Buyers Choice Auction, NSR launch partnership

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The National Swine Registry announces a new partnership that will provide members access to the innovative online auction service, Buyers Choice Auction. This Internet-only sales ring, located at www.buyerschoiceauction.com, features a unique bidding format that provides both buyers and sellers new options in online marketing.

Kicking off the partnership with two weanling barrow and gilt sales are Stewart’s Duroc Farm of Waverly, Iowa, and Stein & Stewart SPF Genetics of Odessa, Mo., which will hold a combined auction at the new venue on Thursday, Feb. 25, and Cedar Ridge Farms of Red Bud, Ill., following with consignments on Friday, Feb. 26.

“We are excited about working with Buyers Choice Auction, and we’re happy to introduce this joint venture,” said Darrell Anderson, CEO of the NSR. “We believe the exclusive features of this auction format will be a valuable option for our members in marketing their product to a worldwide audience.”

With Buyers Choice Auction all lots sell simultaneously, eliminating the wait time of a sale order. Buyers have the choice to switch bidding to any lot if they are outbid – giving them more time to make decisions and compare options. The unique ProxyPlus feature allows bidders to prioritize a list of lots they are interested in, name how many they want to purchase, and state a maximum bid on each. The computer will automatically bid for them – choosing the best combination of lots based on selling price and priority. Buyers also have the option of watching all the bidding at one time on the “Big Board” view feature, and winning bidders do not pay a buyer’s fee, so the price they bid is the final price they pay.

Buyers Choice Auction is currently consigning sales for the spring pig season. Livestock producers interested in visiting about the advantages of selling through Buyers Choice Auction should contact Mike Paul, NSR Vice President of Operations, at 765.463.3594 or 765.427.2692. For more information, visit http://www.buyerschoiceauction.com/ or http://www.nationalswine.com/.

Go 'Walking in Memphis' at NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference

West Lafayette, Ind. – Get your blue suede boots ready to go “Walking in Memphis” with the National Junior Swine Association! The ninth-annual National Youth Leadership Conference will be held in Memphis, Tenn., on April 30-May 2, 2010. Youth ages 14-21 will be challenged to make the most of their opportunities in life while broadening their knowledge of important swine industry issues.

An exciting slate of speakers and events is ready to rock this conference. Starting Friday, Beau Williamson, the 2006-2007 National FFA President, will present a motivational leadership workshop. Dr. Wes Jamison of Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida will discuss the animal rights movement – and teach youth what the word “anthropomorphism” means. Cindy Cunningham of the National Pork Board will help attendees polish up their interview skills through media training.

On Saturday participants will head across the Tennessee state border to nearby Cobb Farms in Lake City, Ark., to learn about cotton production, row cropping and showpigs. The day at the farm will include production tours as well as additional workshops on identifying diseases in swine, purebred genetic programs overseas, and becoming a mentor to younger NJSA members. In the evening, recreational activities will include swimming and a Wiffle Ball tournament.

Wrapping up the conference on Sunday will be an inspirational service by Ray Perryman of Texas, a panel discussion on internships, and workshops by members of the NJSA Board of Directors.

Additional presenters throughout the event include:
• Dr. Steve Copeland, DVM, Paragould, Ark.
• Steve and Aaron Cobb, Cobb Farms, Lake City, Ark.
• Tony Clayton, Clayton Agri-Marketing, Inc., Jefferson, Mo.
• Jamey Tosh, Tosh Farms, Henry, Tenn.
• Kelli Reiff, NJSA
• NJSA Board of Directors

Applications are due to the NSR office by March 20, and can be downloaded at www.nationalswine.com, and mailed to National Swine Registry, P.O. Box 2417, West Lafayette, IN 47996-2417. The conference fee is $140, and includes all rooms, meals, activities and a t-shirt. Travel scholarships are available to first-time attendees. For more information, contact Alan Duttlinger at alan@nationalswine.com or 765.463.3594.