NJSA Ambassador Application Deadline April 1

Tomorrow, April 1, is the deadline for the NJSA Ambassador program. This is a brand new program for the NJSA and is a great opportunity to become a part of the NJSA leadership team prior to running for the NJSA Junior Board of Directors. The NSJA Ambassador program is for one girl and one boy who will get to travel to WPX and NJSS to help with the shows and events. This is a great way to get in on the inside action that happens at the NJSA shows. You can email your application to sarah@nationalswine.com. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.nationalswine.com/NJSA_pages/NJSA_Ambassador.html This is another awesome leadership activity that the NJSA offers to our members, here is your chance get involved!

Don't miss out!

Today and tomorrow are your lucky days! You can still sign up for the NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference. Call or email Sarah Schwab at 765-463-3594 or sarah@nationalswine.com to get signed up for the conference. We have an educational and exciting event ready for yout to come and explore! Don't miss your chance to attend the NSJA event of the year. To view the full itenerary click http://bitly.com/eleNd0.

Last chance for NYLC!

This is the last chance to take advantage of the National Youth Leadership Conference hosted by the NJSA in Minneapolis, Minnesota April 29-May 1. Registrations are due this Friday April 1 and can be postmarked on this date as well. You may also email the registration and call with a credit card to complete your registration. The weekend is packed with opportunities, don't miss out on the NJSA event of the year. If you have any questions please call Sarah Schwab 765-463-3954 or email her at sarah@nationalswine.com . Click http://bitly.com/eleNd0 to view the entire schedule for the conference. See you soon!

Schwab hired as future CEO of National Swine Registry

This post is intended for members of and those with interest in the National Swine Registry; its intention is not for publication. An official release for the media will be issued in December 2011.  The National Swine Registry Executive Committee announced this week the hire of Dr. Clint Schwab as the future chief executive officer of the NSR. Schwab's duties as CEO will begin January 1, 2012, following the retirement of current CEO Darrell Anderson. Schwab has been employed by the NSR for three years; he currently serves as director of genetic and technical services. In this position he works to guide research and increase accuracy in genetic predictions, and has played a key role in the continued development of NSR's STAGES™ pedigree and performance evaluation software. He also leads promotion of purebred-based commercial swine through America's Best Genetics, and has traveled extensively around the globe promoting U.S. purebreds and the NSR genetic evaluation program. Schwab holds doctorate and master's degrees in swine genetics from Iowa State University, and a bachelor's degree in animal science from Colorado State University. While at ISU he coached the livestock judging team, and he has judged swine at most of the major youth shows in the country. Schwab currently serves as president of the National Swine Improvement Federation, serves on advisory committees for several universities and the National Pork Board, and represents the NSR on the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export Board of Directors. ###

One week left!

There is one week left to get your registration in for the National Youth Leadership Conference in Minneapolis, MN. April 1st is the deadline on applications, don't miss out on the NJSA opportunity of the year. Check out what we have in store for you at http://bitly.com/eleNd0! Mail your registration to the National Swine Registry c/o Sarah Schwab at 2639 Yeager Road West Lafayette, Indiana 47906. Please do not send your forms to our old PO Box address or we will not receive your registrations on time. If you have already sent your registration form in to the old PO Box please email or call sarah@nationalswine.com. We look forward to see you soon!

NJSA Western Regional contest results

NJSA Western Regional

Sweepstakes, Skillathon and Showmanship contest results

Turlock, Calif.

March 11-13, 2011

To view photos of winners, visit www.nationalswine.com!

Sweepstakes Contest

Senior Sweepstakes

1. Kyle Mendes, Modesto, CA
2. Lindsay Tasos, Madera, CA
3. Carlie Winters, Oakdale, CA
4. Laurel Hanson, Dos Palos, CA
5. Sarah-Ann Lopez, Atascadero, CA       
6. Kyle Brem, Strathmore, CA

Intermediate Sweepstakes

1. Jace Tarbel, Hanford, CA      
2. Travis Lehfeldt, Oakdale, CA
3. Madison Zittel, Bakersfield, CA
4. Hunter Scroggins, Creston, CA
5. Artie Serna, Lindsay, CA
6. Ryan Debusk, Paso Robles, CA
7. Zach Johnson, Denair, CA
8. Billy Yecny, Laton, CA
9. Caleb Johnson, Ballico, CA
10. Nelson Hanson, Dos Palos, CA

Junior Sweepstakes

1. Lily Bennett, Exeter, CA
2. Clay Verdegaal, Oakdale, CA
3. Jenna Scarborough, Clovis, CA
4. Lily Barber, Bend, OR
5. Noah Johnson, Denair, CA
7. Matthew Bailey, Ceres, CA
8. Levi Bradley, Granite Bay, CA
9. Gracie Verdegaal, Oakdale, CA
10. Elijah Johnson, Ballico, CA

Novice Sweepstakes

1. Alexis Hernandez, Colusa, CA
2. Julia Scarborough, Clovis, CA
3. Lena Bennett, Exeter, CA
4. Nicole Johnson, Ballico, CA
5. Payton Rodgers, Sanger, CA
6. Jada Scarborough, Clovis, CA

Skillathon Contest

Senior Skillathon

1. Carlie Winters, Oakdale, CA
2. Kyle Mendes, Modesto, CA
3. Corey Carpenter, Redbluff, CA
4. Lindsay Tasos, Madera, CA
5. Valerie Pickens, Reedley, CA
6. Sarah-Ann Lopez, Atascadero, CA
7. Liz Pickens, Reedley, CA
8. Luke Allen, Atascadero, CA
9. Joseph Parker, CA
10. Tyler Beck, Hanford, CA

Intermediate Skillathon

1. Jace Tarbel, Hanford, CA
2. Travis Lehfeldt, Oakdale, CA
3. Hunter Scroggins, Creston, CA
4. Timothy Schoonhoven, Atwater, CA
5. Madison Zittel, Bakersfield, CA
6. Zach Johnson, Denair, CA
7. Billy Yecny, Laton, CA
8. Ryan Debusk, Paso Robles, CA
9. Garrett M Hurley, Albany, OR
10. Abby Barber, Bend, OR

Junior Skillathon

1. Dane Nelson, Visalia, CA
2. Lily Bennett, Exeter, CA
3. Lily Barber, Bend, OR
4. Matthew Bailey, Ceres, CA
5. Kira Emma
6. Clay Verdegaal, Oakdale, CA
7. David Gladman, Central Point, OR
8. Wyatt Smith, CA
9. Hannah Seymore, Visalia, CA
10. Gracie Verdegaal, Oakdale, CA

Novice Skillathon

1. Alexis Hernandez, Colusa, CA
2. Lena Bennett, Exeter, CA
3. Julia Scarborough, Clovis, CA
4. Nicole Johnson, Ballico, CA
5. Jada Scarborough, Clovis, CA
6. Payton Rodgers, Sanger, CA

Showmanship Contest

Senior Showmanship

1. Kyle Mendes, Modesto, CA
2. Lindsay Tasos, Madera, CA
3. Carlie Winters, Oakdale, CA
4. Laurel Hanson, Dos Palos, CA
5. Sarah-Ann Lopez, Atascadero, CA
6. JD Farrero, Windsor, CA
7. Micah Clark, Bakersfield, CA
8. Valerie Pickens, Reedley, CA
9. Kyle Brem, Strathmore, CA
10. Luke Allen, Atascadero, CA

Intermediate Showmanship

1. Jace Tarbel, Hanford, CA
2. Travis Lehfeldt, Oakdale, CA
3. Kiana Peters , Madera, CA
4. Madison Zittel, Bakersfield, CA
5. Hunter Scroggins, Creston, CA
6. Artie Serna, Lindsay, CA
7. Morgan Anderson, Modesto, CA
8. Alex Borba, Atascadero, CA
9. Ryan Debusk, Paso Robles, CA
10. Nelson Hanson, Dos Palos, CA

Junior Showmanship

1. Dane Nelson, Visalia, CA
2. Clay Verdegaal, Oakdale, CA
3. Gracie Verdegaal, Oakdale, CA
4. Eleanor Borba, Atascadero, CA
5. Jenna Scarborough, Clovis, CA
6. Elijah Johnson, Ballico, CA
7. Lily Barber, Bend, OR
8. Noah Johnson, Denair, CA
9. Hannah Seymore, Visalia, CA
10. Courtney Luis, Ripon, CA

Novice Showmanship

1. Alexis Hernandez, Colusa, CA
2. Julia Scarborough, Clovis, CA
3. Lena Bennett, Exeter, CA
4. Payton Rodgers, Sanger, CA
5. Nicole Johnson, Ballico, CA
6. Kendall Geist, Madera, CA
7. Jada Scarborough, Clovis, CA

Travel Scholarships Available for NYLC

NJSA travel scholarships available for first year leadership conference attendees. Go to www.nationalswine.com and click on the NJSA Shows and Events page to download your scholarship applications. Don't miss out on the NJSA event of the year!

NJSA & Dr. Wes Jamison at the National Youth Leadership Conference

In this weekly leadership conference update meet keynote speaker Dr. Wes Jamison! Dr. Jamison will be speaking at the NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference in Minneapolis April 29-May 1.

Dr. Wes Jamison is an Associate Professor of Communication at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he teaches Public Relations, Persuasion, Political Communication, and Communication Theory. Prior to moving to Florida, Wes served for over a decade as Professor of Political and Social Science at universities in the US and Europe, where he taught agriculture politics, agricultural history, and American national government. His first PhD from Oregon State University studied agriculture politics, and he is finishing up a second PhD in Public Relations at the University of Florida, where he also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses.

He has also served as a board member of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, as Director of the Agricultural Stewardship Center, and is President of Cornerstone Public Relations LLC., where he conducts research in the US and Europe on public relations, communication, and animal rights

He is a native Floridian, has been married for 22 years and has 4 children, is an avid if dangerous sailor, and enjoys all outdoor activities. And he is a big Florida Gator fan.

Get your registration at http://bitly.com/eleNd0 and return it no later than April 1 to the NSR at 2639 Yeager Road West Lafayette, IN 47906. Don't miss the NJSA event of the year!

NJSA Ag Careers Panel at NYLC

This is the second installment of our weekly leadership conference update. Another great piece of news came from the NJSA and Cargill partnership yesterday as well. Andy Rash, marketing manager for the pet and wildlife division of Cargill, will be joining us on the Ag Careers panel during our breakout sessions. We are excited to have Andy on board as he has been such a great supporter of the NJSA through his swine experience and judging.

Joining Andy on the Ag Careers panel is Nicole Boettger. You may remember her from the National Pork Board, but Nicole is back in Minnesota now working for the Farmer, Lumpe, and McClelland Agency helping communicate to grain farmers the the value of animal ag, welcome Nicole!

Along with Nicole and Andy, we have invited Bryn Poliska, the Pork Checkoff Producer Outreach Marketing Manager. I am sure that many of you have met Bryn at an NJSA event. Rounding out our Ag Career panel is Wes Jamison Ph.D, our keynote speaker for the weekend. Wes is currently the Associate Professor of Communication at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. Wes specializes in political communication and public relations relating to food, agriculture, and science politics, as well as corporate communications.

Thank you again Cargill for your support of our leadership conference, we are looking forward to an amazing weekend!

Don't miss out on the chance to meet with these great NJSA supporters at our National Youth Leadership Conference. Go to http://bitly.com/eleNd0 to download your registration form now and return it to the National Swine Registry no later than April 1!

NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference breaking news!

Breaking news! Cargill Animal Nutrition has signed on as a sponsor for the National Youth Leadership Conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota April 29-May 1. Because of Cargill's sponsorship, all of our members will now be able to go to the Mall of America's Underwater Adventure Aquarium and have a three hour pass to Nickelodeon Universe to ride amusement rides. Thank you Cargill for making our annual fun night at leadership conference possible!
Check out our website http://bitly.com/eleNd0 for the full NYLC agenda. Registration deadline is April 1, don't miss out on your chance to attend this action packed conference!

NJSA Western Regional Gilt Show results

NJSA Western Regional

Gilt Show Results

Turlock, Calif.

March 11-13, 2011

Champion Overall Gilt

Champion Yorkshire Gilt

1st Class 5

Alexis Hernandez, CA

MTY6 NIGHT TRIPP 11-2 x JGR7 BULLETPROOF 345-6

Reserve Overall Gilt

Reserve Yorkshire Gilt

2nd Class 5

Nelson Hanson, CA

BG8 TCG FULL DIMENSION 20-1 x JGR7 BULLETPROOF 345-6

Champion Duroc Gilt

1st Class 2

Artie Serna, CA

JRS9 MANUAL LABOR 96-6 x DPK7 TREASURE HUNT 4-2

Reserve Duroc Gilt

2nd Class 2

Zach Johnson, CA

OAB8 PSSS BUCK CHERRY 1-1 x JAKI8 PSSS CANT TOUCH THIS 10-1

Champion Bred & Owned Duroc

1st Class 1

Kyle Mendes, CA

HURD9 MASS MONSTER 61-7 x RWG8 SEEIN RED 8-1

Reserve Bred & Owned Duroc

3^rd Class 2

Lily Bennett, CA

CR8 GO DADDY 112-3 x ROBB8 ABSOLUTE 2-7

Champion Hampshire Gilt

1st Class 2

Avery Egbert, ID

JLM9 TCG AUGUSTA 18-1 x IGJG8 FACE LIFT 22-7

Reserve Hampshire Gilt

2nd Class 2

Alexis Hernandez, CA

BOLN8 HOME GROWN 99-3 x ABRC8 UNREAL 2-1

Champion Bred & Owned Hampshire Gilt

2nd Class 1

Lindsay Tasos, CA

DMF8 MODEL T 9-1 x ABRC8 UNREAL 2-1

Champion Landrace Gilt

1st Class 1

Alexis Hernandez, CA

JMG8 PSSS ZEUS 40-8 x KTB8 TCG INSIGHT 4-3

Reserve Landrace Gilt

2nd Class 1

Zach Johnson, CA

CR9 UNDERDOG 1-2 x CR7 DYNAMITE 452-1

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Champion Yorkshire Gilt

1st Class 5

Alexis Hernandez, CA

MTY6 NIGHT TRIPP 11-2 x JGR7 BULLETPROOF 345-6

Reserve Yorkshire Gilt

2nd Class 5

Nelson Hanson, CA

BG8 TCG FULL DIMENSION 20-1 x JGR7 BULLETPROOF 345-6

Champion Bred & Owned Yorkshire

1st Class 5

Alexis Hernandez, CA

MTY6 NIGHT TRIPP 11-2 x JGR7 BULLETPROOF 345-6

Reserve Bred & Owned Yorkshire

2nd Class 3

Jenna Scarborough, CA

JGR7 BULLETPROOF 345-6 x LFC6 ALL NATURAL 76-7

Champion Crossbred Gilt

1st Class 5

Travis Lehfeldt, CA

Reserve Crossbred Gilt

1st Class 4

Artie Serna, CA

NJSA Western Regional Barrow Show results

NJSA Western Regional

Barrow Show Results

Turlock, Calif.

March 11-13, 2011

Champion Overall Barrow

Champion Hampshire Barrow

Lindsey Tasos, CA

DMF8 Model T 9-1 x ABRC8 Unreal 2-1

Reserve Overall Barrow

Champion Duroc Barrow

Noah Johnson, CA

HRFD9 Tabasco 31-5 xJAKI8 PSSS Can’t Touch This 10-1

Champion Duroc Barrow

1st Class 2

Noah Johnson, CA

HRFD9 Tabasco 31-5 xJAKI8 PSSS Can’t Touch This 10-1

Reserve Duroc Barrow

2nd Class 2

Morgan Anderson, CA

HJH9 Touch of Class 5-10 x ROBB8 Absolute 2-7

Champion Hampshire Barrow

1st Class 1

Lindsey Tasos, CA

DMF8 Model T 9-1 x ABRC8 Unreal 2-1

Reserve Hampshire Barrow

2nd Class 1

Lindsey Tasos, CA

DMF8 Model T 9-1 x ABRC8 Unreal 2-1

Champion Landrace Barrow

1st Class 1

JD Ferrero, CA

CRSH9 Olympus 8-8 x CR7 Dynamite 452-1

Reserve Landrace Barrow

2nd Class 1

Zachary Johnson, CA

JMG8 PSSS Zeus 40-8 x KTB8 TCG Insight 4-3

Champion Yorkshire Barrow

1st Class 2

Artie Serna, CA

CDO9 Battleship 85-6 x WGW8 Goliath 53-8

Reserve Yorkshire Barrow

1st Class 1

Makenzie Adams, ID

JGR9 Mighty Mack 58-5 x JGR6 Tank 9-5

Champion Crossbred Barrow

1st Class 2

Lucas Allen, CA

Reserve Crossbred Barrow

2nd Class 2

Alexis Hernandez, CA

NSR buoyant as China opens to live swine

These daughter nucleus sows are owned jointly by the Fujian Yong Cheng Waldo Pig Breeding Company and Waldo Farms of DeWitt, Neb., and housed in Fuqing City, Fujian province, in China. They were shipped before the export ban began in 2009; U.S. producers hope to continue to develop joint venture herds by importing live swine to China. Photo: GeneLink 2010

 

(WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.) – The National Swine Registry and purebred swine breeders breathed a collective sigh of relief this week, learning exports of live swine to China could resume pending H1N1 testing. China has been closed to U.S. swine since April 2009, following the discovery of H1N1 virus in humans in the U.S.

The opening followed a request from the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services to Chinese authorities, requesting acceptance of temporary testing for H1N1 in order to resume exports. Earlier this week, the Chinese Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine responded with a letter to the USDA, saying they had agreed to accept temporary health testing for H1N1 and, based on this protocol, trade for U.S.-origin live swine can resume.

“This is a tremendous announcement for our purebred swine breeders whose primary export market, before 2009, was China,” says NSR CEO Darrell Anderson, noting the impact of the lost access over the past 22 months has been devastating to NSR’s exporting members.

In 2008, purebred swine exporters, collectively marketing under NSR’s America’s Best Genetics program, had shipped a record 7,200 head of swine to China, valued at $12 million total. Tony Clayton, exporter and owner of Clayton Agri-Marketing, Inc., in Jefferson City, Mo., works closely with the NSR and facilitates many export shipments. “We were on pace to set new records in 2009, before the frenzy broke, and trends would have likely continued throughout 2010,” Clayton said.

Although China began accepting pork exports from the U.S. starting May 1, 2010, live animals were still banned. In December 2010 Clayton estimated the accumulative loss to breeders and the related export industry at more than $30 million.

According to Anderson, the live swine trade issue was largely compounded by unrelated poultry trade conflicts between the U.S. and China, creating stalled negotiations. “Unfortunately, for an industry such as purebred swine breeding stock, the big-picture political crossfire that exists between countries in general overshadowed the relevance and need for releasing the export ban,” says Anderson, noting the agreement for H1N1 testing was also a result of political necessity.

H1N1 testing for live swine is not science-based, however, other major swine exporting countries such as Canada and the Netherlands had agreed to and were conducting testing over the past year in order to access China – putting the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage.

“We were watching some of our most important partners in China being forced to fill their swine needs with animals from Canada or elsewhere,” said Anderson. “In order to level the playing field, we knew the U.S. would have to implement testing as well in order to remain viable.”

Many NSR members have swine breeding stock orders pending with clients in China, and Anderson says he hopes to see live animals shipping by early this summer.

“We have worked for years to develop strong relationships with our Chinese counterparts who have aggressively sought after and purchased U.S. swine genetics for years,” says Anderson. “To have this trade limited has been frustrating for both our Chinese clients and our own members; to have it open is a win for everyone.”

In 2008, the total monetary value of U.S. live swine exports to China of just over $12 million almost doubled that of the value of swine exports to all other countries combined, signaling the importance of this market and potential for continued growth. Since H1N1 slammed the door shut in early 2009, U.S. exports to China have been completely cut off. Graph: NSR

###

NSR staff, members in Thailand to promote purebred swine

NSR representatives attending VIV Asia 2011 include (l to r): Dr. Clint Schwab, NSR; Mike Lemmon, Whiteshire Hamroc; Dr. Justin Fix, NSR; Max Waldo, Waldo Farms; Harold Hodson, Swine Genetics International; and Tony Clayton, Clayton Agri-Marketing. Also with the group but not pictured is John Mabry of Iowa State University.

U.S. purebred swine genetics are in the international spotlight again – this time at the VIV Asia 2011 trade show in Bangkok, Thailand. NSR Department of Genetic & Technical Services staff Dr. Clint Schwab and Dr. Justin Fix, along with a host of NSR breeders, have been in attendance March 9-11 promoting America’s Best Genetics – the group of U.S. purebred swine breeders that focus on providing genetics for the commercial sector.

Represented on the trade show floor are the NSR; Waldo Farms, DeWitt, Neb.; Whiteshire Hamroc, Albion, Ind.; Shaffer Superior Genetics, Albany, Ind.; Cedar Ridge Farms, Red Bud, Ill.; Compart’s Boar Store, Nicollet, Minn.; Truline Genetics, Richards, Mo.; Swine Genetics International, Cambridge, Iowa; and Clayton Agri-Marketing, Jefferson City, Mo.

This is the tenth time the international VIV Asia agricultural show – a biannual event for the animal protein business from feed to meat – has been held in Bangkok. This year 708 companies from 48 countries are exhibiting, and attendance is expected to match or top 2009 numbers of 21,000 guests.

“This show attracts visitors from all over southeast Asia – this year interest has been strong from Thailand, Malayasia, Vietnam, Philippines, and China as well as South Korea, Japan, and Sri Lanka,” says Fix, NSR genetic programs specialist.

“During our time here we will be meeting with a variety of swine companies from multiple countries with an interest in American purebred genetics, as well as will have meetings with several government groups to ensure the interests of American purebred breeders are being heard,” Fix added.

After the VIV show, Tony Clayton and Justin Fix will travel on to the Philippines to represent the same members of America’s Best Genetics at the 20th Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits in Manila, Philippines. 

Sullivan Supply youth scholarships deadline March 15

Sullivan Supply is offering 20 scholarships of $1,000 each to youth displaying a great passion for the livestock show industry and/or livestock production. Applications are due March 15, and students can apply online at www.sullivansupply.com, where they can also download and mail a paper application.

Candidate must be a graduating high school senior or college student 21 years of age or younger; resident of the U.S. or Canada, and not a previous Sullivan scholarship winner. An agriculture major or a career goal in livestock is not a requirement but a continued future involvement in the livestock industry is.

Application guidelines include the following:

1. List or describe your school, community, 4-H and/or FFA involvement. (There is no limit on this essay.)
2. Describe your involvement and experience in showing and/or raising livestock, along with your future goals and career plans in an essay (no more than two typed pages).
3. One letter of recommendation must accompany each application. (One only, please.)
4. Return completed application and a recent photo by March 15 by email or U.S. mail. Do not send application in more than once.

The scholarship is funded solely through Sullivan Supply and Sullivan Supply South. The scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee of five industry leaders that will be kept confidential to promote objectivity. Members of the Sullivan family or Sullivan Supply employees or immediate family members will not serve on this committee nor will they be eligible to receive the scholarships. All scholarship recipients will be announced on http://www.sullivansupply.com/ on May 1.