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August 2005 Issue
Speak out
by Jennifer Shike
Regardless of the number of shows I attend, there is always something special about going to my state fair. I’ve been showing at the Iowa State Fair since I was 3. I know it inside and out. And when I pull up next to the barn, I can’t wait to get out of the truck for one more year of the fair.
State fairs provide a unique opportunity for NJSA members, families and supporters of our program. With more than 7,300 members from 47 states, it’s safe to say that the NJSA has a strong influence across the country.
Imagine what could happen if this amazing network speaks out during the next few months at state fairs from California to Maryland to promote membership and participation in the NJSA. Each time I attend a non-NJSA show, I’m reminded of how many kids still haven’t heard about NJSA or don’t realize the benefits they can obtain from raising purebred hogs.
One of the reasons this organization formed was to stimulate interest in raising and showing pedigreed purebred hogs. We want to model to other shows across the country the benefits of showing pedigreed purebreds. Some state fairs show by breed, but there are still many states where they show by weight, not breed and weight.
When youth show their hogs by breed and weight/age, it provides a much greater educational experience. The pedigree provides many tools designed to help you understand as much as possible about your project and its expected performance. Many youth have become passionate about studying pedigrees and finding out who their pig was sired by, where it was bred and who bred it.
Showing pedigreed purebreds also increases the demand for all breeds; thus increasing the marketing opportunities for showpig producers across the country. When shows offer classes for pedigreed purebreds and crossbreds, there are more opportunities for youth to show hogs and breeders to sell pigs. It’s good for the purebred industry and helps programs like NJSA and Team Purebred thrive. And when youth organizations thrive, so do the swine businesses and companies who provide services for these youth.
August 2005 completes my fifth year at NSR and five years for NJSA. We’ve covered a lot of ground since 2000 and have made many improvements in our program and our industry. But now is not the time to be complacent — it’s time to speak out more than ever before.
We have a lot to be excited about with shows across the country, scholarships, leadership conferences, mentoring programs, and most importantly, an awesome network of friendships.
So, as you prepare for the state fair, consider how you can make an impact on our organization by sharing your enthusiasm and passion for NJSA and purebreds. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Take advantage of existing opportunities. Take a look at the kid penned beside you at the state fair. Are they showing purebreds? Are they members of NJSA? If they aren’t, start up some conversation! Ask if they have been to any shows this summer. Then, if you have been to an NJSA event this year, bring that up and start talking about what you enjoy about NJSA and showing purebreds.
If your "neighbors" are already members, start looking at the next row over. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people — they are probably as nervous as you are about making new friends. By stepping out and taking a chance, you may develop a new friendship or talk someone into joining NJSA and getting involved in our activities.
Make your own opportunity. Usually state fair announcers are happy to give you a minute on the microphone to share your "news" about NJSA and to explain what NJSA is and what programs are available for youth. The NJSA brochure is a great tool to provide general information, especially how to become a member. Announce upcoming show dates, entry deadlines and premium information if time permits (found in “The Pinnacle” newsletter and NJSA calendar).
If the announcer can’t let you personally make an announcement, write down a few talking points for the announcer to share with the crowd. This is a great way to spread the word, even if you can’t speak on the microphone yourself.
State fairs are a great place to hand out flyers, hang up signs and distribute brochures for NJSA. I would be happy to send you show flyers and brochures if you are interested in handing them out at your fair. Just contact me at (765) 463-3594 to request these materials.
Whether you are a member, parent or supporter, I encourage you to speak out for NJSA. The best way to grow our program and our shows is one person at a time. Five years ago, I never dreamed we would be where we are today — can you imagine what it can be like in five more years?
