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September Showpig 2007 Issue
At the core
by Darrell Anderson
You’ve heard it before, but one of the most significant actions in the 13-year history of the National Swine Registry (NSR) was developing the long-range strategic plan. While the three associations had co-existed and made progress since 1994, when Landrace joined in 1998, it was time to chart the partnership’s future.
Ironically, the focus groups appointed to develop the plan conducted their activities in 1998-1999, during the worst hog prices of the industry’s history. Yet, those dedicated members took their blinders off, looked toward the future and drafted an effective course of action.
The facilitator for that in-depth process has conducted similar strategic plans for many multinational corporations, and he fondly refers to our group as his favorite. When asked why, he simply states that the breeders were so open-minded and optimistic about the future, in spite of the devastating market prices at the time.
In addition to our mission statement, a directive that surfaced in that process was our statement of core values. It reads:
“We acknowledge that our members have varied and diverse business structures, goals and scope, but we respect these differences and commit ourselves to the future and success of all NSR members.”
One of that statement’s key words contains only three letters – all. It was the desire then, and still is today, that all members are given an opportunity to succeed through the NSR’s efforts. We can’t guarantee that everyone will succeed, but by recognizing our differences and constantly striving for improvement, we’re putting these core values into practice.
Another key word in that statement is “future.” We’re finishing state-fair season in the Corn Belt, and as usual, there were many successes and some disappointments. Although not all of the hogs shown reflected the ideal market hog that the commercial sector desires, they were closer than a few years ago. The bottom line is that we showcased our hogs and, more importantly, our kids to the country.
The young people holding the whips are the most important aspect of these livestock events. We need to help them succeed and learn life’s disciplines through their hog projects. And, we need to educate them about animal agriculture and the endless career opportunities the industry offers. By committing ourselves to educating these youth, we’re taking stake in the future of our industry.
Trent Loos, a friend and former purebred swine breeder, travels the country as an animal-agriculture advocate. He writes a column in Feedstuffs, and I liked his comments in one of the last issues. He wrote:
“It is with great regularity that I write about the number of young people who grow up on a farm or ranch and seek greener pastures on the other side of the fence. Yes, I do recognize that only 76,000 individuals are responsible for 80 percent of the food produced in the United States, but that is an aging population. We truly need a paradigm shift to consider that getting our hands dirty can be a cool thing again. Far too often, young people hide the fact that they are involved in agriculture because it is not perceived as the trendy thing to do today. Nothing will change that stigma quicker than the pride and sense of accomplishment of a youngster with a prize-winning animal.”
We saw many examples that Trent would be proud of at our National Junior Summer Spectacular, held in Louisville, Ky., during July. More than 550 junior exhibitors from 30 states participated in the many contests. They demonstrated that getting your hands dirty is still a pretty “cool thing to do,” and that there is great pride in competing at this event.
Two of the best examples of young people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty are this year’s NSR summer interns. Jennifer Martin of Sidney, Texas, and Nathan Fent of Wyandotte, Okla., possess that special passion to succeed in animal agriculture. During their exit interviews, each referred to the honor that they felt working for the NSR and helping purebred swine breeders. They understand the core values associated with this business; they embrace them wholeheartedly; and they will find a place to make a difference.
Keeping the NSR’s core values at the forefront helps us focus on what’s important – providing opportunities for all members to succeed and committing to the future. Establishing core values for your operation can help you do the same. Maybe it’s time to generate your strategic plan. What you find may surprise you.
