The NJSA would like to recognize Austin Kindschi, 17, of Orlando, Oklahoma as a youth spotlight.  The son of Kenneth and Brenda Kindschi, Austin attends Mulhall-Orlando High School where he participates in livestock judging, FFA, golf, discus, and shot put.  Outside of school, Austin enjoys 4-H, showing pigs, managing Real Time Genetics, and hanging out with his friends.

Austin started showing pigs when he was 9 years old.  When asked why he shows pigs, Austin answered, “At the beginning it was because it seemed like a good 4-H project, but then I quickly realized that it was so much more.  Setting goals, meeting people, trying to improve yourself along with the breeds of your choice along the way is what has captured my attention and keeps me doing what I love.”  Meeting new friends is Austin’s favorite part of showing pigs.  “Being able to build those relationships with kids three states away is pretty unreal,” Austin said.  “Showing pigs gives kids the opportunities to grow communication and leadership skills and that is what I enjoy most about showing pigs.”

Some of Austin’s accomplishments include 2010 Oklahoma FFA Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Winner, National FFA Finalist in Swine Production Entrepreneurship, State 4-H Vice President, Logan County 4-H President, Reserve Champion Bred and Owed Hampshire Gilt at the 2009 Southwest Regional, Oklahoma 4-H National Congress Delegate, and Oklahoma 4-H Key Club.

Austin’s most memorable moment in the NJSA was driving his Hampshire gilt that he raised in his first NJSA show and winning Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Hampshire Gilt.  When asked what he would tell a younger member about NJSA, Austin responded, “Although I haven’t been to many NJSA shows, I’ve been surrounded by the hog industry since I was 9 years-old, and I would tell them that no matter the situation, always have fun.  But, also know when it’s time to be serious, and through the great activities of the NJSA you are able to learn and grow as individuals in that area.”

Currently, Austin is managing Real Time Genetics, working on marketing methods, and would like to expand his customer base to northern states.  “My primary focus at Real Time Genetics is to provide a high quality showpig at a reasonable cost, and produce the type of hog that I feel is durable, thick, wide based and sound, along with providing the one of a kind customer support!” 

Austin’s future plans are to expand Real Time Genetics’ sow base by incorporating new purebred Hampshire and Chester White sow lines.  By the time he graduates from college, he hopes to own and manage approximately 15-20 Hampshire, Chester White, and/or exotic boars with which he will form Real Time Sires.  He hopes to attend Oklahoma State University to become an ag teacher.  After teaching, Austin would like to run for the state legislature and further a future in politics.

The NJSA would like to congratulate Austin on all of his achievements and wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors!

Submitted by Cally Hass, 2010 NJSA Intern