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February/March 2006 Issue
A little Southern hospitality
by Jennifer Shike
Fatback, red eye gravy, grits andcollard greens. I never realized how much I was missing in the Midwest until I visited Georgia for a few days in January. One of the most-interesting things I learned on my trip was how to make red eye gravy. For those who may lack in southern cooking knowledge like myself, let me explain.
According to my hosts, the Byers family of Hoschton, the key to making tasty red eye gravy is to start with a cast-iron skillet and country ham drippings. Then, add a little sugar and let it caramelize. Finally, add in two cups of coffee to make this Georgia favorite. I had no idea such a thing existed, and while I didn’t have time to try it, I think it’s something I should try once. Maybe.
In addition to great cooking advice and Southern history stories, I also witnessed some of the most-excited kids in the country showing their pigs at a winter jackpot show in Perry. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet new NJSA members and their families during my travels. This show was definitely full of youth and passionate supporters of the swine industry.
My husband and I were amazed by the TV cameras and 450 kids plus their families as we walked into the show barn. I was impressed by the quality of the facility and the support of the fans in the stands. And this was all for showmanship. The next day was no different during their prospect-market hog show.
Our goal in the NJSA is to reach out to all corners of the United States with NJSA events. Throughout the past five years, we’ve added shows in Pennsylvania, California, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky, Texas and Missouri.
However, I knew that we also needed a show in Georgia in the Southeast.
In 2007, this dream will become a reality. The NJSA will host its first-ever Southeast Regional in Perry, Ga., on Jan. 26-28.
Not only are we excited to encourage more youth to show registered purebreds in this area, but we are also looking forward to the opportunities a new show provides to our purebred breeders. Southeast Regional exhibitors will be looking for pigs born June 1 and after. Breeders: take note of this chance to sell purebred pigs!
The NJSA will also be incorporating crossbred barrow shows at the Southeast, Western and Southwest Regional shows in 2007. The only requirement is that youth must show (not just enter) one purebred barrow in order to show one or two crossbred barrows.
To qualify for sweepstakes recognition, exhibitors must show a gilt. NJSA was formed around the purebred gilt show concept, and we want our youth to gain valuable benefits from raising and showing purebred breeding stock. The barrow shows are an extra opportunity for members to compete, while providing more incentives for youth to purchase barrows.
I appreciate your ideas, suggestions and comments about NJSA shows. We want to make sure we are accomplishing our purpose as a junior livestock association at all times.
When it comes to NJSA shows, our first priority is our youth members. We’ve been able to achieve success because we put kids first, pigs second.
Our second priority is to stimulate growth and interest in purebred breeding stock and market hogs. The World Pork Expo Junior National is a perfect example – this show has introduced another age of marketable pigs for our breeders. We want to initiate even more opportunities for purebred breeders, and we believe our shows are doing that. From January to November, NJSA shows are being held from California to Pennsylvania.
As breeders, parents and supporters of NJSA members, don’t forget it’s about the kid first and pig second. If you keep your priorities in line, this can be your most successful show season yet.
Enjoy the great days that lie ahead to evaluate, ponder and choose the perfect pig for the upcoming show season.
And remember to try some red eye gravy if you happen to be looking for pigs down in Georgia!
