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Part of Something Bigger!
by Darrell Anderson
One of our own junior members was recently written up in a feature story in the Kansas City Star, and one of his quotes hit me like a brick. Chris Perry from Bethel, Missouri was featured during the American Royal. They asked both him and his dad Jim several questions about the changes in the purebred swine industry today and what they thought the future held. They emphasized the diversification that the Perry family has employed, and how that has helped sustain three generations of Perry involvement in the purebred livestock business. Regarding the future, Chris said that although it didn’t look too promising, he’d like to keep the farm in the family. Then he made the following statement: “The Perry name means something – people recognize what my dad and grandpa have done. It’s exciting to feel like I’m a part of something bigger. It’s pressure, but good pressure, because it keeps me on my toes to live up to their reputation.”
WOW – it’s exciting to feel like I’m a part of something bigger! My first impression was here is a young man that truly understands what it means to be part of the purebred fraternity, as well as part of a family tradition that has earned the respect of many. Why is this concept so hard for many today to understand and appreciate? I thought about this quote again when I was reviewing our Long-Range Strategic Plan this week. It’s been four years since this plan was adopted, and I decided it was time to review it to see if we were still on track. While there have been many changes in the past four years, the foresight and vision exhibited by our committees that worked on the LRSP have equipped this document to be a valuable tool yet today.
Since it is the beginning of a new year, let me review some of its’ key elements again. The NSR mission statement is as follows: “To provide leadership and implement programs, services, and technologies to enhance the value, influence and image of purebred Durocs, Yorkshires, Hampshires and Landrace in all segments of the swine industry.” Perhaps the most important word in that statement is the three-letter word “all.”
That is also reinforced in our statement of NSR core values: “We acknowledge that our NSR 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.” There’s that word again – all. Chris Perry was right – if we “all” realize that we are a part of something bigger and try to live up to that reputation, the future will be much brighter for all of us.
I just returned home from the National Market Hog Symposium held at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It was a great event that attempted to bring together “all” players in the swine industry and address the issues facing judges and our hog shows today. It was very reassuring to me to see most in attendance understand the ramifications each segment of our industry has on the industry as a whole. No one said it would be easy, but I truly believe there will be tremendous opportunities for all segments of our membership if we can support, encourage, and coordinate our efforts with one another.
Remember this – the door to opportunity is marked “push.” It’s not marked pull, so if we push toward our common goals, instead of pulling against each other, the rewards will be great. You are a “part of something bigger” and there have been too many breeders who have dedicated their lives to this industry to let it fade away now. If I can quote Chris one more time, “It’s pressure, but good pressure, because it keeps us on our toes to live up to their reputation.”
