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February/March 2005 Issue
Walk the talk
by Jennifer Shike
Effective leaders know how to walk the talk. There is nothing more powerful than a leader who follows through, and nothing more disappointing than a leader with great ideas that never get accomplished.
Many NJSA members have told me that they hope to be elected to the NJSA Board of Directors someday. That is a great goal – and now is the time to start accomplishing it by learning to be a leader who can turn your words into action.
I encourage you to attend the NJSA National Youth Leadership Conference, “Seize the Moment,” on April 29-May 1 in Champaign, Ill. Its purpose is to equip future leaders with the skills needed to lead a growing organization of young swine enthusiasts.
NJSA members ages 14-21 will have the opportunity to network and develop friendships with fellow conference participants and speakers during roundtable discussions and icebreakers.
Our keynote speaker, Andrew McCrea, will motivate youth to seize the moment and recognize their abilities as a leader. He will also share fun, inspirational stories drawn from his experiences as a four-time Oscar-winning radio broadcaster and as a farmer and rancher from northwest Missouri.
He has presented workshops and keynote addresses for a variety of audiences including the National FFA Convention, American Quarter Horse Association, American Junior Angus Association and Farmland Industries.
NJSA Directors will present a variety of workshops to help youth find success at school and in their personal lives. One highlight of the week will be the unveiling of the new NJSA mentoring program.
As the organization grows, it becomes harder for the junior board to connect with every member at the shows. This is where young leaders can get started – becoming a mentor to younger NJSA members and helping them realize the great opportunities available in NJSA. Sara Houret will train youth to become mentors on Saturday and Sunday. A limited number of mentor spots will be available in 2005 – don’t miss it!
On Saturday afternoon, we will tour two boar studs – Hi Point Genetics Inc., and Prairie State Semen Inc. These tours are always popular attractions at our conferences. Youth will see some of the best boars in the country while learning about careers and what it takes to run a boar stud. We will also go to the University of Illinois Meats Lab where Dr. Tom Carr will show youth the process of harvesting a pig, compare and discuss carcasses of varying quality and explain the variety of career opportunities available in the field of meat science.
In addition, youth will learn about the National Animal ID program and how it will affect their swine project.
On Saturday morning, NJSA Board Alumni Jesse Heimer, Daniel Hendrickson and Molly McCormick will share how their leadership experiences in the NJSA have helped them achieve success. They will also provide tips for youth who are interested in serving on the board someday.
On Sunday, Curt Zehr of Zehr Farms, Jim Altemus of Meadowbrook Farms Co-op, and Dr. Tom Carr will present, “Pork Quality – Answering the Consumer’s Demand.” In this thought-provoking panel discussion, youth will learn about the consumer’s demand for a higher-quality pork product through the perspective of a breeder, packer and meat scientist.
As well, swine judges Grant Grebner, Brian Hines and Andy Rash will come together to discuss, “A Judge’s Perspective on the Swine Industry.” Find out how these judges got their start and what it takes to be a judge. Learn what they look for in the showring and what they think all youth should know about swine shows.
Don’t miss hearing industry leaders who do more than talk the talk. These inspirational people set high goals and never stopped working until they reached them. Whether you aim to become president of the NJSA Board or treasurer of your local
4-H club, there is something for you.
The cost for the conference is $100 – this covers everything from food and room to a conference t-shirt. The only additional cost will be your travel expenses. If you’d like a special hooded sweatshirt in addition to your t-shirt, the cost is only $130.
Sign up today. NJSA needs leaders who can walk the talk and take the next step in leading the way for future generations.
