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Jake Grass - Focused on the Job at Hand
by Katrina Waters
Mike Miron describes his fraternity brother, Jake Grass, as professional in everything he does.
Jerry Hawton , livestock judging coach at the University of Minnesota, describes Grass as extremely focused and intense.
No wonder this finance major from Owatonna, Minn., has been such a strong leader on the National Junior Swine Association Board of Directors.
Grass, 21, has been involved in the swine industry since he was 3 years old and started showing his grandfather’s Spots. He purchased his first bred gilt, a Duroc , when he was 10. He has been raising, showing and selling Hampshires ,Durocs and crossbreds ever since.
With Grass’ strong passion for the swine industry and a sharp mind for business, he knew he wanted to run for the board and help the association grow. Before he was even elected, he knew what his first goal as a board member would be — to help the NJSA obtain corporate sponsors. He was able to work toward this goal as co-chairman of the finance committee.
Grass says his fondest memories from the NJSA board are successfully obtaining corporate sponsorships and attending the National Junior Summer Spectacular.
“The NJSS is always a great time full of fellow swine enthusiasts,” Grass says.
Miron , a 21-year-old agricultural education major, says Grass’ devotion to the swine industry and the NJSA are evident, whether he is at a swine event or on campus.
“He has a strong passion for agriculture in general, especially the purebred swine industry,” Miron says. “He’s always promoting the industry or the NJSA.”
Miron , who met Grass when they were initiated in to Alpha Gamma Rho , says Grass has high standards and sets high goals.
“Jake is a leader in many areas,” Miron says. “He is enthusiastic and strives to make things around him better.”
In addition to serving on the NJSA board, Grass has held the position of president of his fraternity. He has also been a leader on his judging teams and was named High Individual at the 2002 National Western Stock Show livestock judging contest in Denver.
Jerry Hawton , who has known Grass for 18 years, says he is extremely bright.
“He could read ear notches when he was 3 years old,” Hawton says.
He says Grass exhibits a strong passion for livestock and has spent his entire life connected to the industry in one way or another.
“It’s a challenge to him to produce the best pigs he can,” Hawton says. “Jake wants to continue to be involved in the swine industry by breeding and selling pigs.”
Hawton says Grass is dedicated to the NJSA — after all, he spends a lot of time doing one thing or another for the association. He adds that Grass has enjoyed and benefited from meeting so many people involved in raising purebred swine.
Grass says being a NJSA board member has allowed him to sharpen his leadership and communication skills. He plans to begin his working career as district manager for ALDI, Inc., a grocery store chain, upon earning his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Minnesota.
Hawton says Grass has been successful in part due to the tremendous backing and support his family has given him. In addition, he says Grass is driven and hard working.
“Instead of playing golf, Jake is working on the golf course,” he says.
Grass encourages other NJSA members to consider running for the board of directors or getting involved in a committee.
He adds, “It’s important to find some aspect of the NJSA that interests you and get involved in it.”
