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“The Pinnacle” Archives
The newsletter of the National Junior Swine Association
Winter 2002 Highlights
ARTICLES
Judging Livestock: Boar Selection
by Jennifer Shike
One of A Kind - Robin Lucas
by Bryan Rodibaugh
One Tiny Spark - How Jim Grimm's Herd Became a Legacy
by Jake Grass
Priorities
by Steve Nichols
So, What's New on the Web?
by Terrell Buck
Thoughts from the Word
by Ray Perryman
"You are the only person on this earth who can use your ability."
Judging Livestock: Boar Selection
by Jennifer Shike
Selecting the ideal boar is not a science. The ideal boar can vary in its selection criteria depending upon the breed. Typically, Durocs and Hampshires are most recognized as terminal sires, with emphasis being placed on phenotype and terminal sire index. Landrace and Yorkshire boars are usually selected as maternal sires, with emphasis placed on phenotype and maternal line index.
Regardless, the ideal boar should display the following characteristics: leanness and muscle, frame and volume, structure and balance, underline quality (maternal sires). These are the same characteristics used to select the ideal gilt, but in a slightly different order.
The ideal terminal sire should be extreme in his combination of composition and performance. In other words, he should be fast-growing, lean, and heavy muscled. He should be a powerfully designed, wide chested boar who's pulled apart at his blade and opened up underneath. He should read with a crisp, muscular turn to his loin edge while being expressive through his ham.
Still, soundness can't be sacrificed. Looseness of structure and mobility are necessary for both AI and natural service terminal sires as they are expected to be collected twice a week or mount and breed two to three sows naturally per day. The ideal boar needs flex and cushion to his knee and pastern allowing him to take long, athletic strides off both ends. Finally, terminal sires need to be large framed, extended and have shape to their rib. These factors contribute to lean gain potential.
In the selection of a maternal sire, more emphasis is placed on structure and leanness, combined with maternal strength. A maternal sire should have a superior, 7:7 underline with at least three teats in front of the sheath.
Both terminal and maternal boars should have large, even-sized testicles, and a clean sheath. A balance of phenotypic traits, performance data and EPDs that reflect a boar’s ability to generate superior progeny are essential in selecting the ideal boar.
Keep in mind that judging livestock requires practice. Start practicing now for the spring and summer contests ahead! Listen to judges and breeders discuss hogs at shows or in the barn. The more time you put in to judging, the more you will get out of judging.
Now it's time to compare the two boars below. What are the advantages of one boar over the other? Keep your priorities in mind. Look for leanness and muscle, frame and volume, and balance and structure. When evaluating the two boars below, you'll notice Boar 1 is a longer necked, cleaner fronted boar who's more attractive on the profile as he's more elevated at his shoulder and hip. He also reads with more honest turn to his top and more expression through his ham and stifle. He's a more powerfully made boar who's more pulled apart in his blade and more opened up underneath.
The advantages of Boar 1:
-More upheaded, longer fronted, cleaner headed
-Nicer balanced, leveler designed boar who's set higher at the base of his tail
-Taller fronted, more extended
-Wider chested boar who appears to be more opened up underneath
-More shape to his rib
-More bulge to his forearm
-A leaner, more muscular turn to his top
-More expression and dimension through his ham
-Cleaner about his sheath
The disadvantages of Boar 2:
-Shorter faced, heavier fronted
-Poorer balanced boar who's rougher over his topline
-Narrower chested
-Less expressive down his top and through his ham
-Heavier sheathed
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One of a Kind - Robin Lucas
by Bryan Rodibaugh
She is the lifeblood of the National Swine Registry. She manages the majority of the responsibilities and services of the NSR. She doesn’t just get the job done, she gets the job done right! And to those who know her best, she never ceases to amaze them. If you haven’t guessed already, I’m describing Robin Lucas, administrative assistant at the National Swine Registry.
Robin grew up in Pine Village, a small Hoosier town in west central Indiana. She graduated from Seeger High School in 1975. After graduating from Seeger, she attended Ivy Tech in West Lafayette, Ind. During this time, she landed a part-time job at the American Yorkshire Club. She obtained the job through her cousin, Paula Barnes, who was the office manager at that time. Robin worked at the American Yorkshire Club for five years before she decided to put what would become her career on hold and start a family.
In 1980, Robin returned to the American Yorkshire Club and picked up where she left off. She remained with the American Yorkshire Club until the creation of the National Swine Registry in 1994, when she became the NSR administrative assistant.
Robin’s knowledge, experience, and passion for the people of the industry make her irreplaceable. Robin oversees the pedigree, accounting, and STAGES programs. She recently took on the challenge of coordinating the NSR web site development. Pedigree production is the number one purpose of the NSR, and takes up most of the staff’s time and generates most of their revenue. This department is completely under Robin’s control, and she takes great pride in making sure that it runs smoothly.
Robin says she makes an extra effort to meet their 24-hour turnaround goal on registrations and transfers. This is just one example of her dedication to serve the breeders in a capacity that benefits the breeders directly. Robin also handles the accounting of the NSR. This duty entails payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Robin is always ready for a new challenge. She has led efforts to offer online registration capabilities. Even more recently, she has added the new online AI certificate program.
Darrell Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the NSR, speaks highly of Robin’s impact on the NSR. “Robin has dedicated much of her personal time and has made many sacrifices, including missing family activities, to fulfill her commitment to the duties of her job,” Anderson says. “Much of the success of the NSR type conferences, including the first show and sale catalogs with complete pedigree and performance information, is directly a result of Robin’s efforts.”
Robin has sacrificed countless weekends with her family to assist in putting on NSR events. She has never complained because it’s not in her nature. To her, it’s all part of her “passion” for the job and the members of the NSR. Robin recently volunteered to attend the first-ever NJSA Eastern Regional in Harrisburg, Pa., to assist NJSA coordinator, Jennifer Shike, in putting on this inaugural show. Robin is excited about the NJSA and naturally wanted to contribute her talents.
Robin says one of the most rewarding parts of her job is to see the faces and meet the people that she talks with and corresponds with everyday. She also enjoys getting to know the young “charged up” interns that work in the office, and watching them grow up and mature.
She says, “This job has been a gift to me. I work for many great breeders that are now friends. My two bosses have been enjoyable to work with, and they have taught me a great deal about the job. I work with many people who have been here for many years and are now family to me. I hope each new employee can become a member of this great family, too.”
Robin is vital to the everyday operations of NSR. Anderson says, “She has a grasp of how the various departments function together, and is somewhat familiar with the workings of each segment. It is because of Robin that I feel so comfortable being gone for several days at a time, knowing she has the office operating at full efficiency.”
Robin and her husband, Frank, have been married for 25 years. They have three daughters - Chastity, Carrie, and Kayla. Chastity, 25, is a special education teacher at Williamsport Elementary. She married Aaron French, a policeman from Attica, Ind., in December 2000. Carrie, 23, is married to Jamie Garcia, a police officer for the town of Fowler, Ind. Jamie and Carrie have blessed Frank and Robin with two grandchildren, Isaac and Shelby. Isaac is now 5 years old, and Shelby is 1 year old. Robin’s youngest daughter, Kayla, 18, attends Christina & Co. Beauty School.
Robin has found herself in a very special situation. Her daughter, Carrie, is currently employed by the NSR. She works with the Yorkshires, creates the web site calendars, and assists Jennifer on NJSA projects. Kayla also worked at NSR until December 2001 when she started beauty school. Robin says, “This job has allowed me to work with all three of my girls at some time in their life. This has been a very valuable gift - to spend that much time with them and to train them for the working world.”
Just like anyone else, Robin enjoys a little time to get away. She recently returned from the Smokey Mountains where she had been hiking with the women of her church. Robin says, “This is our second women’s hiking retreat. We spent two days hiking, renewing our friendships and renewing our relationship with God.”
Lisa Kennedy, co-worker and sister-in-law, describes Robin on a personal basis. “Outside of the NSR, she has managed to keep a household running smoothly, raise three wonderful daughters, and find time for anyone else who needs a helping hand,” Lisa says. “I am truly amazed at how much this woman can accomplish in a day. I have told her many times that ‘I want to be just like you when I grow up.’”
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One Tiny Spark
How Jim Grimm's Herd Became a Legacy
by Jake Grass
A passion for the swine industry dates back 30 years for Jim Grimm of Maynard, Iowa. Growing up on a commercial hog and dairy farm was the first tiny spark to ignite his lifelong career as a purebred hog producer. Through Grimm’s experiences at Iowa State University (ISU), where he started pursuing a degree in civil engineering and ended with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, he met the Christian brothers. Grimm’s Yorkshire program developed after his advisors, Al and Lauren Christian, uncovered an unquenchable desire within Grimm for the purebred industry.
Upon graduation, Jim began working for Dean Christian buying hogs for Oscar Mayer along with ISU classmate, Earl Cain, Chariton, Iowa. Jim also assisted Dave Huinker, Decorah, Iowa, with the test station in Ames.
After graduating from college and returning home from being drafted for war, his Yorkshire herd got its start in 1972 with the purchase of a Yorkshire gilt from Elmer and Leila Cornielson of Des Moines, Iowa. In 1976 the opportunity to become a farm owner presented itself when an elderly couple offered their farm to Jim and his wife, Pat, to start their purebred operation and their family.
The farm started with 40 sows and has grown to 450 sows today. In 1975, he attended his first show in Columbia, Mo., and sold a second-place boar for $2,500 and a second-place gilt for $3,500. The excitement of the show, the people he met, and the hog sales hooked him on the purebred swine industry.
Today the Grimm herd consists of 80 Hampshires, 250 Yorkshires, and 120 commercial sows, as well as a 150-sow SPF herd. Jim continues to attend shows and sales because he enjoys the opportunity to see old friends.
"Randy Shipley and I were discussing how much we enjoy going to the shows because we get the chance to catch up for old times’ sake," Grimm says. "The friendships you develop over the years allow more opportunities to give grief. You have more ammunition!"
Grimm also uses the shows and sales as an avenue to check out what is currently available in the breeds. Grimm says, "I am looking to make females, not just sell high-dollar boars."
When selecting a boar at a show, Grimm looks for the boar that will change his herd in the most positive ways. Grimm’s business is about much more than just the showring, as he sells a large number of commercial boars and gilts. Earl Cain says that Grimm raises practical hogs. These practical hogs have worked for Grimm’s customers for the past 30 years.
While on the show circuit, Grimm has paired up with purebred breeder Chuck Olsen from Irene, S.D., as his traveling buddy. "Grimm has been a mentor to me…because he is a lot older," Olsen says with a grin. He adds, "I have learned a lot from Jim, and consider him a true mentor. He’s the kind of person you want to pattern your business after."
These two have traveled many miles together since the 1980s, and have developed a good friendship along the way. On their second trip together, they went to the type conference in Kinston, N.C., with two trailers hauling hogs. Grimm and Olsen led the way, with Dean Eddie following close behind. Grimm says he thought he knew a shortcut off the interstate and proceeded to travel toward Kinston. As Grimm came to a stop at a stop sign, Eddie managed to drive his truck right into the back of Grimm’s trailer where Olsen’s Duroc were riding. The trio wired the trailer up and continued on their way to Kinston. Grimm says he still gets in trouble for that because "he knew the shortcut."
Grimm says he remembers the hogs being better back then, and then when he looks at the pictures, they aren’t quite as good as he originally thought. Hogs have changed a lot over the years, he says. Most of the changes have been for the better.
"I enjoy the business," Grimm says. "I go home and can’t wait to see the hogs again."
Hogs aren’t the only ones waiting back in Maynard, Iowa, for Grimm. His wife, Pat, and son, Chase, 5, along with his nephew, Shon, all take care of the farm while he is exhibiting at the shows. Grimm’s nephew is his adrenaline for day-to-day life. The SPF farm is managed by Dann Hughson. Grimm’s daughter, Lindy, 22, now lives in Oregon with her husband, John, and Grimm’s granddaughter, Ayrrian.
The hogs have taken good care of Grimm’s family. In 1987, Grimm took a boar to Summer Type Conference in Elkhorn, Wis. He promised his wife before he left that any revenue raised from the sale of the boar would be put toward a new kitchen. Well, the story ended well for Pat. The boar sold for $24,000. Not only did Pat get a new kitchen, but she also renovated her garage.
Grimm’s integrity as a breeder and a businessman has greatly affected the people around him. As Earl Cain says, "Grimm is a sincere hog breeder that tries to make good ones." It is no wonder his herd has developed over the past 30 years into a solid foundation. That tiny spark beginning with one Yorkshire gilt in 1972 has grown to a legacy that is admired by many today.
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Priorities
by Steve Nichols
People have so many choices available today that it ‘s difficult to get everything done. Parents and children need to decide what is the most important and set priorities for their life. The same holds true for showing livestock. I have worked for the Cooperative Extension Service for more than 25 years and have worked with hundreds of families and their livestock projects, including my own. My wife, Chere, and I have three children that have all shown livestock. Showing livestock is one of the greatest activities our family has done together. The memories we created in the showring are priceless.
Families approach raising and showing livestock in a variety of ways. Some kids can’t wait until springtime to purchase their project pigs. On the other hand, some kids actually get more enjoyment out of raising their own projects from sows or gilts they have farrowed.
Dan Hoge made a good point about the importance of family time in his fall Pinnacle article, "The Will To Win." The majority of families today rely on both parents’ income to survive, and that can cause a real shortage of "family time." Showing livestock can help bridge this gap, as most projects can’t be completed by the 4-H’er alone. To do the job right or even close, it requires help and support from family, ag teachers or extension agents.
I have discovered that it’s easy to get complacent because what comes around goes around, and there aren’t many tricks I haven’t seen. I have watched some individuals take showing livestock way too serious, and when things don’t go right for them they get extremely mad or even sick. Life is way too short to approach it in that manner. I think it is important to do the very best job that you are capable of doing, and do things the right way. Unfortunately, some believe they must win at any cost, and that ruins it for others.
I remember one year at the county fair when I was visiting with two exhibitors after the show. When I asked the first boy how the show went, he proudly told me he did great. He placed third with his barrow and that was the best he had ever done. The second boy I visited with had a completely different answer. He told me he had been rolled by the judge, and he wasn’t happy at all. I asked him where his barrow placed in the show, and he said he received reserve grand champion, but that he should have been grand champion.
Isn’t it funny how different these two exhibitors viewed their showing experience on that day? This happened because of the expectations they had going into the show. The one boy was groomed by his parents to do the best he could do, and accept whatever happens. The other boy went into the ring expecting nothing short of the grand champion award, and anything different equals a wasted day. I blame that attitude on his parents for building him up for success when the results are out of their control.
I love to work with kids and judge hogs. I always tell the exhibitors at the end of the show that I can guarantee I gave their animal a fair and honest appraisal. They may not agree with my evaluation, or they may not like the placing they receive. However, from a judge’s perspective, all you can do is give each hog a fair look.
Remember that judges put their selection pressures on different things. Frame size, muscle expression, leanness, structural correctness and freshness are all areas that can range in priority for different judges. A good,competent judge is easy to follow and consistent in his evaluations. Most importantly, his reasons match the hogs.
Kids often miss the boat on priorities. By this I mean that many kids think their competition is the other exhibitors. In the overall scheme of things, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. I know many couples who met in the barns at the county fair. They had similar interests and naturally were attracted to each other. Many of my kids’ best friends are the ones they met showing livestock.
For example, I’ll never forget the year that our pigs weren’t very competitive. After the county fair pigs were gone, we were very thin in quality. I told the kids that we should just stay home and try to get better pigs for the next year. My kids said they didn’t care how well the pigs did, but they really wanted to go to the state fair so they could be with their friends. I learned a real lesson that year and it has stayed with me ever since.
Priorities are nothing more than putting the important things on top. The relationships that are formed from showing livestock are more important than the ribbons or banners you receive. I challenge each of you to buy or raise the very best animal you can, and then do your best job of fitting and showing that animal. But keep in mind that the real challenge is to enjoy the many people that you will be competing with as they are a true blessing. And this blessing will last a lifetime.
Steve Nichols and his wife, Chere, have been married 21 years. They live in Delphi, Ind., where Chere is a beautician and Steve is the Carroll County Extension Ag Educator for the largest swine-producing county in Indiana. Steve and Chere have three children. Their oldest son, Charlie, is a sophomore at Purdue University majoring in Ag Business Management. He is vice-president of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and is presently "Purdue Pete" - the mascot of Boilermaker Athletics. Their daughter, Brandi, is a freshman at Purdue where she is majoring in Ag Business Management. Their youngest son, Woody, is a freshman at Delphi High School where he is active in swimming and tennis. He is also an avid hunter.
Steve has judged in 14 states throughout the past 30 years. Some of the shows he has judged include the Houston Stock Show, San Antonio Stock Show, National Duroc Type Conference, Mid-West Hampshire Conference, Fall Classic, state fairs in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, New Mexico and Arkansas.
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So, What's New on the Web?
by Terrell Buck
Have you ever became good friends with someone just to find out that at the end of the week you lose contact with this person until the next NJSA show ?
I am sure that everyone who has experienced an NJSA event has come across this problem just as I have. I meet a new friend at every show that I attend, but keeping in touch with that person has always been difficult until now. Thanks to the official web site of the National Swine Registry, www.nationalswine.com, anyone can find the addresses and phone numbers for NJSA members from across the country.
By using other features on this web site, you can get to know your Board of Directors better, as well as view the NJSA Hall of Fame that lists every person to ever win a NJSA event (Sweepstakes, Showmanship, Gilt Show, Skillathon, Judging Contest).
Would you like to be featured on the web site? Periodically an NJSA member will be featured on the Internet under "Youth Spotlight." If you are interested, just contact Jennifer Shike, the NJSA Coordinator.
Jennifer’s famous show shots are on the web as well. At each of the shows, if you look around enough, you will find Jennifer somewhere trying to catch you on film. If you would like to view some of her best work, just click the "Show Shots" icon.
If you like to read interesting stories about the swine industry and those who are involved with the swine industry, you can find all stories ever published in the Pinnacle as well as stories about the Hall of Fame inductees.
This web site features a very helpful "Calendar of Events" consisting of upcoming events and deadlines. If you are looking for membership applications for the NJSA, just click on our web site to apply online. You can also find printable entry forms for all NJSA events a few months before the entry deadline.
Periodically, we receive testimonial letters written by various people from across the nation. If you would like to read a few of these letters, you can find them on the web site along with all NJSA sponsors.
If you are looking for information about any topic related to the swine industry, just click on www.nationalswine.com to find this information, or a link to other related web sites.
If you are looking for anything related to the swine industry, all you have to do is click on www.nationalswine.com because there is always something new for you to experience on this web site.
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Thoughts from the Word
by Ray Perryman, Short Round Ministries
Hello to all you guys and girls in the National Junior Swine Association! I want to take a few moments to tell you a story about two sisters who had very different views about life. You can find the story in Luke Chapter 10, verses 38-42.
As Jesus was coming into a village, a certain woman invited him over to her home. Now this certain woman had a name, and it was Martha. Martha had a sister named Mary who was also at this event. What an event! Can you imagine the Son of GOD sitting at your kitchen table? Can you imagine getting to enjoy his company? Wow, that would be cool!
Anyway, when they got to the house Martha was running around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to make sure everything was perfect at the house because of the importance of her guest. Meanwhile, her sister Mary was just sitting at Jesus’ feet, hanging on his every word, listening to him and learning from him.
Now Martha got just a little bit upset and began to complain to Jesus about what she thought was a lazy sister. I mean after all, Martha was working her fingers to the bone, and Mary was just sitting there listening to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. After Jesus listened to this complaint from Martha, he said something very interesting. He said, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Now which are you - a Martha or a Mary? Don’t you think its time we quit spending so much time worrying about the little things in life and get the most important ones right. If you have never asked Jesus into your life, then you’ve never chosen the right thing to do. These things on earth are just temporary, but a decision to ask Jesus into your life is forever.
Remember if you ever need to talk or need someone to pray with you, just give us a call, night or day, at my cell (936) 546-4442 or home (806) 832-4137.
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