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“The Pinnacle” Archives
The newsletter of the National Junior Swine Association
Summer 2002 Highlights
ARTICLES
It's Not Always About Showing Pigs
by Al Snedegar
Caution HEAT STRESS!
by Marissa Baker
Border Collies on the Farm
by Katrina Waters
Tough Decisions: Jim Rutter
by Katrina Waters
Meet the NSR Staff
by Brad Coffman
Washing Your Pigs
by Marcus Miller
The Critique
by Jennifer Shike
Top 5 Movies for Aggies
by Wrex Phipps
It's Not Always About Showing Pigs
by Al Snedegar
Have you ever stopped to consider why people attend hog shows? Why are the fairgrounds so crowded at Brenham, the motels so full in Louisville, the barn so overstocked and dusty at Duncan, and the alleys at your state fair so confusing? Why is their always somebody at your county show that remembers who won 20, 30 or sometimes even 50 years ago? And, why are Dad & Granddad so willing to help at the show?
Livestock shows started in the 19th century as a way for breeders to compare their animals to others, and perhaps sell some as a result of these shows back home on their farm or ranch. Transportation and travel were more limited in those times, so the yearly gatherings also became the only time that farmers and ranchers spent sharing ideas and philosophies about their animals. These families took the opportunity to get acquainted with distant neighbors, renew friendships from past years, take a break from the daily chores of home, and simply have a little fun.
State fairs and livestock events evolved during the 20th century, and eventually included sales connected with the shows. Many of the breed shows at state fairs included a pitch-in lunch in the show ring at noon. The type conferences included a discussion time, that sometimes became very interesting, on what direction a breed should take. But, by the latter part of the 1900's, with the changes that occurred in the size and structure of animal production, the onset of technology in artificial insemination, and the priority to maintain high health levels, a smaller number of dedicated breeders constantly attended these events. Some of the traditions began to disappear.
With the onset of the 21st century, and the result of NSR’s long-range planning, the National Junior Swine Association is bringing back some of the reasons why so many people attended these shows and events a generation ago. Many long-term relationships, relaxation, new ideas, and tons of fun have come from these pig shows. The amusement rides, pizza night and other activities give NJSA members a wonderful opportunity to gain rewards from attending a pig show, even if their pig isn’t the champion that day. Actually, NJSA members really don’t have to show a pig to benefit from all the activities at the NJSA events.
As a young Indiana 4-H pig club member, I did not often win the pig shows. But in the end, my greatest rewards were the relationships that I made that have continued into the 2nd and 3rd generations. Fran Callahan, a popular judge in that era, was so speedy in making his decisions that I became convinced at times that he only looked at the names on the backs of the shirts. But, when I first started judging small shows, he became my mentor and taught me how to mechanically judge a show. As a result, I did a better job of judging.
I often had to show against Dick Nash, and rarely came out on top. Today, I never judge a major event without consulting him in advance. I know when the show is over, he will give me the critique I deserve. This has made me a better judge. All judges need someone to use as their sounding board. From Jack Rodibaugh, I have learned to start from the top and not the bottom, because you don’t always know what quality you will have to work with and it will give your better pigs a chance to look their best. Don’t be afraid to build relationships with judges. Most have been through the same experiences you are encountering.
Bill Powell, Paul Parrish(Howard’s father), and a little later, Wilbur Plager, were fieldmen that always had a bit of advice and some helpful hints as my project years grew into college. Ralph Doak, Sam Howell, Daryl Real and Darrell Anderson will do the same for you during this era, so get enjoyment from it. I think helping youngsters is what keeps Ralph young!
As many of you have heard me say, a blonde girl followed me home from a hog show 34 years ago. Through four children and two grandchildren thus far, she is still around. And she represents the ultimate in relationships that are formed at pig shows. Her father and mother exhibited at the Indiana State Fair for more than 50 years, and some relationships from that experience are in their 3rd generation. This special lady, my wife, might even be in Louisville, watching our grandson show his first pig. Not all of you will get a relationship of this magnitude, but don’t be surprised if you do. You sometimes catch what you chase!
Good luck to all during this summer show season. Remember that judges started out the same as you, and that some day, it may be your opinion that counts on that one particular day.
Al Snedegar is the manager of the Swine Research and Teaching Center at Michigan State University. He formerly coached the livestock judging team and served as a swine instructor at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. Al and his wife, Beth, met at the Indiana and Illinois State Fairs. They have four children – Mickey, Tricia, Jamie and Tina, and two grandsons. Their children were active in 4-H swine shows, and exhibited the grand barrow at the Iowa State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben. Beth’s parents, Lester and Imogene Nance, were secretaries of the Indiana Yorkshire Association for more than 25 years, and exhibited at the Indiana State Fair form more than 50 consecutive years.
Al grew up near Rushville, Ind. He has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Purdue University, and a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. He was a member of the Purdue livestock judging team and Block and Bridle. Al has judged many shows in 28 states including the Houston Stock Show, San Antonio, and state fairs in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, California, Texas and Michigan. As well he has judged several type conferences and the World Pork Expo. He says the Cow Palace, the Los Angeles County Fair and the Rio Grande Valley show in south Texas are all memorable because “they got me to places I wouldn’t have been otherwise.”
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Caution! HEAT STRESS
by Marissa Baker
As the summer months come upon us, we must watch our hogs closely. Hogs are more susceptible to heat stress than any other species of animal because hogs do not sweat. The only way they can lose heat is by panting, and this is not very effective. A hogs performs up to their genetic potential when the temperature is between 600F to 700F.
Some of you might wonder why your pig does not eat as much and loses weight when it is hot. The heavier the pig and the higher its feed consumption, the more it will be stressed by heat. Heat stress causes two reactions in hogs. First, metabolic activity increases, which means that more calories are burned due to heat. Second, the hog’s appetite is depressed, which means they do not eat as much.
Research has shown that to minimize the effects of heat stress you can use a modified diet. This diet has worked right through the hot, humid days of summer. It was found that when heat increments in swine rations were reduced and essential amino acids were added, the pigs did well. The typical feed ration, which consists of corn and soybeans, is not as beneficial because both corn and soybeans are heat producers. The modified diet contains 8 percent added fat over the regular diet, and an increased amount of amino acids to maintain constant lysine to energy levels. Another very important aspect is keeping fresh, clean water available.
To keep hogs cool in the summer, an evaporative cooling system is often used. This cooling system is similar to when humans get into a swimming pool and they get very cold when the wind starts to blow and dry off the water that is on them. Evaporative cooling is the same way. You need to have water misting or dripping onto your hogs and then have a fan running on the pigs to dry the water. The other option available is to have the misters set on a timer so they are only on for about 10 minutes, then allow the air to blow so that the hog will cool. The one thing that you want to avoid is keeping your hog wet all of the time. They need is to have the air on them because the air is what allows the pig to cool off.
An easy way to make a mister is to take a garden hose and put several holes in it. Then you can purchase a simple garden hose timer (similar to what you would use to water flowers). This method would be cheaper than purchasing a fan to blow the water.
The main way to avoid heat stress is keep your hog comfortable. Remember, when you are not comfortable, neither is your hog. So, care for your hogs as you care for yourself.
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Border Collies on the Farm
by Katrina Waters
Imagine the task of taking livestock to market…without a truck or trailer!
Before the evolution of modern transportation, farmers and ranchers did not have access to cars, trucks, and trailers. However, they still had to take livestock to market. In the late 1500s, sheepherders started training their dogs to help sort and move their stock.
Over time, sheep dogs grew into several breeds of herding dogs. These breeds differed in appearance and abilities.
One of the most popular breeds of herding dogs is the Border Collie. These medium-sized dogs with an athletic stature come in a variety of color patterns. One of their key attributes is their almost hypnotic stare.
Border Collies were introduced to the United States in the 1880s. They make exceptional herding dogs because of their agility, speed, and intelligence. According to the Petrix website, Border Collies top the list as the overall brightest dogs. They judged intelligence based on the dog’s understanding of new commands and ability to obey the first command.
Although originally used as sheepherding dogs, the Border Collie is just as often used as a cow dog. In fact, there are few things that a Border Collie will not try to herd, including children!
The United States Border Collie Club is set on preserving the breed as a working dog. They are strongly opposed to shows that judge upon appearance instead of ability as a herding dog.
The Border Collie has helped many sheep and cattle breeders, and once people hear about Jim Rutter, these dogs may get really popular in the swine industry!
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Tough Decisions
Jim Rutter makes a decision that changes his life
by Katrina Waters
Many junior livestock exhibitors face a hard decision at one time or another. Should they go to the high school football game or go load up the trailer for the jackpot show? Should they miss their prom for a pig sale? Should they join a fraternity or judge livestock?
Jim Rutter understands all too well.
Rutter played football for the University of Missouri, and participated on the livestock judging team. When he became a senior in 1950, he had to choose between these two passions in his life. He gave up a starting position and the opportunity to be a defensive captain on the football team to judge livestock.
He made the right decision. Not only did his team win the prestigious Fort Worth contest, but he knows his judging experiences made him a better stockman. Being a better stockman led to a happy life that includes a great family, hogs, and dogs.
Rutter has spent most of his life in Shelbina, Mo. He grew up around hogs and was involved in 4-H from an early age. He says he learned some invaluable lessons growing up around livestock, and that his kids did as well.
“Kids who are raised around livestock learn responsibility,” Rutter says. “They learn how to take care of something.”
Rutter and his wife Edith, of almost 52 years, have four children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Three of the children, Mike, Mindy, and Nancy have moved away, but Kenny lives about a mile from his parents and farms with his dad.
The father-son duo farrows 150 sows, buy and grow out some cattle, and farm soybeans, corn, wheat, and hay.
“Dad was one of my biggest influences growing up,” Kenny says. He also credits the late Claude Robinson for helping his family when they began raising purebred swine.
Kenny and his wife, Jeanna, have two daughters, Lucy, 12, and Maggie, 9, who are NJSA members. Kenny says youth organizations such as the NJSA are important because they start a person out on the right foot when they are at the age where they have not decided what they want to do in life yet.
Jim raised commercial hogs until his children were old enough to want hogs of their own. Then, they started buying purebred gilts. Currently, the operation consists of purebred Yorkshires with some Durocs and Hampshires. They also raise and sell a few Yorkshire x Landrace F1 gilts.
Jim’s family and his hogs are not his only passions, though. Just ask him about his dogs and he will respond with, “That’s the fun part.”
Jim raises and trains Border Collies for a hobby. He currently has five dogs and raises a few litters each year.
“Any more and it would be work,” he says.
But Jim does not just use these dogs to herd cattle or sheep like most people.
He uses them to herd pigs.
“If I need to show people the hogs or just get them up and check on them, the dogs will go into the barns and bring the hogs out,” Jim says.
He says that this is especially helpful in the coldest parts of the winter and the hottest parts of the summer when the pigs either do not want to leave the warm barn or are too hot to get up and move around. The dogs keep him from having to crawl around in the barns.
He says not every dog works, but most dogs are very trainable.
“All you have to do is reward them when they do well and say ‘Good dog,’ and when they don’t do well, scold them,” he says.
All livestock enthusiasts face tough decisions throughout their showing or judging careers. There is, however, a key to making the right decision. Pick the one that combines the most good, just as you do when judging livestock.
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Meet the NSR Field Staff
by Brad Coffman
Guess what job title requires a person to travel thousands of miles each year in order to make swine farm visits and attend shows and sales across the country? You guessed it – it’s the job title of a field representative for the National Swine Registry (NSR). Ralph Doak, Sam Howell, and Daryl Real are the NSR field representatives who have accepted this challenging position.
Ralph Doak
Before Ralph became a field representative, he worked for the Ohio Grain Company as a feed salesman. In 1988, Ralph decided to change careers and become the Eastern Fieldman for the United Duroc Swine Registry, and held that position until the formation of NSR in 1994.
Ralph is the NSR’s Eastern Field Representative. Ralph says his job is to promote registered Duroc, Hampshire, Yorkshire and Landrace hogs while providing service to the breeders that raise these hogs. He is also responsible for working production and pig sales for members, assisting with national shows and sales, helping with state shows and sales, classifying barrows at major shows and state fairs, and in general, promoting purebred hogs wherever he can be seen in the public eye.
Ralph says some of his most memorable moments as a field representative for the NSR include the day the Earnhart family sold the Hampshire boar “The Ritz” to Lean Value Sires at the 1995 Indiana State Fair for $40,000, and the day that 401-K sold at the 1997 Southwest Hampshire Conference to Prairie State Semen Supply for a then world-record of $43,000. Ralph says he cannot forget the time when Lifeline Genetics and S&M Hamps bought the Hampshire record-selling boar, “Lifeline,” for $200,000 at the 2001 Southwest Hampshire Type Conference from MHM Genetics and the day when Todd Creager sold the world-record selling Yorkshire boar, “CEO,” to Lifeline Genetics for an amazing $220,000 at the 2001 Summer Type Conference.
Ralph is respected by many breeders, especially Randy Shipley. Randy says, “Ralph is a great guy. He is sharp and knows the business very well. He lets people raise hogs the way they want to, even though he may not like it.”
Sam Howell
Sam managed his own hog operation until Rick Maloney and Dr. Tom Baas gave him the opportunity to work for the United Duroc Swine Registry and the Hampshire Swine Registry in 1993.
Sam says he was influenced into this line of work by Paul Parrish. Paul taught Sam and many other people around him what was right from wrong, and Paul was always willing to help anyone who needed him.
The main duty of being a field representative is to offer service to members, Sam says. Sometimes that includes advising producers about their breeding program, or trying to find breeding stock to fit the needs of a newcomer in the purebred industry.
John Huinker is very appreciative of Sam’s work and says, “Sam is an honest man who will do anything to help a person out. He has a passion for the purebred industry and is the best fieldman that we’ve ever had.”
Sam has always enjoyed his job as a field representative. One day when the United Duroc Swine Registry was in the process of moving to West Lafayette, Ind., Sam remembers getting pats on the back all day long from Dr. Tom Baas. Baas kept telling Sam how good of a job he was doing in packing up items for the move. Then, Baas asked Sam to go to the bank and make a few deposits from the World Pork Expo. While at the bank, people started to stare at him and give him weird looks. The teller got up the nerve to tell Sam he was part of a joke. Apparently, there were labels on his back that stated “If found please return to the United Duroc Swine Registry.” Sam had walked around town all afternoon with those labels because of Dr. Baas’ pats on the back.
Besides playing jokes and being part of jokes, Sam has clearly enjoyed working with good breeders, 4-H’ers, and FFA students. Sam says, “It has been an honor to work with Rick Maloney, Dr. Tom Baas, Darrell Anderson, and all the other National Swine Registry Staff during my time as a field representative.”
Daryl Real
Many of us remember Daryl from his days as an intern for NSR in 1998. However, after graduating from Kansas State University in May of 2001, Daryl has been employed fulltime as the Southwest Field representative for NSR.
Even though Daryl is just completing his rookie year as a field representative, he has already left a positive mark in the lives of many breeders throughout the Southwest. Joe Lancaster says, “Daryl’s honesty and integrity are outstanding, and greatly appreciated. We are very lucky to have him as a fieldman and we need more people like him in the industry.”
Daryl says his responsibilities as a field representative are to promote hogs in the Southwest at junior activities, help purebred breeders, and serve on the official committees for judging contests and other youth learning activities. He is also responsible for classifying barrows at junior shows, and working with youth who wish to start a breeding program - from the selection of boars to the equipment necessary to have a successful hog operation.
Last year at the Midwest Type Conference in Springfield, Ill., Daryl began to feel the pressure of being a field representative when he realized that purebred breeders were relying on him to market their hogs for them. Daryl enjoys learning more about the industry each day, and looks forward to what lies ahead for him.
These three men sacrifice many days and nights away from their wives so that we NJSA members can benefit from the numerous shows and sales that take place across the country. We are very blessed to have these three men affiliated with our organization, and are thankful for their efforts in making the NJSA successful. So, the next time you see these men at a show or sale, go up and tell them how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication to the NJSA.
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Show Tips: Washing Your Pigs
by Marcus Miller
It's about that time again to start working with our show pigs and getting them ready for the upcoming shows. I am going to tell you a few of my "secrets" that I use when I am washing my show pigs.
Yorkshires - The white-haired hogs are the worst to keep from getting bad stains. Try to wash these hogs every other day if possible. The soaps that work best for washing your hogs at home are any clear dish soaps. However, when you are washing your pig to get ready for a show, use a shimmer light shampoo. You can find this shampoo at any show supply trailer at shows or at beauty salons. This shampoo will give your hog a great, shiny look. Remember, don't leave this soap on too long or you will have a purple pig!
Landrace - Landrace hogs are similar to Yorkshires, but they often have a dryer skin type. I recommend using a soap with a conditioner such as the shampoo we use for our own hair. You can also make your Landrace hogs appear cleaner and brighter at the shows by washing them every other day or so at home.
Hampshires - Hampshire hogs also have a drier skin type, so pay attention when washing with a shimmering light soap. If the skin begins to dry out, use a conditioning human shampoo. Some examples of these would be Suave, Salon Selectives or any other lower priced brand of shampoo. Hampshires are the easiest breed of hogs to maintain a clean, shiny hair coat.
Durocs - With Durocs, I believe a combination of the three methods above will work the best. Try using a conditioner similar to what you use on your own hair to give Durocs an extra shine in the show ring. The conditioner will soften their skin and bring out more shine than using a regular liquid soap alone. You can use a conditioner that you wash out, or a spray-on conditioner that you leave in. Just make sure the spray-in conditioner is water-based so it doesn't clog their pores.
Good luck washing your pigs this summer!
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The Critique
by Jennifer Shike
Congratulations! The contest is over. You’ve judged the classes and presented your oral reasons. Now, it’s time for the officials. At the conclusion of most judging contests, the contest officials will gather together to discuss their placings and cuts. This next 30-minute critique can be a great opportunity for you to learn from some of the best evaluators in the livestock industry.
Use this time to your advantage. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about how you did during the contest that you forget to pay attention to what the officials are actually saying. Don’t focus on what you did wrong that day – focus on learning from what the officials have to say. The only way to improve as a judge is to practice and learn from your mistakes.
Remember that these officials are leaders in the industry – they may even become your future teacher or employer! It’s interesting to listen to their mix of ideas as these officials usually have different backgrounds in various segments of the industry.
Typically, the official will introduce themselves and begin talking about one of the classes. They will discuss what they believed to be the most important differences in the class and end their critique with the official class placing and cuts.
Cuts determine your score on the class. Cuts are assigned to each pair based on the difficulty of the decision that was made. The maximum point value of the cuts on a class is 15 unless a cut of 5 or larger is used in the middle pair. In this case, the maximum is 14. These maximums have been put into place to prevent scores from falling below zero.
By comparing the official to your own placing, you can figure out your score with these cuts out of a possible 50 points. By using the following procedures, you can determine your own score. Let’s start with an easy example of a pair switch.
If you placed the class 1-2-3-4, and the official placing is 2-1-3-4, you have a top pair switch. This simply means that you have switched the top two animals from the official placing. If the official cuts on this class are 4-3-5, then you would use the first cut to determine your score. This would give you a 46 on the class. Now, if you placed the class 1-2-4-3, what would your score be? The score would be 45. Remember to use the cut that corresponds with the pair that you placed differently than the official.
Let’s move on to a simple bust. A simple bust is when you switch three animals around in the class.
Official Placing: 1-3-2-4
Cuts: 2-5-3
Your Placing: 1-4-2-3
What would your score be? Use the questions below to guide you through this tabulation.
| Your Placing | Correct | If not, deduct | Example |
| 1 over 4 | yes | 2 | 0 |
| 1 over 2 | yes | 5 | 0 |
| 1 over 3 | yes | 3 | 0 |
| 4 over 2 | no | 3 | -3 |
| 4 over 3 | no | 5 + 3 | -8 |
| 2 over 3 | no | 5 | -5 |
| TOTAL DROP: -16 | SCORE: 34 | ||
Of course, the most difficult placing to tabulate is a complete bust, otherwise known as a “bomb” in my old judging notebooks. Here’s how you would score a complete bust.
Official Placing: 4-3-2-1
Cuts: 3-4-2
Your Placing: 1-2-3-4
| Your Placing | Correct | If not, deduct | Example |
| 1 over 2 | no | 2 | -2 |
| 1 over 3 | no | 4 + 2 | -6 |
| 1 over 4 | no | 3 + 4 + 2 | -9 |
| 2 over 3 | no | 4 | -4 |
| 2 over 4 | no | 3 + 4 | -7 |
| 2 over 4 | no | 3 | -3 |
| SCORE: 19 | TOTAL DROP: -31 | ||
Basically when you are determining your score, you are taking the official placing and comparing it to your own placing to see if you made correct decisions between pairs. It takes practice to score your own cards, but I recommend that you start now. It’s a lot easier to learn while you are younger, then to have to rely on other people to determine your scores for you.
Once the critique is over, the awards and results will be coming soon! Take the time to really listen to these critiques. Officials don’t paid big bucks to share their knowledge at these contests. If you listen and are interested in what they are saying, I guarantee that they will find your attention to be the best reward of all for their time.
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Top Five Movies for Aggies
by Wrex Phipps
We NJSA members never get a break! There is always some type of program or event going on that consumes every spare minute. But, with sweltering summer months approaching, free time becomes more abundant and the number of movies rented reaches new heights. I've compiled a list of five of my favorite movies of all times. Take a break this summer, relax in the air conditioning of your homes, and get caught up on a little movie watching.
5.) "Old Yeller"
This is a timeless tale about a heroic family dog that has a special bond with the oldest son. The boy and his dog experience life in a farm setting, from hunting and fishing to working cattle. The two are inseparable. Get ready for a movie that will catch you by the heart strings and make everyone wish they had their own Old Yeller.
4.) "Charlotte's Web"
Growing up as the runt in the litter, Wilbur never expected great things in life, but little did he know, he'd win an award at the county fair. Now, Wilbur isn't your typical show pig. He wasn't famous for his looks, but because of the fact that messages appeared in the spider webs above his pen. This movie is a good example of friendship between a girl and a pig, and the pig and his farm friends.
3.) "Iron Will"
Talk about an inspirational movie! "IronWill" truly defines overcoming all odds to become a winner. Will grows up on a South Dakota farm and, because of the loss of his father, is in need of money. To save the family farm and go on to college, Will enters a sled dog race. The true heart of a champion is found in Will and his lead dog, Gus.
2.) "Hoosiers"
This movie really exemplifies the American dream of the big man vs. the little man. A small-town Indiana basketball team strives to beat the biggest schools in the state to become state champions. Their quest is full of obstacles including team unity, the respect for authority, and the will to never give up. Even if you're not a sports fan, this is a feel-good movie you can't miss!
1.) "The Man from Snowy River"
This is my all-time favorite movie! I have probably seen it at least 100 times. It takes place in the mountains of Australia. After his father dies, Jim Craig has to earn the right to continue living in the mountains. After being accused of stealing his employer's horse, Jim comes back and captures the horse and the whole group of wild horses that he has been running with. Through this, he proves that he has become a man and at the same time, he meets the girl of his dreams. Even if you're not a horse fan, this is still a great movie! It has action, drama, romance, and a touch of humor. If you like this one, you might also want to check out the sequel, "Return to Snowy River."
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