The NJSA is pleased to recognize Matthew Morrison of Conewango Valley, New York as a youth spotlight. The son of David and Margie Morrison, Matthew also has an older brother, Martin Morrison.  Matthew is 19 years old and a freshman at Black Hawk Community College where he is an active member of the livestock judging team.  Aside from judging, he is also involved with Horticulture and PAS at Black Hawk.

Matthew started showing pigs at the age of 12 at his county fair in Chautauqua County New York and remained active for the next seven years. Although he has been involved with swine for several years, Matthew didn’t start out showing pigs. He showed market steers for several years and was looking for a way to get more involved in his county 4-H program. Matthew said, “after meeting several hog project members and 4-H leaders I was persuaded to show hogs, and I've loved it ever since.”  Some of his favorite things about showing pigs are having the opportunity to travel, being able to constantly learn something new, and most of all, he loves the people.

An NJSA member since 2007, Matthew became involved with the organization by having the opportunity to show gilts at the Eastern Regional. He enjoyed the event and continued to participate in other NJSA events. Of the shows Matthew has attended the Summer Spectacular is his favorite because it combines people from across the U.S. with some of the most competitive hogs in the nation.

One of Matthew’s most memorable moments at an NJSA event was being able to meet Brian Arnold for the first time. Matthew said he remembered talking to Brian ring side and realizing that, “through the NJSA and hard work I would be able to reach my goals.”

Something that Matthew would like to tell younger members is, “to get active early and stay active in the NJSA. It’s a great program and the more you do the more you can learn.”
After finishing two years at Black Hawk, Matthew plans to attend Ohio State University where he would like to study Ag Economics or Swine Nutrition.  Beyond college, he would like to teach Agriculture at a high school or community college or work in swine nutrition or genetics.

Matthew would also like to say, “thanks to my parents, Marvin Johnson, Issac Habermehl, Dan Hoge and everyone else who has seen something in me, and given me a chance.”
The NJSA would like to congratulate Matthew Morrison on being a wonderful role model and an outstanding NJSA member, and we wish him best of luck in the future.