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“The Pinnacle” Archives
The newsletter of the National Junior Swine Association
Fall 2002 Highlights
ARTICLES
Don't Give Up On Your Dreams: Dale Hendrickson
by Marissa Baker
Make A New Friend
by Bryan Rodibaugh
Man Behind the Scenes: Mike Paul
by Brad Coffman
Selecting a Swine Project
by Clark Straka
Success...One Generation at a Time: Waldo Farms
by Wrex Phipps
Thoughts From The Word
by Ray Perryman
Don't Give Up On Your Dreams:
Dale Hendrickson
by Marissa Baker
Years ago Dale Hendrickson delivered a boar to the Ohio Boar Test Station for their boar sale, but a severe winter storm kept that boar, earnotched 4-1, from ever entering the sale ring. The test station manager called Hendrickson to retrieve the boar from the canceled sale site, telling him he thought the boar was too good to simply go to market.
It was snowing when Hendrickson’s "Pepperoni" arrived back at the farm during the holidays. For two days the boar sat, neglected, on the truck. The short-term lack of attention didn’t harm him because he went on to be named the Champion Hampshire Boar at the Winter Type Conference a few days later.
Hendrickson’s passion for purebred swine began at an early age. When Dale was 5 years old, his dad gave him a Poland China sow. This was just the beginning of his involvement in the swine industry. Those who know Dale also know that he didn’t stay in the Poland China business beyond the delivery of that sow’s first litter. Dale decided he and Polands didn’t get along, so he sold the sow back to his dad and bought a Hampshire sow. His love of the Hampshire breed was uncovered…and that love would last for many years to come. Over a span of 20 years, Hendrickson would sell more than 1,000 Hampshire boars.
He was actively involved with 4-H and FFA swine projects. He credits those organizations with developing his leadership skills and teaching him how to run a meeting. He hopes those involved in these organizations today can value the friendships formed, the people met, the lessons learned…not the economics of winning vs. losing.
During his experiences in 4-H and FFA, Hendrickson began dreaming about becoming a veterinarian. However, his guidance counselor said he wasn’t smart enough. Hendrickson decided to pursue a degree in ag economics at Purdue. When he realized he was achieving better grades than the pre-vet students, he decided to go after his dream.
That dream came true for Hendrickson when he proved to himself and others that he could accomplish his dream. Today Hendrickson is a veterinarian for 350,000 sows. He is licensed in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and North Carolina.
Dick Nash, one of Dale’s mentors in the purebred swine business,says Doc Hendrickson is hard working and never lets the hours of the clock regulate his work schedule. Hendrickson helps friends and enemies alike with his veterinary expertise.
"If you treated him fair, he would help you," Nash says. "He’s a man of his word - having trust and faith in people, and expecting the same from them."
Nash assisted Hendrickson in selecting replacement gilts when he started out in the purebred industry. Today, they are partners in a boar stud operation.
Hendrickson advises youth entering the swine industry to determine which aspect of the industry they want to pursue. It is difficult to do both and be successful, he says.
"Don’t fret and stew about things you can’t do anything about, such as the hog market," Hendrickson says. "Worry about the things you can change. There are no armored cars that will follow you to the cemetery - you can’t take anything with you out of this world. It is the changes you have made that will be your reward in life."
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Make A New Friend
by Bryan Rodibaugh
Congratulations to everyone that participated in the 2002 National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville, Ky. I was extremely impressed by the quality of not only the animals, but also the junior members. On my drive back to Rensselaer, Ind., the week replayed through my mind. Although there were numerous pigs, ideas and situations that stood out, my thoughts kept cycling back to the people I met and spent time with throughout the week.
My “show tip” to each junior member is to meet as many people as possible, not just from your home state, but from across the country. There were 26 states represented at this year’s NJSS. We all grow up in different situations and various events mold our personality and character. We have the opportunity to learn new things from the other members and build relationships with them at events such as the NJSS. Hopefully, we can gain some perspective and realize there are many things in our lives, such as family and friends, that are more important than the color of ribbon we earn in the show ring.
Many of the members of the NJSA will be industry leaders in the future. Our paths will cross and that common bond we shared growing up together at the shows will play a role in the way our days are played out. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and people come into our lives to serve a purpose - some important and some less significant. The value of the people that we meet is so great we cannot afford to sell ourselves short. So for your next show, don’t forget to pack a friendly “hello” next to the soap and brushes in the show box.
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Man Behind The Scenes: Mike Paul
by Brad Coffman
He arrives at the show early to make sure the ring and pens are set up properly. He works nonstop until everything is in perfect order before the hogs arrive in the barns. He is a former purebred swine producer that knows what it takes to raise and market breeding stock. He is a historian of pedigrees and can answer any of your questions about a certain bloodline. If you think you recognize this man, you probably do. These are just a few things that describe Mike Paul, the vice president of operations at the National Swine Registry.
Mike grew up on a farm in the northern Iowa town of Swea City, where his family operated a 200-head purebred sow herd that consisted of Yorkshires, Hampshires and Durocs. After graduating from Swea City High School in 1973, Mike stayed back at the family farm to help his father with the daily operations of the sow herd. In 1975, Mike married his wife Sue and they continued to run 75 Duroc and crossbred sows.
Due to the sale of their rented farm ground in their farming operation, Mike took a job as Iowa District Sales Manager with Vigortone Ag Products, a company that sells vitamins and minerals for all species of animals. In 1992, Mike’s job transferred him to Bowling Green, Ky., where he took over as the Dixieland Regional Sales Manager covering the southeastern region of the United States.
Because he was on the road often as a regional manager, Mike decided it was time for a career change to find a job that required less traveling. In 1996, Mike interviewed with the NSR and joined the staff as vice president of operations.
Mike’s initial responsibilities at NSR were to manage the field staff and to investigate a method for starting a marketing program to promote purebred genetic lines. Currently, Mike is in charge of the everyday operations of the Seedstock Edge magazine. He is also responsible for planning and making arrangements for all of the NSR shows. He ensures that all problems are taken care of properly. Plus, on top of these other responsibilities, Mike is in charge of keeping the NSR field staff in order.
Darrell Anderson, chief executive officer of the NSR, says, "As vice president of operations, Mike’s job description has changed from the date he was hired. He has had to take over tasks not originally designated as his job. He has stepped in and been very flexible with helping in all areas of the NSR. For example, he was not hired to help in the magazine department, but has taken over chores for the good of the cause."
Darrell believes Mike’s good work ethic is a positive example to the other employees at the NSR and is due to his Iowa farm upbringing.
Mike is well respected by the Earl Cain family, Chariton, Iowa, who have known Mike since his days of showing hogs in Iowa. Earl appreciates Mike’s friendship, sincerity and honesty. Mike has also assisted the Cains with their ads when needed and has helped promote their purebred genetics.
Mike and Sue have one daughter, Jamie, 22, who lives in Bowling Green, Ky., with her husband Rich Mackin. Rich and Jamie have blessed Mike and Sue with their 11&Mac218;2 year-old granddaughter, Nicole. Besides spoiling his granddaughter whenever he gets the chance, Mike also enjoys watching Minnesota Twins baseball, University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, rodeos and football games.
Over the years, Mike has become a friend to many people affiliated with the purebred swine industry from across the country. NSR fieldman, Ralph Doak, thinks highly of Mike and considers him a great friend. Ralph says, "Mike would never ask you to do something he wouldn’t do himself, and that is why he is so well respected by others."
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Selecting a Swine Project
by Clark Straka
Selecting a swine project can be one of the most enjoyable, as well as, frustrating tasks a 4-H or FFA member may have. The excitement of pursuing and purchasing a possible champion can be challenging and rewarding. Those who decide to breed and raise their own projects are double-rewarded if they choose to pursue, and are successful in winning the " Purple Banner." Regardless, a tremendous amount of effort and a lot of luck are involved.
To have a successful swine project, whether it be a breeding or a market hog, there are certain criteria that must be taken into consideration:
• Proper housing and equipment for maximum performance of the animal.
• Know all of the management practices and tools needed -feed rations, bedding, fresh water, wormers, etc.
• Know and study pedigrees and genetics.
• Buy from a reputable breeder and start with a healthy hog.
• Purchase the animal that is the proper age and size for the show.
• Be willing to work and properly manage your project every day.
Once you meet the above criteria, you are ready to select your project. Whether you are looking for a breeding or market hog, there are certain selection traits that are synonymous for both. These hogs must be structurally correct on their feet and legs. In my 28 years of teaching, I have never used an "unsound" barrow or gilt to win a show, and I don’t know of many judges that would. To be structurally correct, a hog most have a flexible shoulder and front leg with the correct amount of slope or cushion from it’s shoulder blade to the front foot which will allow the pig to take a long, easy stride. Correctness of the hind leg is of equal, if not more importance, because of emphasis of muscle in today’s show ring. A hog should have a flexible rear hock which allows the pig to move its leg back and forward while the pig is walking. Young hogs with straight, tight shoulders and straight, stiff hind legs will usually get worse from a structural standpoint as they move toward a market weight.
Another trait that market and breeding hogs have in common is that they should be long bodied. I have never had a young, short-bodied hog get long enough to be competitive with longer bodied hogs of the same contemporary group. If one appears to be short when it is young, it will always be short . The ideal length of body when show-ready is 33-34 inches in length.
Being able to select for frame size can be difficult when the pig is young. Genetics plays a large part in this trait. Frame size is how large the animal will physically appear to be when it reaches a market weight, or when she is ready to breed. I select for a long neck, a long cannon bone in the front leg, and a long body. To find an animal with excellent frame size means the pig must be long in those areas mentioned at a young age.
Breeding hogs and market hogs must possess excellent base width. They must have good width of chest, and as they walk away from you, they should set their hind feet apart with natural width. All four feet should sit on the ground evenly, squarely, and with their toes pointed forward.
All of the above traits will help you select a structurally correct hog. Remember, if you do not start with a structurally correct hog, chances are that most of the problems won’t "fix" as they get older.
Everybody likes to look at a correctly designed, well-presented barrow or gilt in the show ring. I analyze structural correctness first, then look for a pig that has that "look" from the side. To get one, the animal should be long-necked, tall-fronted, long bodied, level-topped with some strength and turn to it’s top, a high tail-setting, and long rumped-not short and round.
Bone is important and somewhat difficult to select because genetics and ancestry determines this trait. A hog should not be frail looking. I always try to select a pig that will be trim enough in its jowl, without being too wasty or too trim. Sometimes, when a pig is really trim jowled, it may not be the fastest growing or most efficient.
The last traits that I select for is what I call "Coming At You", "Going Away", and "On-Top". "Coming At You" - this hog should be wide at its shoulder blades and maintain width of chest. "Going Away" - this hog should be expressive from the top of its rump to the base of its ham. Stifle dimension, or thickness of ham is important in market hog selection. "On- Top" -this hog should be bold and wide from blade to blade, possess good curvature of rib, and be square and expressive in it’s loin shape. The loin should begin with tremendous shape directly behind the shoulder blade, and maintain excellent shape and squareness of loin edge back to the rump.
The last trait is fat. How much is too much? There is no doubt that the old saying holds true- a fat hog is a healthy hog. But, how much is too much? Over one inch of backfat is not acceptable. Under five tenths of an inch is not enough because meat quality is affected. Select a pig that will be acceptable for fat thickness based on genetics first, and proper management second. If you select a pig that is sired by a boar that is genetically predictable and feed the correct ration, your concern for fat will be minimized.
Hopefully these thoughts and ideas will be of help in selecting your next project.
Remember that hard work and dedication to your project will improve your chances of winning. Nothing comes easy and it does take some luck. Always play by the rules and don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. Good luck. I wish you much success.
Clark Straka and his wife, Janell, live in Newcastle, Okla. They have been married for 28 years. They have one son, Darin, and a daughter-in-law, Lauren. They have two granddaughters - Rhylee, 3, and Lydia, 11 months old.
Straka has taught Agricultural Education for 29 years, and has been at Newcastle High School for 24 years. Straka loves the swine industry, and in particular, the junior market and breeding stock shows.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his grandchildren and going to stock shows. He has judged shows in many states including Oklahoma, Kansas, California, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois and Ohio.
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Success: One Generation at a Time
by Wrex Phipps
Under the right conditions, it only takes a small spark to cause a fire to burn uncontrollably. When I was 10, my interest in pigs was sparked by Waldo Farms. Rick Whitman, former herdsman for Waldo Farms, let me borrow a Waldo pig for youth showmanship at the Gateway Farm Expo in Kearney, Neb. Ever since I walked into the ring with that gilt, my interest in swine has burned uncontrollably. Without the guidance of Max Waldo and his numerous contributions to swine production, neither the industry, nor myself, would be where it is today.
For more than a century, Waldo Farms, DeWitt, Neb., has focused on pig improvement through implementing the latest pig husbandry, health and scientific technologies. In 1895, the Waldo brothers purchased their first Duroc sow named Confidence. She farrowed 51 pigs and raised 36 in her first three litters. The Waldos have been in the Duroc business ever since!
Special care is taken to record data on each pig farrowed and finished at Waldo Farms. They strongly believe in using the agricultural science principles to improve swine breeding stock. For example, Waldo Farms was one of the first farms to weigh pigs at birth, weaning and marketing.
Waldo uses a balanced approach in pig improvement. Detailed records of all phases of production are used to evaluate and enhance pig performance from breeding to finishing. This assures customers a solid foundation for efficient and profitable pig production. Five generations of the Waldo family have worked toward the goal of raising the best Durocs in the world. Due to their dynamic research in swine genetics, health and performance, they have received many awards and honors for their efforts in the swine industry.
Recently, I spent the day at Waldo Farms visiting with Max Waldo and his crew, viewing their awards, touring their operation, and helping with monthly performance testing done on their farm.
Waldo Farms is a tight-knit, family-owned operation. When I entered the front office, I was greeted by Max’s daughter, Linda. Even though the farm can be incredibly busy at times, everything is always under control. The office keeps every swine record. When customers request blood work or performance data, it is the office staff’s responsibility to ensure the correct paperwork is on file. If additional information is needed, they gather the information quickly and provide it for the customer in a timely manner. Customer needs are top priority at Waldo Farms.
After touring the office, I cleaned up, and entered the production grounds with Max’s approval. They have strict health requirements in order to ensure the quality of their production program.
During my visit, I assisted in ultrasounding the pigs for back fat and loin eye area. More than 200 pigs were ultrasounded that day. First, the pigs were weighed and their notches were recorded. Then, they were ultrasounded for back fat percentages. Finally, this data was uploaded into a computer program and compiled to provide Waldo Farms with figures for percent lean, loin eye size, etc. This information is then used to determine measures to improve herd quality and performance.
To finish my tour of Waldo Farms, I visited the two newest wean-to-finish buildings on their property. After farrowing, pigs are sent to satellite farms before returning to Waldo’s for monitoring.
Waldo Farms sparked my interest in this industry and kept that fire burning by setting an example of a quality swine program focused on documented performance and superior health management. Waldo Farms has experienced success one generation at a time, and continues to light the way for future generations!
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Thoughts From The Word
by Ray Perryman
Hello everyone! It seems as though it’s been forever since I last got to write to y’all. Our column today comes from 2 Kings, Chapter 6. It seems that a great prophet, Elisha, had made some very important people mad, and they didn’t take it too lightly. One morning after a good night’s sleep, Elisha’s servant woke up and went outside to stretch. Lo and behold, an army had encircled them with plans to make bad things happen for Elisha and his servant.
Well like you and I do most of the time, the servant ran back into the tent scared out of his wits because of the circumstances he found himself in. Now listen to what the servant said very closely. The servant looked at the great prophet Elisha and said, "Oh my Lord, what shall we do?” Now I don’t know about you, but I probably would have been wetting my britches if I woke up and found I was surrounded by an army of men who were there for one reason only - to kill me.
This is where the story gets real interesting. And, if we’re not careful, we might learn something from it. Elisha woke up, looked his servant in the eyes, and said, "Don’t be afraid." Now my reply would have been, “Yeah, right. I’m out of here.” Then Elisha did something else. He prayed that his servant’s eyes would be opened so he could see things the way God was seeing them.
So sure enough, the servant’s spiritual eyes were opened and he saw chariots of fire all around Elisha and himself. You see, no matter what situation you and I find ourselves in, we need to stop for a moment and realize that God has a plan for us. He always has our best interest at heart. If we could do that, than we’d notice during the most troublesome times of our lives, there are always chariots of fire sent from heaven encamped around us ready to lend a hand if we will only ask.
Remember Jesus loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with each of you. It’s not him stopping it from happening. It’s us. So set back, take a deep breath and just simply ask him in your life if you have never done it. I promise you he will answer.
In Christ,
Ray Perryman & Family
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