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NJSA President Wrex Phipps - Leaving the NJSA with Moral, Value and Integrity
by Maggie Malson
As the outgoing president of the National Junior Swine Association, Wrex Phipps has the chance to look back on his reign and reflect on the position he leaves.
The 20-year-old from Kearney, Neb., hopes to leave behind him an association of members with high morals and integrity, who are willing to stand up for what is right.
“I simply want the youth of this organization to realize that they are in a position of high priority and scrutiny,” Phipps says. “I want them to look back at myself and the group I have served with and fully understand the importance of a pedigree. I hope they concern themselves with working hard with their livestock projects and look back knowing they did an honest job filled with integrity, rather than doing anything to win or worrying about who won grand champion.”
Phipps believes he received many skills while serving on the NJSA board and appreciates the opportunity to serve an association he holds dear to his heart.
“Being a member of the National Junior Swine Association’s Junior Board of Directors has made me relate better to younger kids,” he says. “It has also made me more aware that the things I say and do are closely noticed. In addition, it challenged my own beliefs and ethics and has transformed me into more of a breeder than an exhibitor.”
One of Phipps’ favorite memories from the NJSA board was attending the first-ever Leadership Conference. He said it was the first time he was around a whole group of kids so excited about showing pigs. Interacting with the up-and-coming leaders of the NJSA and getting to know a lot of the kids and his board better were highlights for him.
Because he has met many purebred breeders he considers role models, Phipps says it is important he give back to younger members in the same way.
“My mentors and role models in the swine industry are the breeders who are passionate about what they do,” he says. “Every aspect of their life is filled with integrity and they are willing to share their knowledge with youth.”
One NJSA member who admires Phipps and feels he is a positive role model for youth is 13-year-old Brody Ward of New Castle, Okla. Ward met Phipps two years ago in Louisville.
“I think he’s very enthusiastic, polite and a good speaker,” Ward says. “As a leader, he lets everyone have their say and gets their input on decisions. He knows a lot about the industry and is really organized.”
Phipps’ mom, Robin, says she and her husband are proud of their son. She says his faith in God, strong work ethic and close family bond have helped him succeed in this position and as a person.
“He has a compassionate spirit and heart for others,” she says. “As a parent, you’re excited when you see your child reach out to help others, instead of always focusing on themselves and their own goals.”
For example, before leaving for the national show in Louisville last year, Phipps lost two show pigs. Although overwhelmed and having second thoughts about continuing the trip, Phipps soon realized even though he didn’t understand what was going on, there must be a reason it happened. After arriving at the show, Phipps was asked to help unload several trailers. Unfortunately some of those kids he helped opened their trailer doors to find one of their pigs dead.
“Wrex was able to minister to these kids,” Robin Phipps says. “He knew how to empathize with what they were going through. In this leadership position, he could unite with others to strengthen the association. He cares about other kids’ successes, as well as their disappointments.”
As the NSR Director of Junior Activities, Jennifer Shike, has worked closely with Phipps since he became part of the board.
“Wrex is a thoughtful leader who sincerely desires to be a good role model for our members,” she says. “He’s a talented person who achieves success daily on many different levels–academically, socially and personally. He never lets this success go to his head, though. He is very humble, and it has been a pleasure to work with him during the past two years. The NJSA will definitely miss his leadership in our organization.”
At present, Phipps attends Clarendon College and is working on his associate of science degree. He plans to transfer to a university and compete on their livestock judging team, while pursuing a degree in animal science and trying to get into vet school. He leaves his presidency with a few final thoughts.
“Whether they realize it or not, our youth members of the NJSA are the future of the purebred swine industry,” Phipps concludes. “What they do today will impact the future of this industry. They need to be aware they hold in their hands one of the most prestigious junior livestock associations in the nation. Because of this, they need to nurture it, love it and promote it in order to make it grow and thrive.”
