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June 2006 Youth Issue
Who will train them?
by Darrell Anderson
I recently attended a national animal research long-range planning session for the USDA. While we discussed many interesting subjects, I left with a much different conclusion than I had anticipated. What would you think were the big issues that surfaced as major research priorities for the next five years?
The expected “hot button” swine topics arose, such as energy costs,
pork quality, genomic research and premise identification.
Each specie group broke out into individual sessions, and it was interesting that most groups landed on some of the same priorities. Much discussion centered on reproductive efficiency, animal well-being and new techniques for incorporating DNA-marker technology into traditional genetic-evaluation systems.
However, one more common theme surfaced in each group, and it resounded louder as each group reported. All sectors of animal agriculture are concerned about one huge issue facing our industry. Where will the talented, highly motivated young people surface to lead our industry into the next generation?
A young lady from one of our leading land-grant colleges grabbed the microphone and said, “At our institution, 75 percent of all animal science students have small animal as their primary interest, and are mostly enrolled as pre-vet students.”
Wow, I was shocked. This institution would be recognized as one of the very best colleges for animal science students.
After pondering it, I called Dr. Maynard Hogberg, head of the animal science department at Iowa State University, to ask about his department’s statistics. He indicated the following breakdown of their current freshman class:
• 42 percent come from a farm background
• 44 percent have food animals as their primary interest
• 12 percent are primarily interested in horses
• 26 percent have companion animals as their major focus
While those numbers are a little more encouraging, I would guess that Iowa State would be at the upper end of the percentage of students focusing on animal agriculture. The bottom line is this – who will train our youth to keep animal agriculture as a viable enterprise in future years? Who will light that spark of passion that grows into an ultimate career choice?
Well, I know several organizations that aren’t going to fill that void. I see very little effort by any of the genetic breeding companies to educate, encourage or provide training for our younger generation. My guess is that they are too focused on the bottom line. And to be honest, it takes a great financial investment to make a difference in the development of our youth.
On the contrary, I see one organization that continues to set membership and participation records throughout this country. It continues to provide educational and competitive opportunities that stimulate interest in our industry.
Although it has only been in existence for six years, it has probably impacted more youths’ lives and affected their career paths more than any other swine-specific entity in this country. That is, of course, our very own NJSA. There is a reason it is the fastest-growing junior association in all of animal agriculture.
Under the leadership of Jennifer Shike, and with the wisdom and counsel of the NSR Youth Advisory Board, this organization has accomplished more than anyone could have imagined in 2000 when they were just getting organized.
A breed board member approached me at our annual meeting, following the presentations from each of the NSR department heads. Each reported increases in revenue streams in their department, and the entire mood of the event was positive.
He said to me, “Do you know why all of these NSR members are smiling today? It’s because of the success of NJSA – it has spilled over and positively affected all segments of our business at NSR.”
I’ve thought a lot about that comment. You know what? He was right.
I’m very much aware that most of what has been accomplished is a direct result of the incredible support we have enjoyed from our NSR members, allied industry partners and other sponsors of the NJSA.
It’s been a great ride so far, and I don’t see any reason it won’t continue.
With your help, I can answer that question: “Who is going to train them?”
