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Forty Years Later
by Darrell Anderson
One of the real perks of this job is that I get to rub shoulders with some of the greatest visionaries we have in the livestock business. At the very top of that list is Dr. Harlan Ritchie from Michigan State University
Space does not allow me to elaborate on all his accomplishments, but he is truly one of the greatest leaders in all of animal agriculture.
I vividly remember attending the Saddle and Sirloin Club Banquet when he was inducted into that elite Hall of Fame. The impact he has had on the cattle industry is truly remarkable, and some forget about his involvement in our industry as well.
During a phone conversation with Harlan this week, he mentioned that while cleaning some files, he had discovered an article he had written for the Chester White Journal in 1963.
I asked if he would be willing to send it to me, because in the back of my mind, I was anxious to see how applicable it was today. As I suspected, his wisdom and perspective on “What Makes a Successful Livestock Breeder Tick?” is just as sound today as it was 40 years ago.
Let me share some of his comments with you – keep in mind, these thoughts were written 40 years ago!
Whenever I see a successful purebred breeder who is doing a good job, my reaction is similar to that of a youngster who gets hold of the family clock for the first time; I like to take his operation apart and see what makes it tick.
Although there are as many ways of successfully raising hogs as there are hog raisers, the purebred producers who are truly making a contribution to the swine industry seem to have several traits in common. Many of these characteristics have been typical of outstanding breeders in any era, while others apply more particular ly to the present.
In my humble opinion, the following traits and practices have characterized the top stratum of pre-modern, as well as modern, breeders:
1. He is a keen observer and possesses sound judgment. He has a goal or ideal indelibly stamped in his mind and never ceases striving to attain it. He does not suffer from ‘stable blindness,’ that is, he can see the faults in his own animals as well as those of his competitors.
2. His management is above reproach. He believes that successful management consists of doing the things today that should be done today.
He knows that trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. He realizes the importance of balanced palatable rations, sanitation, neat housekeeping, clean dry bedding, fresh water and regular habits.
He practices sound disease control and works out a herd health program with his veterinarian. He understands both the physiological and psychological make-up of the pig.
3. He is open-minded and farsighted enough to change with the times and yet possesses enough prudence to observe and survey a new innovation for awhile before investing time, labor and capital in a ‘white elephant.’
He is gifted with unusual know-how in the art of husbandry, but at the same time, is receptive to the practical application of scientific research.
4. He is zealous in promoting his breed as well as his herd. He is prompt in registering and transferring breeding stock to new owners.
He is sympathetic with the problems of 4-H or FFA breeders and tries to lend them a helping hand. A little experienced advice and encouragement will often prove more beneficial in the long run to a youngster than a monetary discount on a breeding gilt.
He takes immeasurable pride in his own herd, but is not critical of other successful breeders.
He is loyal to his breed in both good and bad times. When his life’s work is completed, his desire is to leave the breed in better shape than when he started.
5. He has an indomitable will to win both in and out of the show ring. He knows that winning requires attention to detail every day, not just on show day.
His success is not the product of secret formulas and unscrupulous practices, as some less-successful people believe, but is the result of hard work and sacrifice.
Getting the job done right and coming out on top is of paramount importance to him; yet he is considerate of others and doesn’t complain bitterly when he loses.
There will be no room in this competitive industry for ‘propagators’ – only ‘breeders’ will survive.
There is no more satisfying or worthwhile occupation that the production of purebred livestock. It is the finest example of democracy, because no other business puts a higher premium on human achievement, nor greater reward on superior skill.
In the words of the late Dean Herbert Mumford of Illinois, in his poem ‘The Stockman,’ ‘May your kind multiply and replenish the earth.’
Thanks Dr. Ritchie – your wise counsel has truly spanned four decades!
