hard work and it’s not as easy as what it may look,” Brandon says. “It’s hard to jump in and immediately take off running. It’s taken us 10 years to scale our business to what it is today.”Looking ahead, both brothers plan on keeping their roots in agriculture. After his time at Lake Land, Brandon is looking at attending either the University of Illinois or Purdue to major in agriculture business with plans for a career in agriculture sales. Going into the fi fth grade, Bryson is looking forward to becoming active in FFA during high school before going to college to pursue a career in agriculture. Together, the three also have plans to expand Stickler Showpigs and continue raising showpigs for families across the United States.NATIONAL SWINE REGISTR YDON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ADD MORE VALUE TO YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLAR!WEBCAST ADVERTISINGCall Clay, Steve or Cassie at 765-463-3594 to purchase your spot!FLAT RATE, NO BIDDING!ROTATING BANNER$7501 PRICE = 1 BANNERJUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE2218 June SE Form.indd 225/17/2018 11:21:49 AMSEEDSTOCK EDGE SHOW RESULTSExtravaganzaApril 17-18, 201823JUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 June SE Form.indd 235/17/2018 11:21:49 AMSALE TOTAL: $73,635 | 53 MALES AVG. $406 | 91 GILTS AVG. $572Champion Overall & Champion Dark Crossbred Male ProspectShown by Triple L Showpigs, Wisc. Sold to Nick Mazich, Mich., for $1,100.Res. Champion Overall & Champion Hampshire Male ProspectShown by Dave Hason, Ind. Sold to Fowler Girls, Ill., for $800. Champion Overall & Champion Dark Cross Gilt ProspectPROSPECTSChampion Overall & Champion Yorkshire Gilt Prospect Shown by Daniel Burzlaff, IowaSold to Bruce Butler, Mo., for $1,900.Res. Champion Overall & Champion Duroc Gilt Prospect Shown by Todd Hopkins & Family, Ind.Sold to Abbi States, Pa., for $850. Richmond, Ind. • April 18SIFTER: Jeremy Jones, Ind. • AUCTIONEER: Kevin Wendt, Ohio2018Weanling Pig ExtravaganzaChampion Landrace Male ProspectShown by Lance & Mitchell Westcamp.Sold to Hayden Diestch, Ohio, for $200.Champion Spot Male ProspectShown by Chasten McConn.Sold to Jason Wesslund, Ill., for $325.Champion Duroc Male ProspectShown by Stewart’s Duroc Farm.Sold to Schenken Genetics, Texas, for $800.Champion Hereford Male ProspectShown by Barry Becker & Family.Sold to Austin & Natalie Lynd, Wisc., for $375.JUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE2418 June SE Form.indd 245/17/2018 11:21:57 AMAnother Midwest showpig sale season has passed, and it was a tremendous spring. The NSR Extravaganza is the grand fi nale of showpig sales in the Midwest. Jeremy Jones, Indiana, had the task of sorting through this year’s entries. Jeremy, you did a great job of quickly and professionally lining up the pigs for the sale and making the sift run smoothly and effi ciently. A big thank you to all the folks who helped make this event run smoothly! Thanks to all the ring help and especially Col. Kevin Wendt, Ohio, who completed his job in record time. Triple L Farms, Wisconsin, exhibited the Champion Overall Male Weanling with their dark crossbred, he sold to Nick Mazich, Michigan, for $1,100. This weanling caught a lot of folks attention with his look and rugged build. The Reserve Champion Overall Male Weanling was the Champion Hampshire exhibited by David Hanson and Family. He sold to Fowler Girls, Illinois, for $801. Males sold at this year’s event for an average of $406The gilt show was very deep this year. The Champion Overall Gilt, a Yorkshire, was shown by Dan Burzlaff, Iowa. She sold for $1,900 to Bruce Butler, Missouri. The Reserve Champion Overall Gilt, a Duroc from Todd Hopkins and Family, Indiana, sold to Abbi States, Penn-sylvania, for $851. Ninty-one gilts changed ownership at the 2018 Extravaganza and averaged $573. The high-selling gilt was exhibited by Stewart’s Duroc Farm, Iowa, and purchased by Jason Lackey of Texas, for $4,000. Thank you to everyone for a great event!Michael Lackey | michael@nationalswine.comNSR Field RepresentativeFrom the FieldRes. Champion Spot Male ProspectShown by Fine Swine Genetics.Sold to Nathan Crambel, Mich., for $250.Champion Light Cross Male ProspectShown by Barry Becker & Family.Sold to Chad Martin & Family, Ind., for $700.Champion Chester Gilt ProspectShown by Funk Family Farm.Sold to David Osborne, Mich., for $200.Champion Hampshire Gilt ProspectShown by Dave Hanson.Sold to Cole Childers, Okla., for $650.Champion Hereford Gilt ProspectShown by Lilly & Malia Quesenberry.Sold to Parker Bond, Okla., for $950.Res. Champion Hampshire Gilt ProspectShown by Bryan Bennett.Sold to Gracen Carroll, Ind., for $850.Champion Yorkshire Male ProspectShown by Crone Farms.Sold to Kendra & Katelynn Arnold, Ind., for $325.Res. Champion Yorkshire Male ProspectShown by Scott Queen. Sold to Blue Rock Swine, W.V., for $350.Champion Spot Gilt ProspectShown by Fine Swine Genetics.Sold to Robert Wehmer & Family, Ind., for $225.Champion Dark Cross Gilt ProspectShown by Glenn Craft. Sold to Brent Bolen, Ill., for $1,900.Res. Champion Yorkshire Gilt ProspectShown by Brent Carity.Sold to Freddy Helmuth, Texas, for $1,350.Res. Champion Dark Cross Gilt ProspectShown by Glenn Craft. Sold to Brent Bolen, Ill., for $1,100.Champion Landrace Gilt ProspectShown by Elliot Funkhouser.Sold to Dillin Lowry, W.V., for $200.Champion Light Cross Gilt ProspectShown by Crone Farms.Sold to Denhart Showpigs, Ind., for $650.Champion Poland China Gilt ProspectShown by Mitchell & Lance Westcamp. Res. Champion Light Cross Gilt ProspectShown by Triple L Farms. Sold to Madison Mason, Ohio, $1,000. 25JUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 June SE Form.indd 255/17/2018 11:22:00 AMChampion Berkshire Male ProspectShown by Brice Conover.Sold to Austin & Natalee Lynd, Wisc., for $450. Res. Champion Berkshire Male ProspectShown by Brice Conover.Sold to Steve Marshall, Pa., for $2,150. Champion Chester Male ProspectShown by Funk Family Farm.Sold to Timm Terrill, Ohio, for $150.Res. Champion Duroc Male ProspectShown by Dave Martin.Sold to Beau & Tanner Smith, Ind., for $475.Res. Champion Hampshire Male ProspectShown by Chad Funkhouser.Sold to Steve Stewart, Ind., for $300.Res. Champion Hereford Male ProspectShown by Braxton Funkhouser.Sold to Greg Flax, Ohio, for $200.Res. Champion Landrace Male ProspectShown by Alexis Funkhouser.Champion Poland Male ProspectShown by Joseph Moore. Res. Champion Light Cross Male ProspectShown by Barry Becker & Family. Sold to Braelyn Farrish, W.V., for $375.Res. Champion Dark Cross Male ProspectShown by Cason Craft.Sold to Meyer Family, Ohio, for $1,150.Champion Berkshire Gilt ProspectShown by Brice Conover.Sold to Tony Black, Texas, for $1,500.Res. Champion Berkshire Gilt ProspectShown by Brice Conover.Sold to Justin Beckner, Ohio, for $700.Res. Champion Chester Female ProspectShown by Haydn Schaefer. Sold to Lance & Mitchell Westcamp, Ohio, for $150.Res. Champion Duroc Gilt ProspectShown by Chad Martin Sold to Fowler Girls, Ill., for $375.Res. Champion Hereford Gilt ProspectShown by Braxton Funkhouser.Sold to Nathan Crambell, Mich., for $150.Res. Champion Landrace Gilt ProspectShown by BS Showpigs.Sold to Dustens Durocs, Ind., for $200.Res. Champion Poland China Gilt ProspectShown by Brent Egger Sold to David Osborne, Mich., for $150.Res. Champion Spot Gilt ProspectShown by Arnold Showpigs.Sold to Dillin Lowry, W.V., for $175.Res. Champion AOB Gilt ProspectShown by Alexis Funkhouser.Sold to Leroy Schaefer, Md., for $250.Not PicturedWeanling Pig ExtravaganzaMaking Change 2-10JOHN & RUTH HUINKER1854 Middle Calmar Road, Decorah, IA 52101563.532.9646 • Cell: 563.380.6565 • jhuinker@acegroup.cc • www.huinkerdurocs.comShowpig, beedin stoc & seme availabl yea roun!Selling a select set of bred sows & gilts bred for late July-September litters. Many bred to Making Change, the popular Indiana State Fair boar sired by Cheap Money. This guys pigs look super special! Watch for more details.Be Gil SalONLINE SALE :: JUNE 19 :: SHOWPIG.COMJUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE2618 June SE Form.indd 265/17/2018 11:22:02 AMSHOW SCHEDULESSHOWWHEREWHENENTRY DEADLINENational Western Stock ShowDenver, Colo.Jan 16-17, 2019TBD, 2018NJSA Southeast RegionalPerry, Ga.Jan. 23-26, 2019TBD, 2018NSR Winter Type ConferencePerry, Ga.Jan. 23-26, 2019TBD, 2018NSR Southwest Type ConferenceBelton, TexasFeb. 27-Mar 2, 2019TBD, 2019NSR Weanling ExtravaganzaRichmond, Ind.April 16-17, 2019TBD, 2019World Pork ExpoDes Moines, IowaJune 2-8, 2019April 18, 2019WPX Junior NationalDes Moines, IowaJune 2-8, 2019April 18, 2019NSR Summer Type ConferenceLouisville, Ky.July 1-7, 2018CLOSEDNational Junior Summer SpectacularLouisville, Ky.July 1-7, 2018CLOSEDNJSA Southwest RegionalWoodward, Okla.Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2018Aug. 8, 2018National Barrow Show®Austin, Minn.Sept. 8-12, 2018Aug. 15, 2018NBS® Junior ClassicAustin, Minn.Sept. 8-9, 2018Aug. 15, 2018NJSA Eastern Regional Hamburg, N.Y.Oct. 4-6, 2018Sept. 5, 2018American RoyalKansas City, Mo.Oct. 19-21, 2018TBD, 2018NAILELouisville, Ky.Nov. 3-5, 2018TBD, 2018NSR Fall ClassicDuncan, Okla.Nov. 14-17, 2018Oct. 3, 2018NJSA Western Regional Paso Robles, Calif.Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2018Nov. 7, 2018Arizona NationalPhoenix, Ariz.Dec. 27-31, 2018TBD, 2018NJSA CONFERENCESWHEREWHENREGISTRATION DEADLINEL.E.A.D. CampTBDTBD, 2019TBD, 2019National Youth Leadership Conf.TBDTBD, 2019TBD, 2019Enter online at nationalswine.comNBSSOUTHWEST REGIONALEASTERN REGIONALNJSS/STC27JUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 June SE Form.indd 275/17/2018 11:22:03 AM2018Louisville, Ky.scheduleS CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L EJuly 2-7, 2018Kentucky Exposition Center • Louisville, Ky.NJSS/STCPUREBRED ENTRIES FARROWED: Dec. 1, 2017 or afterOPEN JUDGES: Duroc: Chad Hill, TexasHampshire: Brian Anderson, Kan. Landrace: Chris Danner, Ind. Yorkshire: Willie Kirkpatrick, Okla.Crossbred Boars: Adam Beck, Ind.JUNIOR JUDGES: Duroc & Landrace Gilt Judge: Blane Olson, Ill. Hampshire & Yorkshire Gilt Judge: Ben Bobell, Ill. Duroc & Landrace Barrow Judge: Seth Swenson, Ill. Hampshire & Yorkshire Barrow Judge: Ryan Stohlquist, Ill. Novice/Intermediate Showmanship Judge: Blake Davis, Kan. Junior/Senior Showmanship Judge: Nathan Day, Ind.ENTRY DEADLINE: May 16, 2018SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:Monday, July 212 p.m.: Earliest Hogs May Arrive (Junior & Open)4 p.m.: Corn Toss Tournament (youth and adults welcome) Tuesday, July 32 p.m.: All Junior hogs must be in place10 a.m.–3 p.m..: Registration (Junior & Open Shows, Showmanship and Speech Contests)1-2:30 p.m.: Adult PQA+ Training1-2 p.m.: YQCA Training2-5 p.m.: Skillathon (All participants must be checked in by 4:30 p.m.)3 p.m.: Prepared and Extemporaneous Speech Contests Begin3-6 p.m.: Breed Eligibility Checks (wash racks/scales closed)5 p.m.: Barrow weight cards due (Registration Area) 5:30 p.m.: Skillathon Review6 p.m.: MVP Celebration and Barynard Olympics6 p.m.: Premier Breeder interviews6 p.m.: The Maschhoffs Inc. Pork Production Scholarship interviewsWednesday, July 48 a.m.: Opening Ceremony9 a.m.: ShowmanshipRing A: Junior and SeniorRing B: Novice and Intermediate9 a.m.–4 p.m.: Open show registration (open show offi ce)Immediately following Showmanship: Junior Barrow ShowRing A: Duroc and LandraceRing B: Hampshire and Yorkshire*Special Award Presentations will be awarded prior to the Grand Champion Barrow selection*Drawing Winners AnnouncedThursday, July 58 a.m.: Junior Gilt ShowRing A: Duroc and LandraceRing B: Hampshire and Yorkshire 9 a.m.: All Open entries must be penned & checked-in*Special Award Presentations will be awarded prior to the Grand Champion Gilt and Grand Champion Bred and Owned Gilt selectionOWNERSHIP DEADLINE: May 1, 2018scheduleS CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L EJUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE2818 June SE Form.indd 285/17/2018 11:22:03 AMS CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L ES CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E S CH E DU L E1 chance = $55 chances = $20Drawing*: Friday, July 6 • 6:30 p.m.*Need not be present to win. All winners will be contacted if they are not present. at the NJSS Awards CeremonyThose interested in selling or buying chances contact:Ellen Knauthellen@nationalswine.com765-463-3594 ext. 101Friday, July 67:30-8:30 a.m.: Judging Contest Registration7:30 a.m.: Open Show: Crossbred Boar Show followed by the Yorkshire, Landrace, Hampshire and Duroc gilt and boar shows9 a.m.: Judging Contest (Junior, Intermediate & Senior)11:30 a.m.: Novice Judging Contest*Judging critiques will be delivered at the conclusion of the Junior, Intermediate and Senior contest. An announcement will be made with the time and location.4 p.m.: Ray Perryman Inspirational Service and Pizza Party to followImmediately following Inspirational Service: Awards Ceremony**NJSS Contest Winners Announced (Amazing Advertising Contest, Swine is Fine Contest, Skillathon, Judging Contest, Speech Contests, Sweepstakes Contest)*Premier Breeders Awarded*2018-2019 Junior Board Announced7 p.m.: All junior hogs are released8-10 p.m.: DanceSaturday, July 79 a.m.: Crossbred boar sale followed by the Yorkshire, Landrace, Hampshire and Duroc boar and gilt salesAdditional Jr. Show Information• Contests: Amazing Advertising Contest, Swine is Fine Contest, Skillathon, Judging Contest, Speech Contests, Sweepstakes Contest• Additional Events: Silent Auction, NJSA Foundation Female Auction, Inspirational Service with Ray Perryman, Exhibitor Dance, MVP Party, Barnyard Olympics, Exhibitor Pizza Party, and the NJSA Annual Awards Ceremony. • Limit per Exhibitor: Two purebred gilts and two purebred barrows.• Purebred Farrowing Deadline: December 1, 2017HOTELS: • Hilton Garden Inn-Louisville Airport | 502.637.2424• Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport | 888.233.9527MORE NJSA INFORMATION: 765.463.3594Ellen Knauth ext. 101 • ellen@nationalswine.comAustin Pueschel ext. 109 • austin@nationalswine.comNSR REPRESENTATIVES:Michael Lackey 765.427.3733 • michael@nationalswine.comMick Bellamy 765.427.7741 • mick@nationalswine.comClay Zwilling 765.463.3594 • clay@nationalswine.com29JUNE 2018 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE18 June SE Form.indd 295/17/2018 11:22:03 AMNext >