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Thanks for the Memories
by Elaine Hughes
When Dan Baker walked through my office a few months ago and said, “Elaine, I just want to let you know that my last day here will be April 1st,” my first reaction was “Oh yeah, sure Baker.” After all, I along with many other people who have known Baker throughout the years, have fallen victim to his uncanny sense of humor, better known throughout the office as “Bakerisms.”
But, as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and so it is at the National Swine Registry with the departure of Dan Baker.
Dan has served as the Advertising Coordinator for the SEEDSTOCK EDGE for the past five years, but his association with the purebred industry stretches far beyond the past few years he has spent in the office.
Fresh out of high school and the Reppert School of Auctioneering, Dan Baker was employed by the Producers Livestock Market in his hometown of Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1964, at the age of 21, Baker accepted a field representative position with the National Spotted Swine Record, in Bainbridge, IN, the beginning of a long career in the purebred seedstock industry. The American Yorkshire Club, Lafayette, IN, hired Dan as assistant executive secretary and managing editor of the Yorkshire Journal in 1967. In his editorial introducing Dan to the Yorkshire community, Executive Secretary Wilbur Plager wrote, “The Yorkshire business is not a one man show. It has not been for sometime but to hire the kind of man that I want and you want to represent Yorkshires are not plentiful. When you do find them, they are not easy to hire. When Dan Baker consented to go with Yorkshires, a big gap was filled. He is a fine young man interested in better hogs and you can be proud that he is working for you. He will give it his best, I can assure you.”
Baker left the American Yorkshire Club in 1975 to fulfill his dream of being a full-time auctioneer. During this period of his life, Dan estimates that he has worked over 4,500 pigs sales, auctioneering 3,500 and working the ring in over 1,000. Dan has sold pigs in twenty-five states.
With the number of purebred production sales dwindling, Dan joined the staff of the National Swine Registry in September 1995, serving as the Advertising Coordinator for the SEEDSTOCK EDGE. Dan’s “people skills” have proven invaluable to the magazine department, and his keen and “goofy” sense of humor definitely brightened up office meetings. Thirty-six years after Mr. Plager announced his employment, Dan is still giving the purebred industry his best, whether it be auctioneering a sale, or answering an advertiser’s questions. We have worked side-by-side for the past seven years and I will always cherish the friendship we have shared.
To convey what Dan Baker has meant to the people of the swine industry seems an impossible task. So instead, I contacted many people who have had the good fortune to know Dan and asked them to share a memory or some thoughts about Dan. I hope you enjoy the next few pages of “Memories with Dan.”
Eric Dee
Years ago, many people read the Yorkshire Journal to see what Wilbur Plager had to say in his editorial ‘Hog Sense and Common Sense.’ Little did Wilbur know that when he hired Dan Baker, the column Dan would write for the Yorkshire Journal would be named by an incident at Dan’s first Type Conference. Wilbur introduced Dan as the new assistant secretary of the American Yorkshire Club at the 1967 Annual Banquet. As Dan came up onto the stage he tripped and fell up the stairs. This, along with his fall in the sale ring at the same conference was the inspiration for the title of his monthly column, ‘Stumbling Along With Dan.” Of course, I was accused of tripping him!
Another incident that I shared with Dan would be a trip to Chicago where we took in the play, “Hair.” Here was two farms boys with crewcuts sitting in the theatre with a room full of long-haired “hippies.” It was a different experience for both of us! Later, after Dan married his wife Sandy, he learned that she had been on her first honeymoon in Chicago and was evidently in the same audience that night. It’s sure a small world!
On the way to the National Barrow Show one year, Dan stopped in to visit me and my wife Jane. As he left, he picked up his clothes and happened to pick up one of my wife’s dresses. Imagine the looks on the faces of all the VIP’s at the National Barrow Show when Baker came walking in carrying one of my wife’s dresses.
I learned over the years not to get in the auction ring with Baker. Dan could get maximum dollars for a pig but would tear me apart in the process, telling all kinds of tales. Of course none of it was true! Good luck to you Dan. We wish you well!
Chuck Olsen
We decided to have on-farm production sales in 1981 and there was never a doubt about whom we should have as our auctioneer. Dan was, and always will be “The Yorkshire Auctioneer.” It was so important for us to have Dan auction our sales, that we scheduled our sales around his calendar.
We ended up having 18 production sales from the period of 1981 to 1992 in which Dan auctioneered each of them. In that period of time we were very for fortunate to have some of the top sales nationwide and there is no doubt in my mind that Dan had a great deal to do with it. I believe Dan could make the buying public feel positive about their investment for the future.
Dan has the unique ability to transmit an upbeat attitude and relax the tension even in some difficult situations. He could always make the buyers laugh with his dry sense of humor. He never once embarrassed my wife, mother or grandmother with inappropriate remarks or jokes.
Dan is quick on his feet, not literally, but with his mind. Near the end of one of our sales, there weren’t many people left on the seats. We had a few gilts in the ring to sell and no one seemed to want to bid. Dan had an idea – let’s start the bidding high and go low – the first one that bid got them. So he started at $150, then went $149, $148, $147 and about that time somebody’s hand went up and they were sold. There are many more examples of his ability to “handle” the situation at hand, but take my word, he did it as well as anyone could.
There are many characteristics of Dan that we should try to emulate. Thank you, Dan Baker.
Charlotte (Plager) Withers, Lafayette, IN
My dad (Wilbur Plager) always said that hiring Dan was one of the best things he ever did. Dan knows the hog business and has always spent many long hours serving the breed associations. He helped lighten my dad’s load. Like mom and dad, he cared for the people he served, not just their hog business. His sense of humor helped in many miles they traveled together. The folks enjoyed the time spent with Dan and loved him like their own son. He was loving, caring, loyal and supportive to them up to the time they died.
Dan has always been like a brother to me, as well as a good friend. He is always ready to help, listen or talk when needed. He lives by the “Golden Rule.” Best to you Dan and Sandy in Dan’s retirement. Well done good and faithful servant. God Bless.
Bob Naylor
Where does leadership begin? It begins with a desire to make a positive difference for the good of the people, and the dedication to keep on when others have lost their vision. Dan Baker is and always has been a man with a desire, dedication and a commitment to the vision of the people in the purebred seedstock industry.
Dan’s past years have been spent in a selfless pursuit to uphold the good of the people that he has had the honor to represent, work for, or work with. Whether his duties were that of a field representative, auctioneer, or in-house staff association employee, he has always put the best positive interest of the breed or breeds, and its producers, first and foremost. Thanks Dan.
Sam Howell
Dan is a true gentlemen, in every sense of the word. Honesty and integrity, along with the highest degree of morals – that’s Dan Baker. In an industry that has somehow let ethics slip a bit, Dan Baker stands like a rock. One never has to question as to which side of right Dan Baker stands – he has and always will be on the right side of what’s right.
Over the years, Dan’s contributions to this industry are far too numerous to list, but without question, his ability to make people laugh and feel good about themselves would be at the top of the list.
Everyone that knows Dan has at one time been a victim of “Baker Humor.” Over the past ten years of working sales with Dan, I’ve been his victim many times. Its all been in fun and has left me with lots of cherished memories.
Dan’s professional approach to the auction business has made him one of the top livestock auctioneers in the business. Dan creates an atmosphere so that people feel comfortable doing business with him.
I will forever be grateful to this man for the advise he has given me over the years, but more importantly, for a very special friendship. Thank you Dan. I wish the best of everything for you and Sandy. May God bless you.
Rhonda Eller
When I first met Dan, I can’t say I much cared for him. I thought he was pretty strange, with a weird sense of humor. Years later, I still think he’s strange with a weird sense of humor, but I really like him!! What I enjoy most about being around him is watching a “newcomer” react to his tall tales. I still find myself questioning the reality of what he’s saying, but he says everything with such a straight face and demeanor, that one really has to scratch his head, walk off and ask “really”?? His experiences with marriage and families make mine sound pretty boring!! I wish him well and will miss his ornery smile, his “rashes” and “delicies” (don’t ask) around here.
Jon Althaus
What really makes life enjoyable are the people you meet. Without a doubt Dan will always have a very special place in my heart. The life of a fieldman can be very lonely at times. Auction season was something I always looked forward to because it usually meant that I would be sharing some car rides, meals and motel rooms with Dan. These times always ended with me having a smile on my face, a brighter outlook on life and the knowledge that I had a valued and trusted friend. Friendship to me is something that is very important, because I’ve always believed that you make friends by choice and not by accident. I chose to make Dan Baker my friend because I admired his integrity, passion for life and his unique ability to connect with people. It didn’t hurt that he was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan. When long-time baseball announcer Harry Caray passed away a few years ago, another valued and trusted friend called me and stated that “It’s a sad time but also a happy time, because we were a part of the best!” When I found out that Dan was leaving it was definitely a sad time because the industry was losing a consummate professional. On the other hand, it was an opportunity to reflect on all that Dan has accomplished in his years of dedicated service to purebred breeders and the cherished memories of a good friend. That itself made it a very happy time indeed. Thank you Dan.
Randy Bowman
When I was called to write a few things about Dan Baker I have a feeling my reaction was similar to about everyone else who is participating in sending Baker on to senior citizenship – I had to grin. Not because I was going to roast him for all of the misdemeanors that he has committed over the years, but because Dan Baker has truly been the bridge of time for many of us when you look at the purebred Yorkshire business and the purebred business in general.
I can never thank Dan enough for his help during the centennial year of the Yorkshire breed. He was my most valuable source of information and was always a willing participant when I asked him for various things throughout the year. It was easy to get immersed in the stories of the early Yorkshire years and the characters that took the Yorkshire breed to its pinnacle. Dan holds the brush in his hand and can paint the picture of the early years of the magazine, the “international upgrading” of Yorkshire genetics, the evolution of this business and this country, and most of all, the people that shaped a way of life for many of us.
Baker was always a valuable source of information and experiences, not just in the centennial year. Every trip with Dan was entertaining. It always amazed me how short the trip to Georgia was when Dan Baker was in the other seat. You can never run out of things to talk about when you’re with Baker, but make sure you are listening or you will most possibly be the next story he tells to someone on the next trip.
Dan is a saint when it comes to temperament. As a matter of fact, I can never remember him getting upset with anyone for very long. Baker is always welcomed with a smile and open arms and is the ultimate professional when it comes to dealing with people.
As Dan walks out that door, I hope he will stop for a moment and realize the impact he has had on the “family” we call purebred breeders. He is a friend and a mentor, a true gem when it comes to making people smile – even if it is at themselves. Thank you for reliving the memories, but most of all Dan, thanks for making memories for all of us who worked with you.
Pig & Donna Paul
Dan first appeared on the purebred scene as a field man for the spotted Poland China association, later called Spots. Dan’s first appearance on the Yorkshire scene was as a field man during the Plager regime and his first articles in the journal was titled “Stumbling along with Dan,” a title he earned because at his first meeting, when being introduced, and going up on the stage he stumbled and fell down, and he continued to stumble through his professional career, but with a lot more grace and finesse.
Dan should and could write a book about his travels, both foreign, domestic, and about his experiences as a field man, auctioneer and staff member. The only problem would be that it would always be up for debate as to whether it should be listed as fiction or fact.
Dan had the ability to spot a storm brewing at any event, and defused before it caused any major damage. He done this by using his years of experience in the industry, and with a story or two and with a sense of humor that was Baker’s own unique style.
This isn’t being written as an obituary, because Dan will continue to bless his fellow man with this unique style of his, that isn’t right or wrong, but his very own. Thanks for always being a producers friend and wishing you and your family the very best in your future endeavors.
Greg Clifton
I started with the AYC in June 1980, and Baker was like a mentor to me. He told me first that in our conversations about college that he had attended Univ. of Alaska and had majored in drama (ha, ha). It was drama alright!! He found out that I was pretty gullible. After he got shot in St. Louis, checking into a motel, I had to ride with him for about two weeks and I had to check out every motel room while he sat in the car. (I really think it was a bunch of old fieldmen who hired the guy to shoot Baker). We were making a herd visit one time walking through a muddy lot. Dan was all starched up with his khaki’s and blue oxford shirt. His boot stuck in the mud while his foot continued in motion and he stepped with a sock into the hog manure. He said a few choice words and of course I laughed until I cried. Dan loved to do the color commentary for a few of us golfers, Dean Eddie, Gene Fitzgerald, Wade Houser and myself. He would heckle each of us, and get Fitzgerald so frustrated he couldn’t hardly swing. Dan really made a big impact on us fieldmen, as a friend, a mentor, and a great auctioneer. Since I’m in the auction business, I’ve always told people that Dan taught me as much about selling a tough sale and making the crowd feel at ease than anybody I ever worked with. I still use some of the same quotes today in the auction block. Good luck Dan and I hope your future involves lots of sales and good stories.
Dean Eddie
The 1967 Winter Conference in Athens, Georgia, I was probably one of the first Yorkshire breeders Dan met. It was his first National Event. He had worked at a black and white color Association before Wilbur hired him.
The night after the show during a social party, I told Dan to take the champion boar to five for me. I don’t know if he slept that night at all because the next morning before the sale he asked me “Dean was that $500 or $5,000?.”
At the 1969 Winter Conference in Ark City, Kansas, he was standing on a chair in the middle of the ring taking bids when he asked me (I had a gilt in the ring) to upset him or knock the chair over to liven up the crowd. I didn’t do it because I was awful at acting or talking my way out of dumb things that I do.
There was the German ordeal in the late 60’s. God only knows how many times we hashed that over.
Another thing I will never forget was the night after one of the Michael’s sales in Ohio. Karl Lieske and I had driven to a location up on the northwest side of Chicago and flew to Michael’s. Grandpa picked us up at Dayton airport. (I told young Don that we were never so happy to get to the farm that day.) On the way back to Lafayette that night after the sale, Dan, Col. Shaw, Wilbur, Karl and I were traveling together. (Karl and I didn’t have much sleep the night before and I wanted to sleep.) Gizz got to telling stories all about the bygone days with Wilbur. I laughed so much I got stomach cramps. We had to go to a sale northwest of Chicago the next night.
I need to mention the days in the 70’s when you were driving the Japanese around eating homemade ice cream. We thank you for all the years you traveled to Storm Lake promoting our sales. Thanks for all the good times we have had over the last 35 years and may our friendship continue.
The Don Michael Family
This is a Michael story about Dan Baker. As many of you know, the Michael’s are always moving the location of their sale on the farm. This one particular year we decided to hold it in the machinery barn. We had several hens and a rooster running around that were wild, so the night before the sale we got them all caught except the rooster because they roosted in the machinery barn. About the time of the sale the rooster decided to roost in the rafters of the sale barn. Dan started the sale, the rooster started to crow and as Dan would do, he turned around and looked at the rooster and had a few choice words for the rooster and also the Michaels’. As Dan turned around again to start the sale the rooster flew down out of the rafters, hit Dan’s hat, knocked it off and flew out the door. Dan dropped to the floor of the auction block and yelled, “What happened?!” He thought he had been shot! Needless to say the crowd was in a good mood the rest of the sale.
The Michaels’ have always felt very close to Dan Baker. One of the very first production sales that Dan auctioned was ours. He has auctioned every one of our production sales since. Dan was trained by one of the very best - Wilbur Plager. Dan has practiced what Wilbur taught him. Dan knows good hogs, but in his soft, quiet way, sometimes you wonder! Pin him down and you soon see that his eye is very sharp for the good ones.
We hate to see Dan retire because with him goes so much history and workings of the Yorkshire breed - a person devoted for so many years.
The Michaels’ wish Dan the very best in retirement, but we will miss you at the office. Good luck Dan!
Bill & Jan Williams
No words can express what Dan Baker has meant to us! Through all the good times and the bad ones, Dan has offered us his friendship and camaraderie and we will always be extremely grateful for having the opportunity to be associated with him. Best of luck to you!
Tom Farrer, Farrer Stock Farms
Dan Baker, the one and only! A compliment in which is very deserving. A friend, fieldman, and auctioneer – he has done all three for Farrer Stock Farms. He has truly been instrumental in our success as a seedstock operation.
First and foremost, Dan is a friend to our family. He seemed to have a genuine interest in us from his early beginnings in the 1960’s as our Spot fieldman. My dad, Bill Farrer, enjoyed his visits and information greatly. Dan is one person who always seemed to put me in a good mood. When things are trying or deadlines past, I’d return a call and he’d be able to put things in perspective. Our family has enjoyed our relationships for forty years.
Secondly as a fieldman, he is liked by nearly all because of his empathy to our various situations. He is extremely helpful in our advertising needs. Never a hard sell – just here if we needed him or his employer’s services.
Third, his auctioneer abilities are truly appreciated by both the buyer and seller – a hard fence to straddle! He is informed, able, and dependable – a rare combination.
Dan’s experience will be missed and certainly his sympathetic ear to our many breeders will be missed, but we all must say our life was better through our interaction with Dan Baker.
Mark Pickel
My first memory of Dan Baker was from Bill Powell, the late Hampshire fieldman. He was telling me that Wilbur Plager (late Secretary of the Yorkshires) had asked him to be on the lookout for a first rate person to work for the Yorkshire organization and that he felt that person would be Dan Baker who was working for the Spotted breed. Bill then talked to Wilbur and Dan was hired. First thing Wilbur had Dan do was to go to Lafayette and pick up his new car!
Dan brought many talents to the Yorkshire organization including editor of the Yorkshire journal, fieldman for the breed, and writer of stories about state fair sales, barrow shows and type conferences. Hog people have always recognized Dan as a leader in the purebred business. I consider it an honor to have worked with Dan and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Park and Reno Thomas and Mark Stehr
We learned to know Dan Baker when Wilbur Plager chose him to serve as a national field service representative for the American Yorkshire Club. It would take pages to write what we know about Dan Baker. A few of the highlights are given here.
In 1970, Park, Dan and Wilbur and Bessie Plager spent several weeks in Europe visiting hog farms in search of good Yorkshire genetics to compliment our U.S. swine genetic strains. On this trip, Park is the only one who could speak the Dutch language and each time someone spoke and Park answered, Baker would ask, “What did they say?” This got to be a common thing on this trip. Park says that each time they had a farm visit, it was customary to have a farm toast before talking pigs. Baker always had a problem to get Bessie and Park to join in a toast of Schnapps. This trip was a very beneficial excursion on behalf of better U.S. Yorkshires.
Dan was full of surprises. We named him the Yorkshire pig clown after he stumbled to the podium when it was his turn to take over at his first National Yorkshire meeting.
Back in the 1960’s, Keith Good and Mark Pickel were the two popular national swine auctioneers. They sold most of the purebred swine sales in all states and at swine conferences. We feel sure that Dan watched all the moves of Keith and Mark, and just like that, Wilbur Plager told Dan it was his turn to get into the auctioneering business. That is when we gave Dan the job of selling our farm swine sales in Pennsylvania. We had a total of 100 swine sales and Dan sold most of those for us. He was well respected by us and our customers. Dan’s lifetime activities as fieldman and auctioneer speak well for his accomplishments in promoting better quality hogs for our swine industry. He is well deserving of this slogan – “Dan the Man.”
Ralph Doak
Over a period of time, a person’s career has many different chapters. Dan Baker is closing out a chapter in his career and getting ready to open a new one.
I have been a really lucky person, who has had the opportunity to be around Dan in his NSR chapter and also around in his auctioneering chapter. I had the chance to sit and listen to a Dan Baker – Max Childs conversation. That is something everyone should get to listen to, especially when they talk about some of their old experiences.
I was fortunate to hear several Bakerisms first hand as only Dan can tell them. And who could ever forget about Dan and Sam at Wendy’s, ordering ice tea. You will have to ask Dan about that one.
It was also that great feeling you had when Dan called you or you called Dan. He always knew what you were talking about, even when you were not sure yourself.
Dan, the last chapter of your career was a good one, but I’ll bet the next chapter will be even better. Lots of luck.
Dave Walter
Few people today realize how far the Yorkshire breed has come in terms of it’s predominance on the swine industry. History shows that Yorkshires were not so highly regarded in the 40’s and 50’s and certainly not very easy to sell. Over the past fifty years names such as Plager, Conatser, and Anderson have capably guided the American Yorkshire Club. Many great breeders worked to enhance the reputation and value of this breed. A friend of purebreds and Yorkshires whose commitment has spanned the eras of many of these leaders is Dan Baker.
I will always regard Dan as one of the quiet leaders in the enhancement of the Yorkshire breed. He served as Wilbur Plager’s first fieldman at a time when Yorkshires enjoyed tremendous growth both in numbers and in reputation. Later he developed into one of the great swine auctioneers of our time. Today he very capably represents the four great breeds of the National Swine Registry. He has served in all these roles with a seriousness of purpose and with an extra dose of humility and self-deprecating humor.
Just about every former purebred field representative has in some way been indoctrinated to their job by Dan Baker. In my personal situation as a Yorkshire fieldman in the late seventies, Dan served as a teacher, advisor, mentor, role model and most importantly as a friend. His direction was always low key; at times I didn’t even recognize it as advice. Years later I still remember much of the wisdom he tried to instill upon many green and naive fieldmen.
Just as memorable are all the “Bakerism’s” (Ernie Barnes’ term) I have fallen prey to over the years. I am certainly not alone in that regard. One of my favorites occurred in a Dairy Queen somewhere in western Iowa. I watched as Dan nonchalantly informed Don Frailey that the Pope’s wife was not holding up very well in light of the Pope’s untimely death. Frailey was nodding his head in agreement until it came to him that he was the victim of a “Bakerism.”
As Dan retires from his position at the NSR, I wish to thank him for the years of service to the purebred industry and for being a great friend. Best wishes to both you and Sandy!
Eddie Robinson
My first remembrance of Dan was when I was a small boy and he was walking up the walk with Wilbur Plager on a farm visit. That was the first of many times Dan visited our farm. Looking back, Wilbur Plager must have been a good judge of character. I wonder if he knew the impact Dan Baker was going to have on the Yorkshire breed and later on the NSR. Just think of all the young fieldmen Dan has influenced over the years.
As I was thinking of what to write, one movie came to mind, “Lonesome Dove.” It made me think of what Captain Call wrote on Deits’s head stone. “How many engagements and how many renegades he had killed. He never shirked a task and never complained.” Though Dan has never killed a Renegade, he has been shot at in his travels. Nevertheless, I have never heard him complain or shirk a task. I would hate to guess how many sale engagements Dan has been involved in, first as a ringman, and then as an auctioneer.
Through the years I have gained great respect for a dear friend. A friend with a passionate love of Yorkshire hogs and people of this industry like few others have. His memories and history of the Yorkshire breed is truly amazing. Dan, it is a pleasure having you as a friend.
Steve Cobb
It seems almost impossible to me that it has been nearly 33 years since I received my first subscription to the Yorkshire Journal and saw the name Dan Baker. Certainly Dan had no idea that there was a skinny 13 year old kid in Arkansas that read every word (probably at least twice) of that and every other “Stumbling Along with Dan” article he ever wrote. I remember the very first time I met Dan at the Columbia, MO type conference in 1971, and I remember being in the hotel restaurant at another show just a year or so later when Dan came in and asked if he could sit and eat with my brother and myself. We were just a couple of nobodies from nowhere, but Dan took the time to be interested. I remember how proud my family and I were to have Dan sell our first production sale in September 1978. Over the years I have appreciated so many things about Dan: his dedication, his enthusiasm, his kindness, his honesty, and his talents. Something I learned one cold, rainy Saturday in December 1984 after a bomb of a hog sale at my farm, and something that I will never forget, is that of all of the things that I admire and appreciate about him, the most is Dan Baker is a very, very good man. Thanks Dan for all you have done, most of all your friendship.
Howard Parrish & Family
It does not seem possible that in 1961, graduating from high school and starting along the trails of the purebred swine sales, shows, etc., that we are now retiring Dan Baker from the NSR. He and I started at the same time. The saddest part of all of this is that we did not cross paths often enough because I have realized the last 10 years of this journey, I missed out on a great friend. Dan has been one great example of a professional business person – dedicated, lots of fun to be around and a true leader. I hate to see him go, it is too early Dan, but I understand. His values in our business for the pedigree and how important it is has never changed. His emphasis on breed purity and the importance of it in all areas has never changed. No short cuts for Dan Baker. His true feeling for the breeders and their families and their needs and services from the association has always been noticeable and very important to him. Dan, you would have been a great breed secretary!
Dan grew up and was trained with the great soldiers of the business and therefore became successful. Dan came on the scene here at Parrish Farms after the retirement of Ken Torr as our auctioneer and he is one special person to all of our family. Dan has been a big help after coming on board as a staff member at NSR. His assistance and direction on our ads in the Seedstock Edge magazine has been tremendous.
As an auctioneer, Dan has my highest respect. He always conducted himself as a true professional. We need more Dan Baker’s in our business and in our country. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have to say at this time for a job well done. The Parrish’s wish Dan, his wife and family the very best.
Ernie Barnes
These are special moments I remember with Dan Baker.
Baker riding with Snooze (Dave Walter) and telling him he had never voted for a president that had not won. Baker starts rattling off winning presidential candidates in reverse order and got to Roosevelt’s first term before Dave realized he had been Bakerized and Dan couldn’t have voted for even Nixon.
I was riding through Georgia one summer afternoon with Baker and for once he was sleeping (he hardly ever slept - probably due to my driving). We topped a hill and at the bottom of the hill we could see some large black women running away from their car on the side of the road. As we got closer we could see there was an enormous snake and one of the ladies had tried to kill it but couldn’t. I drove my car on top of the snake and was rolling down the window and Baker was screaming to keep the window up or the snake would flop in the window. We killed the snake and Baker would not get out of the car to see how big the snake was.
You’ve probably heard this one but Beeler and I both got caught speeding in different cars and neither of us had enough money together to pay the fine for one ticket so they hauled us to jail. Warren convinced the jailor that if he let one of us go meet Baker at the airport he would have enough money to pay both fines. Well, Baker had pulled enough pranks on me and others he wasn’t about to be a part of this one so he didn’t believe us till he saw Beeler standing in the jail with the jailor and the jailor said he needed to pay our fines. I still believe he thought someone was going to jump out and take a picture of him paying our fines. Thank goodness he didn’t ask for a receipt or he’d probably still be carrying it.
Pickel purchased a new suitcase and Baker was getting tired of hearing about how good this suitcase was so when Pickel wasn’t looking Baker tried his suitcase keys on Pickel’s new suitcase and they worked so Baker locked Pickel’s suitcase. Of course, later when Pickel was having a fit trying to unlock his suitcase, Baker had a hearty, internal laugh as he offered his keys to unlock the case.
Lisa Kennedy
My most memorable moment with Baker was at the Indianapolis Airport on our way to the 2001 Fall Classic. After checking in our luggage the five of us traveling together (Dan, Darrell, Robin, Lisa and Jennifer) were making our way down the concourse when we ran into former Yorkshire employee Jane Anderson. As we were chatting about where we were going, how business was going, etc., I was standing next to Dan not saying much as I had never officially met Jane. As she addressed Dan she made the mistake of asking him if I was Mrs. Baker. Needless to say we all had good laugh. As usual with Baker the news traveled fast and more than once I was referred to as Mrs. Baker for the remainder of the trip. We even started calling each other sweetheart, honey, dear or whatever came to mind. Ironically, I drew Dan’s name for our office Christmas exchange and was able to continue the charade by giving a Christmas card to my “husband.”
I will greatly miss Dan and his witty comments. He has shown me not to take things so seriously. I hope he can truly enjoy his semi-retirement.
Jack Ficken
Congratulations on your retirement from the National Swine Registry, although still not going into full retirement, it doesn’t seem possible that one of these days you won’t be a fixture in the Purebred Swine Industry, whether it be at the Swine Registry or auctioneering.
Each Purebred Association and many breeders owe you a great amount of gratitude for your work and promotion of Purebreds. Each breed association should have put you on a retainer for training all of the many fieldmen that have come and gone over the years. We each received a degree in professionalism and people management from you. Course topics included everything from how to dress, herd visits, travel tips, ring work, work ethics, and much more.
Many thoughts come to mind from our time working together, such as the many highway miles traveled together, meals eaten together, all night trips from Kinston to Tifton, Park and Reno’s cabin, the good sales from selling 100 boars, to the not so good sales, selling only one boar, Fred Schomberg’s dog, and the many pranks and one liners that you pulled on each of us. Enjoy your retirement.
Rick Pfortmiller
I have had the distinct pleasure to work with Dan on several levels. First, as a young fieldman working for the Hampshire Swine Registry, Dan imparted his wit and wisdom while we traveled during production sale season. Those miles are some of my fondest memories of working with Dan. He will never let me forget the one-way bridge I took him across - with oncoming traffic! Second, as a Hampshire breeder, I had the distinct honor of Dan selling our breeding stock and truly believe he gave 110% when our animals stepped into the auction ring. And now, as a co-worker, I have witnessed on a daily basis his continued commitment to the swine industry. He has an incredible ability to relate with people. All of us that know him personally and professionally continue to be the benefactors of his attitude and approach to life’s endeavors. I wish he and Sandy the best as he takes on other challenges.
Tami Crawley
M&D Printing prints the Seedstock Edge. Years ago, I was the lucky person to become the CSR for that account. I will never forget Dan because he almost caused me to have my very first cardiac arrest. It wasn’t unusual for Dan to tease or kid me from time to time, and we would always have a good laugh. However, one experience stands out among all the others. I remember it quite clearly as if it was this morning.....I had just arrived at work (on time, as usual). The receptionist said Dan was on the phone and wanted to talk to me right away. Dan proceeded to inform me that Elaine was on her way to M&D Printing to see me, that she was very upset and extremely mad about the quality of the most recent Seedstock Edge. I thought it had looked great, so I asked him why she was so upset about the issue. He said that she had planned to enter it in some competition and that those particular pages looked terrible in the samples they had received. With my heart beginning to beat rapidly, I asked him if he was kidding me. And in a very serious tone, Dan said (I can still hear him saying it), “I wouldn’t kid about something like this.” He told me Elaine tore out of the office, yelling that she was going to Henry. Then he said, “She’s probably almost there right now.” He said he just wanted to warn me.
Well, I got off the phone in shock, went running from co-worker to co-worker telling them what Dan had just told me. Then the receptionist said I had another call - Elaine. Elaine told me she was just crossing the bridge outside of Henry, Illinois, and would be at M&D in a few minutes. My old ticker was pounding in my chest at that moment. Suddenly, Elaine began laughing. She asked me what was going on; she had just arrived at work and Dan told her to call me immediately. As she waited for me to get to the phone, he told her what to say. With legs quivering, barely able to stand up any longer, I dropped down in my chair. What could I say? I began laughing with Elaine. Dan was delighted with how perfectly his joke had been carried out. That wouldn’t be the last time he fooled me, but it was the only time he provided me with a near death experience.
Gee, I’m going to miss those moments. Have a great time when you retire, Dan. You’ve been a good friend to me and to M&D Printing. We will miss you.
Mike Paul
As you reflect about your life and the people that stand out to you, Dan Baker is one of those that stands the tallest. I can’t exactly remember when I first met Dan, I am sure it was at a type conference or someone’s production sale. The things I remember are when Dan (as the AYC fieldman) described traits or a pedigree that a Yorkshire boar or gilt had to improve the Yorkshire breed, people listened or later when Dan became the Yorkshire auctioneer, when he said this was serious business and we need to spend a little extra time on this boar or gilt, he realized that the people evolved in this transaction were going to affect their and their families future livelihood. This was never for fame or fortune but for the good of the Yorkshire breed or the breeders involved.
When I came to work at the NSR in 1996, I had the privilege to work daily with Dan and we have traveled many miles together and spent several nights as roommates. We talk about the good old days and the breeders involved and how the industry has changed. I know one of Dan’s frustrations is the good people we have lost over the years, due to the pseudo problems in the 70’s and 80’s and recently the economics of the swine industry. Once again, his concern for the people involved was more important than losing a production sale. At our church recently we have been talking service to our fellow man, Dan fits the bill here. I think of all the phone calls he has taken or made (when he really did not have time) or his personal visits (Bessie Plager) over the years to friends when things were tough. His concern was their well-being. I could go on with many other examples but I think you see the real point I am making and I am proud to call Dan, friend. I wish you the best!
Garry Childs
I do not remember the first time I was introduced to Dan Baker. My family started breeding Yorkshires when I was 3 years old. The first time my Daddy was introduced to Dan was January 1965 at the Winter Type Conference in Athens, GA. Dan was working as a fieldman for Wilbur Plager and the Yorkshire Club. I grew up knowing Dan; he was the same as family. It was always a special time when Dan would come to visit. He would look at the hogs, tell about the plans for Yorkshires, the future of the swine industry, talk and talk hogs and share a meal with us. We knew Dan as a fieldman, later as an auctioneer and he endeared himself to us just like family.
My earliest memories of Dan include a new Pontiac Bonneville, shiny boots and camera. He worked a number of our early hog sales as a representative of the AYC. Some kids wanted to grow up to be like Joe Namath, Mickey Mantle or Pete Maravich. I wanted to be like Dan Baker. I thought he had about the best job a person could possibly have. He was on a first name basis with all the great Yorkshire breeders of the era. He got to visit their farms, live in a motel and attend all of the biggest shows and sales. In later years, after I got to be “like” Dan and a Yorkshire fieldman, it was not uncommon for breeders to talk about Dan and Wilbur and the influence these two men had on the programs, their lives and the breed. To this day, many of the industries most respected leaders seek the guidance and council of Dan Baker. Dan and Wilbur, with the help of a band of talented breeders turned the Yorkshire breed from a laughing stock to the backbone of the modern swine industry. Dan, your influence during the 60’s and 70’s as a fieldman and ambassador for the Yorkshires is a matter of public record and well documented.
As a young boy, my favorite reading material was “Stumbling Along With Dan.” I doubt that Dan realized that a little boy in South Georgia was “stumbling” right along with him month after month, memorizing hogs and breeders’ names and locations.
During those early days, Dan served as editor of the Yorkshire Journal. Those issues are real collectors items. I treasure my copies to this day. This experience working on the Yorkshire Journal would serve Dan well later in life.
Dan was able to leave the Association after several years and become a purebred hog auctioneer. He would impact the breed and other breeds in a constructive fashion as an auctioneer, a role he fills to this day. It was during this time that I got to travel with Dan on a regular basis starting in 1984. During the next 15 years, Dan became a major mentor to me, as well as a great friend. The only reason I was able to survive those years as a fieldman was because Dan and Mark Pickel took a personal interest in me. Dan and Mark sold all the Yorkshire and Hampshire conferences at that time. I was very impressed at the respect these two competitive men showed for each other. The only negative thing I ever heard Mark say about Dan was, “That Baker – the only way he would get stopped for a traffic violation is if he got pulled over for going too slow!” Even though Dan never really talked about it, I am sure he wasn’t very impressed with Pickel’s ability to read a road map.
Dan has been in charge of selling almost every Yorkshire conference the last 30 years. During that time he has presided over many record-breaking moments. As a ring man, I never had to worry about Dan being anything but strictly professional as an auctioneer. Dan never forgets who he is working for or selling to. I am very proud Dan is not currently retiring from auctioneering. Dan, if you ever need a ring man, all you have to do is call!
The past few years, Dan has been doing double duty – auctioneering and working on the Seedstock Edge. Dan has again played a valuable role being the voice, eyes and ears of the purebred industry.
Perhaps the strongest part of Dan’s resume is that of being a “people person.” Dan has a special ability to communicate and deal with people. My grandmother Dollar loved for Dan to visit. She loved to cook and he loves to eat so when Dan came to visit she would cook everything in the freezer. For a boy reared up north, he sure could eat southern cooking. Many dishes like collard greens, turnips and okra, aren’t high on my list, but Dan enjoyed the last morsel in the dish. When Dan was visiting, I could count on the table being full of soul food. He also likes my mama’s cooking and a late afternoon walk down Childs’ Lane with our dog Buddy, to settle his supper.
Before Dan and Sandy got married, Dan lived on Wellington Court in a condominium in West Lafayette. Dan’s next door neighbors, Joe and Jenny DeSalvo shared a true affection for Dan. Dan and I were going to supper one night and I was on Dan’s front lawn when Joe came outside to talk to me. Joe was quick to tell me how he and his wife enjoyed living next door to Dan. Dan has quite a way with people.
Once on a trip to South Georgia, I noticed Dan with his camera on our front yard. Dan never said what he was doing, but on the next trip down, he gave the family a handpainted picture of our house and front yard, with our dog Buddy in the foreground. In the bottom right hand corner, the painting was signed by Jenny DeSalvo. That painting hangs in a special place of honor, over the fireplace in Mama’s kitchen.
Dan and I share the same birthday, and we also share much more. We have been to funeral together, sharing our friends grief and sorrow, seen kids grow up and become productive citizens, traveled more miles than either of us would care to admit, shared much laughter and pulled a few pranks and jokes on each other. No Dan, I have not enrolled in auctioneer school yet, and I prefer looking at hog video instead of being a concert pianist.
I can’t put into words my admiration and respect for Dan. He was the best fieldman I have ever known. He was and still is the only man that can sell a Yorkshire hog the way it needs to be sold. He has served the Yorkshire breed and Yorks, Hamps, Durocs and Landrace as magazine editor, doing timeless work. His people skills are legendary.
Dan, I am proud you are not retiring from the hog business entirely. I hope you have more time to spend with your family and spoil those grandchildren. Your family in South Georgia will be looking for you and Sandy to stop in for a visit any day now.
Thanks for sharing your life with us Dan. You have made a profound impression on many people and we hope to share many more good times with you!
