The NJSA would like to recognize Blake Davis, 18, of Paragould, Arkansas as a youth spotlight.  The son of Alan and Karen Davis, Blake has one sister, Katie 17, and two brothers Jason 24, and Brandon 23. Blake is a freshman at Connors State College in Warner, Okla. Here he is majoring in Agricultural Systems Management and Technology and participates in Aggie Club, livestock judging, and the Math and Science Club.  Outside of school, Blake’s hobbies include showing pigs, hunting, and playing as well as watching basketball.

Blake started showing pigs 13 years ago at the age of five.   He started off showing different species and decided he liked the pigs best.  There is a lot about showing pigs that Blake enjoys but when asked what he enjoyed most about showing pigs he replied, “The competition.” Through showing pigs he became familiar with NJSA and in 2002 he became a member and has enjoyed every minute of it.  Blake has exhibited at many shows including: World Pork Expo Junior National, National Junior Summer Spectacular, North American, National Western, and American Royal.  However out of all of these shows his favorite is the National Junior Summer Spectacular because of all the different activities it offers members.  Blake has also participated in the National Youth Leadership Conference the past two years and is excited to attend this year.

Blake’s favorite contest is showmanship.  “I like showmanship because it is about how good you are, it is not about the pig, it is about how hard you have worked and how much you know,” Blake said.  One of his most memorable accomplishments was when he was the reserve senior division showman at the National Western.  Blake would like to let younger members know that, “Being an NJSA member is a lot of fun and opens up a lot of opportunities in the industry, it is an organization that will really help you out in your life.”

In the future Blake plans to graduate from Connors State College and transfer to the University of Arkansas where he plans to major Agricultural Systems Management and Technology.  He would also like to further his leadership in the NJSA and is planning on running for the NJSA Junior Board this spring.

The NJSA would like to congratulate Blake on all his accomplishments and wish him the best of luck on all his future endeavors!