After any event, it's good to say that things went well. After last week's World Pork Expo, it's even greater to say that--especially after everything the pork industry is going through, regarding the H1N1 virus, low pork prices, and a suffering export market.
The week began with the World Pork Expo Junior National show. Youth ages 2-21 participated in the event, showing their crossbred and purebred market barrows and breeding gilts and competing in showmanship and livestock judging. They represented all the major breeds including Berkshires, Chester White, Duroc, Hampshires, Landrace, Poland China, Spotted, and Yorkshires. Junior entries and the number of pigs were both up, having 500 youth exhibit 1404 pigs. The results show just how amazing youth in the swine industry are!
While the open show didn't have quite the record numbers, the show still went well and the sale went even better. The sale grossed $31,000 more than last year and the top selling boar (the grand champion Duroc) sold for $60,000--twice as much as the highest selling animal last year!
The number of foreign visitors did appear to be down (most likely due to a variety of country bans on U.S. pork), but there were those who visited to cover the event. Jane Wells and the crew from CNBC made the journey and did some great pieces on America's pork producers and our youth showmen.
So now, we're back to the office, getting ready for the National Junior Summer Spectacular in three weeks. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Swine shows...keeping safety a priority!
Last week, I began my internship with the National Junior Swine Association (the youth-oriented division of the National Swine Registry) at one of the busiest/craziest times of the year. Not only is the office in full "get ready" mode for the World Pork Expo which will be held next week in Des Moines, IA, but the Magazine Department is working to put the finishing touches on the next issues of both Seedstock EDGE (the NSR magazine) and The Pinnacle (the NJSA magazine) AND the office is dealing with the most recent ramifications of the H1N1 virus (inappropriately labeled by the media as the "swine flu").
On this last point, it has been extremely interesting to see how a disease issue can affect all aspects of the swine industry and, in actuality, it is the second summer in a row that I have gotten to assist in covering all of our bases when it comes to swine shows. Last summer, Michigan experienced four cases of pseudorabies in hogs on hunting preserves. In that case, jackpot shows in the area were cancelled, blood tests were done, and county fair sales became terminal. Now, at NSR, the same issues are arising--only on a much bigger level.
I must prelude this by saying how proud and confident consumers should be with the pork industry in all of the steps they've taken to provide the United States with a safe food supply. Even before H1N1, biosecurity measures are taken on farms all across the country to ensure that no disease enters or leaves our farming operations. Shower-in/shower-out facilities, biosecure boots for visitors, and quarantine time for people between visits to different farms are just the beginning of the steps farmers take to protect their herds and the American people.
While there was fear that the World Pork Expo shows would be cancelled due to the worry surrounding H1N1, the show indeed will go on and, between the NSR and the National Pork Board, no rock has been left unturned when it comes to making plans regarding the show. No exhibitor or hog will enter that has exhibited flu-like symptoms (even if it is the normal flu and not H1N1), show veterinarians will be on hand and in contact with show officials at all times, and in the event that there is any problem, it will be dealt with immediately by persons who specialize in swine management and care. In short, you--as a consumer--are safe...and so is your pig :)
On a lighter note, it looks like the World Pork Expo is going to be a great show for all involved--especially the junior members! There are over 500 kids, aged 3-21, exhibiting 1404 hogs. NJSA members will participate in showmanship, the gilt show, a crossbred and purebred barrow show, and a judging contest. They will work to earn prizes, money, and great experiences! I am so excited to be working for NJSA and look forward to a wonderful summer of more shows, more experiences, and more fun!!
On this last point, it has been extremely interesting to see how a disease issue can affect all aspects of the swine industry and, in actuality, it is the second summer in a row that I have gotten to assist in covering all of our bases when it comes to swine shows. Last summer, Michigan experienced four cases of pseudorabies in hogs on hunting preserves. In that case, jackpot shows in the area were cancelled, blood tests were done, and county fair sales became terminal. Now, at NSR, the same issues are arising--only on a much bigger level.
I must prelude this by saying how proud and confident consumers should be with the pork industry in all of the steps they've taken to provide the United States with a safe food supply. Even before H1N1, biosecurity measures are taken on farms all across the country to ensure that no disease enters or leaves our farming operations. Shower-in/shower-out facilities, biosecure boots for visitors, and quarantine time for people between visits to different farms are just the beginning of the steps farmers take to protect their herds and the American people.
While there was fear that the World Pork Expo shows would be cancelled due to the worry surrounding H1N1, the show indeed will go on and, between the NSR and the National Pork Board, no rock has been left unturned when it comes to making plans regarding the show. No exhibitor or hog will enter that has exhibited flu-like symptoms (even if it is the normal flu and not H1N1), show veterinarians will be on hand and in contact with show officials at all times, and in the event that there is any problem, it will be dealt with immediately by persons who specialize in swine management and care. In short, you--as a consumer--are safe...and so is your pig :)
On a lighter note, it looks like the World Pork Expo is going to be a great show for all involved--especially the junior members! There are over 500 kids, aged 3-21, exhibiting 1404 hogs. NJSA members will participate in showmanship, the gilt show, a crossbred and purebred barrow show, and a judging contest. They will work to earn prizes, money, and great experiences! I am so excited to be working for NJSA and look forward to a wonderful summer of more shows, more experiences, and more fun!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Busy, Busy...Dizzy!
Oh my goodness, is it really April?! Again, we're heading into one of those months where craziness is never lacking...
For the past two weeks and for the upcoming two, I have managed to add one more thing to my plate by joining the NAMA (National Agri-Marketing Association) presentation team which competes in Atlanta two weeks from today (eek!). We are marketing a dairy product that makes removing hoof wraps easy as pie and, let me just say, it is pretty awesome! Still, this new committment means daily 2 hour practices running through our presentation and making our PowerPoint perfect. Then, there's practice presentations to Michigan Farm Bureau and GreenStone Farm Credit Services...all this week :) Don't get me wrong, I'm totally pumped for the team (and going to Atlanta!!) but I've definitely got to stay on my toes!
In the next few weeks, I'm going to be working on putting together my class schedule for next year. Good news--probably only 16 credits per semester! I have decided, though, to stay at MSU for the next two years, try to to make the judging team, and finish my coursework without stressing out too much. Sorry to all of you out west who thought I might be joining you in the sunshine!
Speaking of judging team, I additionally just got word today that practices for a trip to Utah will begin next week. So, now every Thursday afternoon plus a couple Saturdays for the next month will consist of being in the barns looking at cows and working on honing my somewhat rusty oral reasons skills. Nothing like more activities on the calendar!
After NAMA national convention (as in THE DAY I get back), Block and Bridle will be holding their annual livestock judging contest at MSU's Livestock Pavilion--an event that I'm co-chairing! If you want to help or have a team, give me a holler! The contest will be Sunday, April 19th and will start at 10:00am (registration at 9:00am). Everyone else, feel free to come and watch :)
To back all of that up, I have 18 credits worth of classes, work, Collegiate FFA, and a boyfriend to keep me busy. But, then again, who doesn't?
Hope everyone's April is off to as good of a start as mine...over and out!
For the past two weeks and for the upcoming two, I have managed to add one more thing to my plate by joining the NAMA (National Agri-Marketing Association) presentation team which competes in Atlanta two weeks from today (eek!). We are marketing a dairy product that makes removing hoof wraps easy as pie and, let me just say, it is pretty awesome! Still, this new committment means daily 2 hour practices running through our presentation and making our PowerPoint perfect. Then, there's practice presentations to Michigan Farm Bureau and GreenStone Farm Credit Services...all this week :) Don't get me wrong, I'm totally pumped for the team (and going to Atlanta!!) but I've definitely got to stay on my toes!
In the next few weeks, I'm going to be working on putting together my class schedule for next year. Good news--probably only 16 credits per semester! I have decided, though, to stay at MSU for the next two years, try to to make the judging team, and finish my coursework without stressing out too much. Sorry to all of you out west who thought I might be joining you in the sunshine!
Speaking of judging team, I additionally just got word today that practices for a trip to Utah will begin next week. So, now every Thursday afternoon plus a couple Saturdays for the next month will consist of being in the barns looking at cows and working on honing my somewhat rusty oral reasons skills. Nothing like more activities on the calendar!
After NAMA national convention (as in THE DAY I get back), Block and Bridle will be holding their annual livestock judging contest at MSU's Livestock Pavilion--an event that I'm co-chairing! If you want to help or have a team, give me a holler! The contest will be Sunday, April 19th and will start at 10:00am (registration at 9:00am). Everyone else, feel free to come and watch :)
To back all of that up, I have 18 credits worth of classes, work, Collegiate FFA, and a boyfriend to keep me busy. But, then again, who doesn't?
Hope everyone's April is off to as good of a start as mine...over and out!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New suggestions....
While at the State FFA Convention, I was surprised to run into an alumni of the Sanilac FFA, Nathan Clark. Nathan is now an ag teacher in Colorado and was back for his 10-year state officer team reunion. While we chatted for a little bit, we got talking about possibilities for transferring to another school to finish my degree. I have long been unhappy with Michigan State's Agriscience Education program. When you look at the curriculum in comparison to other high caliber agriculture schools, it is significantly lacking. Not only that, this past year the major got a title change from Agriscience Education to Environmental Studies and Agriscience (oh yeah, with a concentration in Education). Overall, it's really disappointing to see MSU have such little faith and support in preparing Agriscience teachers in this state.
When I was talking to Nathan, he described how, when he did his degree here, he only completed a degree in Agriscience (no education focus). From there, he transferred to the University of Arizona into the Agricultural Education master's program, took a few courses, did his student teaching there, and got a job. He felt that it was a much better way to accomplish Ag Ed certification and that it was more beneficial than the teaching program at MSU. He suggested that I look into doing the same thing at Arizona or at Colorado State, where he is currently helping a lot with the ag teacher prep program.
At this point in time, I'm so far into my studies that I--at the very least--will finish my degrees in Agriscience (I'm grandfathered in so I don't have to have the new stupid title) and Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications. Still, what Nathan proposes is definitely something to look into. I'm scared, though, to all of a sudden jump ship from the track I've been on. Part of me says, finish the few classes, do your student teaching here and get it over. However, I feel I'd be better prepared and have a better student teaching experience if I ventured out west. I don't know...... :(
When I was talking to Nathan, he described how, when he did his degree here, he only completed a degree in Agriscience (no education focus). From there, he transferred to the University of Arizona into the Agricultural Education master's program, took a few courses, did his student teaching there, and got a job. He felt that it was a much better way to accomplish Ag Ed certification and that it was more beneficial than the teaching program at MSU. He suggested that I look into doing the same thing at Arizona or at Colorado State, where he is currently helping a lot with the ag teacher prep program.
At this point in time, I'm so far into my studies that I--at the very least--will finish my degrees in Agriscience (I'm grandfathered in so I don't have to have the new stupid title) and Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications. Still, what Nathan proposes is definitely something to look into. I'm scared, though, to all of a sudden jump ship from the track I've been on. Part of me says, finish the few classes, do your student teaching here and get it over. However, I feel I'd be better prepared and have a better student teaching experience if I ventured out west. I don't know...... :(
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sadly misinformed...
A couple of weeks ago, I attended my first class for TE (Teacher Education) 302: Learners and Learning in Contexts. From what we've done so far and talked about, it looks like most of the content material will surround teaching and working in urban school settings. However, it appears that my instructor has been poorly informed about teaching routes that are non-academic based (i.e. what have traditionally been deemed as "vocational" or "experiential" courses such as Agriscience). Due to some comments made, I would like to take this time to clear things up for him and any others in the education world who may be slightly confused.
Bone of Contention: "You'll never get a job in that."
It was this comment that was the response to my saying that my teaching major was Agriscience. Besides the fact that, in my opinion, as an instructor and motivator of teachers this sentence should never have been uttered, it is also categorically wrong.
This past fall, the state of Michigan had over five agriscience teacher postings--Whittemore-Prescott, Springport, and North Huron amongst them--and only three first year Agriscience teachers emerging from a year of student teaching. If you and I do the math, I think that equates to more positions than teachers (i.e. everyone gets a job!).
Across the country, there is a shortage of qualified Agriscience teachers to fill the posted positions. In a study conducted through Michigan State University Extension with the support of the American Association for Agricultural Education, Dr. Adam J. Kantrovich found that there has been a shortage of qualified Agriscience teachers for going on 40 years now. Indeed, the number of programs have decreased, but so have the number of qualified teachers to fill those positions. He predicted that for 2007 alone (the study was done in 2006), there were going to be a defecit of over 250 teachers nationwide (i.e. 652 positions, only 401 teachers available on the basis that 50% of graduates would not enter the teaching profession as has been a trend; http://aaaeonline.org/files/supplydemand07.pdf).
The National FFA Organization--the largest youth organization in the country and the chief leadership organization for agricultural education students--has recognized this dire need and, along with the National Council for Agricultural Education, has set out on a campaign entitled "10 by 15" in which they strive to create 10,000 quality agricultural education programs around the country by 2015. I encourage you to visit the 10X15 website for more information. While this may be a lofty goal, it shows the lengths that groups invested in ag ed are going to in order to ensure the longevity of our profession.
Should other struggles be noted? Absolutely. We are at a point in time right now where experiential learning is frowned upon because it is--supposedly--something that cannot be measured on a standardized test. Because of that, administrators are cutting programs to hire more math, general science, and English teachers (not that they're not important, of course). However, when we talk about ways to engage students, sitting them in desks and telling them to listen for 45 minutes just doesn't work for some people. "Vocational" learning is an alternative way to engage those kids--whether it's wood shop, auto shop, drafting, or ag. An ag teacher has the ability to teach biology, plant science, economics, communications, etc.--all important subjects on a standardized test--not just teach kids to run a farm. If that's what you're still thinking we do, think again.
Hence, in response to the comment made by my instructor: yes, I do believe I will get a job. I will get a job, I will work to engage students in creative ways that you can't even begin to imagine, I will provide youth with valuable leadership and life skills, and many of my students will continue to make possible what you so often take for granted. They'll provide you with the food, fuel and clothing you so desperately need. No offense, but can calculus do that for you?
Bone of Contention: "You'll never get a job in that."
It was this comment that was the response to my saying that my teaching major was Agriscience. Besides the fact that, in my opinion, as an instructor and motivator of teachers this sentence should never have been uttered, it is also categorically wrong.
This past fall, the state of Michigan had over five agriscience teacher postings--Whittemore-Prescott, Springport, and North Huron amongst them--and only three first year Agriscience teachers emerging from a year of student teaching. If you and I do the math, I think that equates to more positions than teachers (i.e. everyone gets a job!).
Across the country, there is a shortage of qualified Agriscience teachers to fill the posted positions. In a study conducted through Michigan State University Extension with the support of the American Association for Agricultural Education, Dr. Adam J. Kantrovich found that there has been a shortage of qualified Agriscience teachers for going on 40 years now. Indeed, the number of programs have decreased, but so have the number of qualified teachers to fill those positions. He predicted that for 2007 alone (the study was done in 2006), there were going to be a defecit of over 250 teachers nationwide (i.e. 652 positions, only 401 teachers available on the basis that 50% of graduates would not enter the teaching profession as has been a trend; http://aaaeonline.org/files/supplydemand07.pdf).
The National FFA Organization--the largest youth organization in the country and the chief leadership organization for agricultural education students--has recognized this dire need and, along with the National Council for Agricultural Education, has set out on a campaign entitled "10 by 15" in which they strive to create 10,000 quality agricultural education programs around the country by 2015. I encourage you to visit the 10X15 website for more information. While this may be a lofty goal, it shows the lengths that groups invested in ag ed are going to in order to ensure the longevity of our profession.
Should other struggles be noted? Absolutely. We are at a point in time right now where experiential learning is frowned upon because it is--supposedly--something that cannot be measured on a standardized test. Because of that, administrators are cutting programs to hire more math, general science, and English teachers (not that they're not important, of course). However, when we talk about ways to engage students, sitting them in desks and telling them to listen for 45 minutes just doesn't work for some people. "Vocational" learning is an alternative way to engage those kids--whether it's wood shop, auto shop, drafting, or ag. An ag teacher has the ability to teach biology, plant science, economics, communications, etc.--all important subjects on a standardized test--not just teach kids to run a farm. If that's what you're still thinking we do, think again.
Hence, in response to the comment made by my instructor: yes, I do believe I will get a job. I will get a job, I will work to engage students in creative ways that you can't even begin to imagine, I will provide youth with valuable leadership and life skills, and many of my students will continue to make possible what you so often take for granted. They'll provide you with the food, fuel and clothing you so desperately need. No offense, but can calculus do that for you?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Frustrated :(
It amazes me sometimes how dumb people can be about their physical appearance.
For the past few months, someone very close to me has been trying to lose those famous "last couple of pounds". Over the summer, they lost almost 40 pounds and--honestly--look amazing. However, the last 10 pounds or so won't come off the way they want them to. This person has taken some steps towards exercising more regularly, but can't seem to avoid doing things that I can't believe are 100% healthy (but they're not 100% un-healthy either). About two months ago, they went to one of these health places to get a weight loss supplement. They also like to go eating as little as possible (not anorexic by any means, but seriously, is three small meals that hard?).
Now, for those of you who know me, I know I've never struggled with weight and I'm not trying to be all knowing about how hard it is to lose it. However, I can't believe that drugs and skipping meals is the way to go. It seems to me that the nutritionists and the like who profess exercise and a healthier diet really have the right idea. It seems that by skipping meals, you may be losing weight but you're also losing out on valuable nutrients that your body needs just to maintain functions. Who knows though? Maybe I'm just one of those people who wouldn't understand if I haven't walked in their shoes.
That doesn't change the immense frustration though, unfortunately.
For the past few months, someone very close to me has been trying to lose those famous "last couple of pounds". Over the summer, they lost almost 40 pounds and--honestly--look amazing. However, the last 10 pounds or so won't come off the way they want them to. This person has taken some steps towards exercising more regularly, but can't seem to avoid doing things that I can't believe are 100% healthy (but they're not 100% un-healthy either). About two months ago, they went to one of these health places to get a weight loss supplement. They also like to go eating as little as possible (not anorexic by any means, but seriously, is three small meals that hard?).
Now, for those of you who know me, I know I've never struggled with weight and I'm not trying to be all knowing about how hard it is to lose it. However, I can't believe that drugs and skipping meals is the way to go. It seems to me that the nutritionists and the like who profess exercise and a healthier diet really have the right idea. It seems that by skipping meals, you may be losing weight but you're also losing out on valuable nutrients that your body needs just to maintain functions. Who knows though? Maybe I'm just one of those people who wouldn't understand if I haven't walked in their shoes.
That doesn't change the immense frustration though, unfortunately.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Withdrawals from the happiest place on earth...
So, it's often amazing to me (and many others) that after 10 times at Disney World, I could still be so sad about not going this time around! While in Florida for the week, we were able to go to Disney Village (or Downtown Disney I guess it's called now) and had tea at the Grand Floridian Disney Resort. After tea we rode the monorail around the park--just for the fun of it--and it was so sad to go past the Magic Kingdom and not get to stop! I know, sad and pathetic. What can I say though? I'm a Disney child, born and bred :)
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