< PreviousF ifty-five members traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, for three full days of leadership, learning and fun. The conference kicked off Thursday, March 27, with Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Director of Communications for the Red Angus Association of America. She spoke of her experiences in agriculture and the importance of authenticity in everything you do – including advocacy. Frobose said, “Advocacy is hard work, but it is work worth doing.” After an exciting morning, attendees loaded the buses and headed to BioZyme Inc., where staff greeted members with a fantastic networking lunch. “Getting the chance to teach young people about production, safety, quality and business growth in a hands-on environment is something BioZyme is very passionate about,” said Jessie Judge, livestock division marketing brand coordinator. “Hosting tours provides us with that opportunity and helps us to fulfill our mission of outreach.” Judge’s favorite part about events such as NYLC is the interaction the company gets with youth. She enjoys getting to engage and interact with young people, while equipping them with tools to help them succeed in their future careers. Throughout the visit, attendees got to see various sectors of BioZyme including marketing, safety, quality control, lab work and more. Judge was extremely impressed with the quality of members in attendance. “It’s not everyday that you get a group of young people who ask such thought provoking and meaningful questions,” Judge said. “It’s also not everyday that you talk to a group of students and feel as though they are truly listening and taking in all you are trying to provide them.” Members were equally as excited about the BioZyme tour. Shelby Weinrich, NYLC participant, said it was her favorite part of the conference. “The passion this company has for the livestock industry, as well as youth education, is unmatched,” Weinrich said. “Each aspect of the tour was catered to our education and each employee was filled with knowledge and a willingness to educate.” The fun certainly didn’t end there. Groups then traveled to the American Royal, where participants were given a tour of the grounds and a great lesson on the heritage and tradition of the event center. “Having the opportunity to see the American Royal, learn the rich history of the livestock show and hear what the future has in store was such an amazing experience,” said Hannah Hawkesworth, NYLC participant. While at the facility, members were able to get career advice from Katie Birchfield, Seaboard Foods Senior Recruiting and Onboarding Specialist. Birchfield hopes members better understand the impact Seaboard Foods has on the swine industry and future career opportunities within the company. Additionally, she hopes members learned how to improve their professional skills for interviewing and job searching. Brandi Buzzard Frobose emphasizes the importance of always staying true to yourself, hence the reason she spoke to attendees in her tennis shoes rather than high heels. “Advocacy is hard work, but it is work worth doing.” – Brandi Buzzard Frobose NYLC attendees had the opportunity to interact with the American Royal staff as they learned about the history and future plans of the facilities and the show. Thank you to Kristie Larson and Brady Madsen for touring the NJSA members around the facility and your great hospitality. JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 60 3 2019 Jun SE Form.indd 605/9/2019 6:18:51 PMThe first night closed with the famous lip sync battle. Attendees sang their hearts out and competed for the sought-after trophy. Brody Nemecek and Mason Forkner came out on top with their heartfelt duets. It was an evening of laughter, bonding and fun. Friday morning, groups heard from Merck Animal Health representatives who explained the company and its role in the swine industry. The morning closed with Pierce Bennett of Livestock Marketing Association and Kylee Deniz of National Pork Board. Bennett spoke about policy issues in agriculture and how LMA is involved. Deniz spoke of the importance of communicating with the public in the correct manner. She taught members how to craft an effective message and create connections with audiences. That afternoon, Jesse Dohlman, Smithfield Corporate Hog Procurement Manager, gave an informative talk on the state of the swine industry. He talked about the growth the industry has seen and what the future holds. He also delved into important topics such as, African swine fever and other foreign animal disease threats. Attendees then had the opportunity to participate in Swine Industry Career Roundtables. Roundtable speakers included representatives from the National Swine Registry’s Youth Advisory Board, Smithfield, Seaboard Foods, The Maschoffs and National Pork Board. Bryn Jensson, Smithfield Hog Production Midwest Region Safety Manager, finds value in roundtable discussions as they give participants the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations in a comfortable setting. “I hope NJSA members made contacts they can reach out to for internships and career opportunities,” Jensson said. “I hope they diversified their knowledge base and gained different perspectives.” Jensson said her favorite part of speaking with NJSA members is sharing her story. “You have to say ‘yes’ and take chances,” Jensson said. “See where The first tour took the NYLC participants to BioZyme Inc. headquarters, where they learned about SureChamp, Amaferm, marketing, research and more. Thank you to BioZyme’s team for taking time to spend the day with the members of the NJSA and providing them with a great networking opportunity. “It’s not everyday that you get a group of young people who ask such thought provoking and meaningful questions.” – Jessie Judge Merck Animal Health educated the NYLC participants about the animal health industry and career opportunities within their company. This was one of the highlights for many attendees. Thank you to Merck Animal Health for educating our youth. 3 2019 Jun SE Form.indd 615/9/2019 6:18:53 PMyour path takes you. Travel, move away from home and give it your all.” After a day filled with fantastic speakers and a lot of learning, participants traveled to Topgolf to unwind with some friendly competition. The Junior Board Directors kicked off the final morning with exciting, educational breakout sessions. Participants attended three sessions about transitioning to college, the commercial swine industry and an inside look at what the NJSA Junior Board is all about. Perhaps the best was saved for last with Dr. Brett Kaysen’s closing keynote. “Each speaker throughout the conference had valuable and immeasurable life knowledge, but I found Dr. Kaysen’s message BioZyme Inc. CEO, Bob Norton, gave four pieces of advice to attendees. 1. Embrace your full potential in life. 2. Live in a manner of faith and influence. 3. There is no substitute for hard work. 4. Chose to be uncommon. “We were kept engaged and able to share our passion and excitement for the industry throughout the entire conference.” – Shelby Weinrich to be most powerful,” Weinrich said. “He discussed the 10 most valuable lessons taught by pigs, and although taught by pigs, they applied to all aspects of life.” Participants found immense value in the conference. Weinrich said she feels NYLC sets itself apart from other leadership events because of the youth involvement and interaction. “We were kept engaged and able to share our passion and excitement for the industry throughout the entire conference,” Weinrich said. Hawkesworth said she feels NYLC has truly been beneficial in terms of industry connections. “What sets NYLC apart from other leadership conferences or events I have attended is the tremendous amount of direct exposure to the industry and one-on-one interaction with industry professionals,” Hawkesworth said. However, members aren’t the only ones who find value in these experiences. The Maschhoffs are a major sponsor behind the event. Randy Bowman, director of technical support, said NYLC is focused on building leadership skills within young swine enthusiasts and The Maschhoffs wants to play apart in that. “Each student that attends NYLC has shown they are leaders that want to learn, simply by attending,” Bowman said. “Whether they have interest in being hands-on or in a supporting position within the industry or in a business like ours, we want everyone to understand they are wanted and needed – we want to get the message out so they consider staying in the industry.” The resounding message throughout the conference was learning, getting involved and breaking through comfort zones. NYLC provides these opportunities to members in a fun, innovative way. No matter your experience or background, NYLC is a great way to connect a mutual passion for pigs with greater opportunities in the industry. Dr. Brett Kaysen, National Pork Board, encouraged NJSA members to be a solution provider instead of a problem identifier, to find your people and develop your passion. Katie Birchfield, Seaboard Foods, helped NYLC participants hone in their resume building and interviewing skills. Katie then kicked back and enjoyed ice cream with NJSA members while being a guest judge for this year’s Lip Sync Battle. JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 62 3 2019 Jun SE Form.indd 625/9/2019 6:19:02 PMEvent Calendar Visit nationalswine.com to enter online or to view rules, regulations and show schedules. For specific questions about any of these events, contact: Nicole Chance • 765.463.3594 • nicole@nationalswine.com National Western Stock Show Denver, Colo. Jan. 20-21, 2020 NJSA Southeast Regional Perry, Ga. Jan. 21-25, 2020 WESTERN REGIONAL NJSA Western Regional Paso Robles, Calif. Nov. 14-16, 2019 NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference TBD The Exposition Des Moines, Iowa June 2-8, 2019 NATIONAL JUNIOR SUMMER SPECTACULAR NJSS National Junior Summer Spectacular Louisville, Ky. July 1-6, 2019 NJSA Southwest Regional Woodward, Okla. Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2019 NBS ® Junior Classic Austin, Minn. Sept. 7-8, 2019 REGIONAL NJSA Eastern Regional Hamburg, N.Y. Oct. 3-5, 2019 AMERICAN ROYAL American Royal Kansas City, Mo. Oct. 18-21, 2019 North American International Livestock Exposition Louisville, Ky. Nov. 1-4, 2019 Arizona National Phoenix, Ariz. Dec. 27-31, 2019 NATIONAL JUNIOR SWINE ASSOCIATION 63 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGEBy Whitney Whitaker In the past few months, NJSA members have stepped up and showed up full of compassion for an industry close to their hearts. JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 64 3 2019 Jun SE Form.indd 645/9/2019 6:19:05 PMF or those in the agricultural community, the idea that there is no such thing as a stranger, is plain and simple. The camaraderie within this industry, comes with constant support and optimism from others. Many will agree that the compassion, heart and friendliness of this industry is what makes it so special. During the past year, it has become evident that the young members of the National Junior Swine Association also exemplify these special characteristics. “Living in rural America, it’s what you do, you just show up to help,” says Claire Masker, director of sustainable communications for the National Pork Board. Masker couldn’t have said it better. With the recent floods in the Midwest, times have been hard for many. Yet, help, love and prayers have been pouring out from across the country. A big portion of support is from the National Pork Board, who created a relief program to help communities struggling from the disaster. Through their We Care ethical principles, farmers, rural Americans and NJSA members have graciously donated supplies, standing by those principles. “In 2008, our commitment to our customers was that we are doing things right from an animal perspective, from an employee perspective, as well as just being good neighbors,” Masker says as she shares the goals of the We Care principles. Aside from recent tragedy, the NPB has helped guide NJSA members to volunteer and give back to promote an industry they are proud of. Last fall, the NJSA teamed up with the NPB’s #HamsAcrossAmerica campaign that focuses on sharing pork with those who aren’t as fortunate during the holiday season. Each year the campaign runs from “Giving Tuesday” through the holiday season. Additionally, it’s highlighted through various events and activities throughout the year. While the NPB and state associations have different events to donate pork, NJSA members from across the country did what they could by purchasing pork products that were then donated to local food banks. This was the start of #NJSAGivesBack. Seeing such a great response from so many young people across the country was inspiring from the NSR and NJSA’s perspective. There were no incentives for the members, nor were they required to do anything. When the social media campaign was launched on Giving Tuesday, there was just hope that NJSA’s involvement would be successful. By the end of the year, almost 100 NJSA members and other people donated pork products, allowing many families to enjoy a high quality, delicious holiday meal. Sharing our stories of raising pork and giving back to communities is an incredible opportunity that leaves a lasting impact. While giving back, volunteering, doing outreach or serving others is part of rural America, it is often not highlighted. NJSA members start participating in outreach activities at a young age, which inspires and gives faith that the tradition of giving will continue for years to come. Even farmers, ranchers and rural community members dedicate their time to volunteering. Due to their humble nature, they may not understand the full impact they make. “Serving on school boards or being active in their communities often aren’t really thought of as volunteering because that is just the thing you do when you are in rural America,” Masker says. “I think that always telling that story and being out and visible in your community is so important for people to know a farmer and know where their food comes from.” As she shares this valuable information, it’s a great lesson for younger generations. Whether it’s small or big actions taken to help others, no deed of service should go unnoticed because it is just another opportunity to share your agricultural story. NJSA members also stepped up and gave back to flood victims in the Midwest. Through the NPB relief program, members were asked to donate baby wipes, Clorox wipes More than 30 NJSA members donated supplies to benefit flood victims in Iowa. These supplies helped communities who were without water following the floods. “I think that always telling that story and being out and visible in your community is so important for people to know a farmer and know where their food comes from.” — Claire Masker 65 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 3 2019 Jun SE Form.indd 655/9/2019 6:19:06 PMNJSA Junior Board Director, Jake Sterle, delivered donated supplies and helped organize them at the relief center. and hand sanitizer for communities that ran out of water. Masker, who helped lead the program, shared that even though towns were in major need for water, that need was already being taken care of. Therefore, it was our job to provide other items. Members brought donations to the National Youth Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Jake Sterle, NJSA Junior Board Director, took items and delivered them to Hamburg, a town in Southwest Iowa. “It was incredible to see the members donations,” Sterle says. He also shares how he was impressed and amazed by the whole process. When delivering all the goods to a middle school, which was packed with people and donated goods, Sterle thought about how people could have easily taken advantage of all the adversity faced by the flood, but it was the exact opposite. “Every community member who came to the school for relief always brought something to trade to help the relief stay strong,” Sterle says. “When we were there on April 5, just 19 days into the floods, over half the town was under water. It was so impressive to see how the community remained so positive.” While the donated goods benefited the flood victims, they also played a significant role in recovering from the disaster. There was an impact made on Sterle and NJSA members. Sterle’s experience is something he will always remember –giving him a broader perspective on life. Even in the toughest of times, the kindness and strength within the agricultural community’s heart will stay strong well into the future. The NJSA is proud of the membership and the impact they have made in the past year. The membership will continue to step up and do what is needed regardless of the good or bad in the world. Whether it be the #HamsAcrossAmerica campaign or support following a natural disaster, rural America will always unify and give back to an industry where no one is a stranger. Masker shares advice for NJSA members serving, donating or volunteering in the future. “Find what you are passionate about, because when you’re passionate about giving back to a certain organization then it doesn’t become work,” she says. “It becomes who you are and you don’t often see it as volunteering.” JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 66 3 2019 Jun SE Form.indd 665/9/2019 6:19:07 PMNJSA members, collegiate livestock judging teams, organizations and 4-H and FFA members, from across the United States, graciously donated pork products to their local food banks. This community service act was part of the #HamsAcrossAmerica project, during the holiday season. 67 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 3 2019 Jun SE Form.indd 675/9/2019 6:19:07 PMWhat does the NJSA Jr. Board off er? Candidates 2019 NJSA JUNIOR BOARD Jada Johnson | Poneto, Ind. Jada Johnson, 19, from Poneto, Indiana, is the daughter of Mike and Karen Johnson. She is currently a freshman at Lincoln Land Community College and a member of the livestock judging team. Johnson plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree from either Purdue University or Iowa State University in agricul- ture business with a focus in sales and marketing, following her two years at Lincoln Land. Her future career goals include holding a leadership role at a feed mill or an insurance company. Johnson also hopes to continue raising and furthering the genetics of the Duroc and Hampshire breeds on her fam- ily’s hog farm, JJ Genetics. If elected to the NJSA Junior Board of Directors, Johnson hopes to assist in providing engaging activities at shows and serving as a role model for younger NJSA members. Shelby Weinrich | Willows, Calif. Shelby Weinrich, 19, from Willows, California, is the daughter of Neisha Furtado. She is currently a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, double majoring in agribusiness pre-law and human and family development sciences. Weinrich’s future plans include, attending law school to become a family lawyer. She has been raising and showing pigs for the past ten years, competing at the county, state and national level. Weinrich has held multiple leadership roles including involvement with Next Level Livestock Camps, the Showpig.com All-Star Team and is the Junior Director President of the California Pork Producers Association. If elected to the NJSA Board of Directors, Weinrich hopes to help improve NJSA Sweepstakes competitions and be an advocate for the swine industry. Cody Toth | North Liberty, Ind. Cody Toth, 18, from North Liberty, Indiana, is the son of Jennifer Toth. He is currently a senior at John Glenn High School. Toth plans on attending Black Hawk East Community College in the fall to study agribusiness. His future plans include transferring to a four year college and obtaining a degree in agribusiness to pursue a career in farm management and continuing to build his showpig operation. Toth has held multiple leadership positions including serving as his FFA chapter’s president and district FFA vice president. If selected to be on the Junior Board of Directors, Toth believes he can provide a unique perspective in recruiting and engaging with new NJSA members as a first-generation pig farmer himself. Hannah Hawkesworth | Clovis, Calif. Hannah Hawkesworth, 19, from Clovis, California, is the daughter of Bill and Robin Hawkesworth. She is currently a sophomore at California State University Fresno majoring in agribusiness. Hawkesworth hopes to pursue a master’s degree at Kansas State University in agribusiness and go on to work in events and education in the swine industry. She has been a NJSA member since 2011, participating in the Western Regional and Arizona National Livestock Show. Hawkesworth holds current leadership roles as the swine representative for her college’s Block and Bridle Club and as the president of the Agriculture Business Club. If elected to be on the NJSA Junior Board, Hawkesworth hopes to provide more regionally geographic networking opportunities with industry professionals for NJSA members and help improve the MVP Program. • Opportunity to develop leadership skills as ambassadors of the NJSA through committee work, leadership conferences and communication with junior members across the nation. • The NJSA board responsibilities enhance directors’ verbal and written communication skills. • NJSA directors have the opportunity to meet and work with industry leaders. • NJSA directors have the opportunity to travel throughout the country while representing Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire genetics. • NJSA directors gain valuable friendships with NJSA directors along with other juniors across the nation. JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGE 68Brandon Stickler | Pleasant Plains, Ill. Brandon Stickler, 21, from Pleasant Plains, Illinois, is the son of Michael and Amy Stickler. He is currently a sophomore at Lake Land Community College and a member of the livestock judging team. Stickler plans to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in agribusiness with a focus in sales and market- ing, following his time at Lake Land. His future career goals include working in a sales or marketing role within the swine industry. Stickler became a NJSA member in 2009. Since then, Stickler has been actively involved by attending multiple NJSA shows and events across the United States including, World Pork Expo, The National Junior Summer Spectacular, Southwest Regional, Eastern Regional and Southeast Regional. If elected to the NJSA Board of Directors, Stickler hopes to create more visibility of the NJSA to commodity organizations and improve preparation and study materials for skillathon topics. Katelyn Robinson | Wellsville, Mo. Katelyn Robinson, 18, from Wellsville, Missouri, is the daughter of Eddie and Tammy Robinson. She is currently a freshman at the University of Missouri majoring in animal science. Robinson hopes to contin- ue her education and obtain a master’s degree in either swine nutrition or genetics. Her future career goals include working for a company that allows her to work with the public on behalf of farmers, while also continuing to manage, grow and improve her own Duroc herd and market those pigs to kids involved in 4-H and FFA. Robinson has been a member of the NJSA ever since she started showing pigs in 2003. She has participated in multiple NJSA shows and affiliated events. If elected to the NJSA Junior Board of Directors, Robinson hopes to provide members with information on current agriculture topics and tools to communicate with consumers and host a reasons clinic for younger members just getting started in livestock judging. Micah Smock | Jackson Center, Ohio Micah Smock, 20, from Jackson Center, Ohio, is the son of Phil and Mary Lee Smock. He is currently a sophomore at Lake Land College and a member of the livestock judging team. Smock plans to transfer to The Ohio State University and obtain his degree in agribusiness and applied economics following his time at Lake Land. His career goals include attending law school with a focus in agricultural law and continuing to build his sow herd with his two younger brothers. Smock has held multiple leaderships roles including chapter FFA president, 4-H club president and currently serves as the Ag Transfer Club treasurer. If selected to be on the Junior Board of Directors, Smock hopes to find unique ways to in- crease NJSA membership through reaching 4-H county extension agents and looking for more creative incentive ideas for sweepstakes involvement. Jade Parrish | Parrish, Fla. Jade Parrish, 17, from Parrish, Florida, is the daughter of Spencer and Eileen Parrish. She is currently a junior at Palmetto High School. Following graduation, she hopes to attend Butler County Community College and be a member of the livestock judging team. Parrish hopes to transfer to a four year univer- sity and obtain a degree in animal science. Jade has held multiple leadership roles including serving as her FFA chapter’s vice president, 4-H club vice president, a junior board member for the Florida Junior Swine Circuit and a member of the 2019 Showpig.com All-Star team. If selected to be on the Junior Board of Directors, Parrish hopes to help provide helpful resources for first time exhibitors at NJSA events and host more regional youth leadership opportunities for members. Cailyn Hines | Quincy, Mich. Cailyn Hines, 21, from Quincy, Michigan, is the daughter of Brian and Donna Hines. She is currently attending community college and plans to attend either Purdue University or Michigan State University and obtain a degree in agricultural education. Hines also hopes to continue raising and selling pigs to her community while working to develop strong youth leadership in the agricultural industry. She has participated in multiple NJSA events for the past seventeen years, attending nine of the eleven shows that the NJSA hosts. If selected to be on the Junior Board of Directors, Hines hopes to find unique ways to host educational clinics in conjunction with local jackpot shows, as well as improve the Bred- and-Owned Program. Mason Lamonte | Zephyrhllis, Fla. Mason Lamonte, 18, from Zephyrhllis, Florida., is the son of Mark Lamonte. He is currently a senior at Pasco High School and plans on attending Modesto Junior College in the fall majoring in animal sci- ence. Lamonte hopes to later transfer to Iowa State University and study swine genetics and reproduc- tion. His future career goals include one day working on a large production swine farm and producing high quality meat for consumers. Lamonte has been a member of the NJSA for the past three years and has attended multiple shows and youth leadership conferences. He also held a leadership role as the president of his 4-H club, for the last two years, as well as being a 4-H camp counselor. If selected to be on the NJSA Junior Board of Directors, Lamonte wants to work hard to continue the increasing trend of NJSA membership in Florida and other states. 69 JUNE 2019 | SEEDSTOCK EDGENext >