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October 2006 Issue
We all need heroes
by Darrell Anderson
I’m approaching my 200th editorial from this desk. Sometimes they come easy, and other times (like this month) they’re quite a struggle. My wife gives ideas, and she encouraged me two weeks ago to write about the heroes in my life. I couldn’t see my going down that path. Then, I went to the National Barrow Show® in Austin, Minn.
Former Yorkshire field representative Garry Childs judged the Yorkshire show. Prior to naming the grand champion boar, he shared from his heart about his dreams as a youngster in the Yorkshire breed. He didn’t want to be Michael Jordan or Mickey Mantle. His heroes were Bill Funderburg, Jack Rodibaugh, Claude Robinson and other Yorkshire breeders who were impacting the industry.
That evening, Dean Eddie organized a “Yorkshire Old-Timers Reunion.” About 40 folks enjoyed an evening of reminiscing about highlights in Yorkshire history. Yes, there were several top-selling and influential boars mentioned, but it became clear early in the evening that the theme of this night was the people involved in the development of the Yorkshire breed. I realized my wife was right – I needed to write about my heroes. So, here are seven of many who have impacted my life.
James Anderson – Jim was my big brother by seven years, and he was an incredible role model for me. We had used registered boars and rams on our small farm, but Jim was the first in our family to invest in pedigreed breeding stock, purchasing 10 registered Hampshire ewes when I was 14 years old. Six days later, I lost my big brother in an automobile accident – and I suddenly found myself involved in the pedigreed livestock business.
Dr. Gene Rouse – Many of you know Gene as the Extension Beef Specialist at Iowa State University or as a former partner in Harold Hodson’s Duroc herd; but to me, Gene will always be my first livestock judging team coach. Gene served as the summer intern in our county extension office. He introduced me to livestock judging and ignited a passion in my heart. If it hadn’t been for Gene, I never would have attended college or pursued a career in the pedigreed livestock business.
Dr. Dan Gee – Dan was the judging team coach at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and encouraged me as a member of his very first team. We didn’t win a lot of hardware that year, but Dan fueled my fire and provided a platform for me to judge livestock in more than 30 states. The networking at SDSU opened doors for me later in my career.
Dr. Hilton M. Briggs – Hilton was president of SDSU while I was a graduate student there. He was an incredible student and teacher of the pedigreed-livestock industry. He authored a college textbook entitled “Modern Breeds of Livestock” that was used by most universities, and he knew more about our industry than anyone I had ever met before.
Dr. Roger Hunsley – I had admired Roger for many years as coach of the Purdue livestock judging teams. Then, he was hired to be the executive for the American Shorthorn Association, just before I began with the American Yorkshire Club. He truly was my mentor in breed-executive matters, and I often visited with him and sought guidance from him.
Dr. Maynard Hogberg – Maynard was head of the animal science department at Michigan State University (MSU) for many years and now serves in the same role at Iowa State University. I was fortunate to have Maynard serve as chairman of the NSR Executive Committee during some of the more-challenging years. He initiated the efforts that eventually became our long-range strategic plan – in my opinion, the most-significant accomplishment in NSR’s 12-year history. To this day, I still call Maynard when I need advice on various association matters.
Dr. Harlan Ritchie – Harlan is perhaps my biggest hero when it comes to admiration for someone’s impact on the pedigreed-livestock business. Certainly he made a difference in many students’ lives at MSU, but his wise counsel and ability to look to the future has served well for many cattle breed associations. I have been privileged to travel with Harlan as he consults with various beef associations, and I marvel at his influence in shaping the future of animal agriculture.
I apologize for the personal nature of this column, but I wanted to encourage you to take time to thank the heroes in your life. Two of mine have already been taken from me – don’t wait until it’s too late to let your heroes know what they mean to you.
