Planning for rural community building

Oct 21, 2019

Rural residents can connect virtually to strategize about rural youth engagement

By Joe Callahan

A two-year-old company committed to building community using online conferencing technology is set to host another session in its series of gatherings on Wednesday.

Rural on Purpose invites participants to discuss a range of topics in its online gathering called Murmurations-Heart to Heart. October’s focus is Rural Youth Engagement.

The first session on Wednesday will feature presentations from Melissa Wyatt and Jodi Cooper, representing a Hastings and Prince Edward County organization called YOUTH2YOUTH. The organization is supported by the United Way of Hastings Prince-Edward.

In the next session, Brandon and Britney Schielack will discuss the PlatForum Academy’s Rural Youth Entrepreneurship Program, out of the Austin, Texas area. Finally, Wayne Kelly from Brandon University will highlight digital tools and skills used by rural youth.

Mary Doyle, co-founder of Rural On Purpose, has organized numerous activities designed to bring people together, share ideas and then move forward with planned outcomes.

Doyle works with smaller communities to promote entrepreneurship mindsets, create opportunities and define new ways forward, she says.

“We work with the willing,” says Doyle.

Participation in these forums is free of charge.

For more information or to register go to: https://www.ruralonpurpose.com/home

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.