Tennis win means farming plans are on hold

Jan 19, 2016

Chinese player was ready to quit tour, focus on farming

By Bill Brown, Editor, Farms.com

Chinese tennis player Zhang Shuai was ready to quit tennis and focus on a career in farming before she upset No. 2 seed Simona Halep in the Australian Open in Melbourne Tuesday night.

Zhang won 6-4 6-3 to defeat last year’s U.S. Open semi-finalist in straight sets.

Zhang Shuai

Mai Techaphan / Shutterstock.com

She had previously been as high as No. 30 in world rankings, but the 25-year-old Zhang had recently slipped to World No. 133.

Zhang explained that she had reached a point where “I just didn’t want to play. I felt like I should just go and lose as quickly as possible.”

Thinking she would walk away from professional tennis, Zhang told reporters that “farming” would be her next pursuit.

“I wanted to grow fruit, vegetables, grow flowers.

“I felt I really want to have this kind of life. To feel relaxed and really enjoy life.”

But then she landed in Melbourne and came up with a performance she described as “the best moment of my career.”

Farm life will now be put on hold as Zhang advances in the tournament.

Video: Sowing Success: Dr. Gordon Spronk's Journey with Pipestone and the Future of Swine Health

Welcome back to In Swine Versation. Get ready for an enlightening journey as we delve into the remarkable story of Dr. Gordon Spronk, a founding partner at Pipestone, in our latest episode of "Sowing Success." In this episode, we'll be exploring key questions that shed light on Pipestone's evolution and the future of swine health. Here's a glimpse of what to expect:

1. Exploring Pipestone's Foundations: We'll kick off by uncovering the early vision behind Pipestone and how it has shaped the landscape for new entrepreneurs entering the field. Dr. Spronk will share insights into the core principles that have guided Pipestone's journey and how they continue to drive success today.

2. Industry-Shaping Experiences: Moving on to Dr. Spronk's impactful tenure at the National Pork Board, we'll explore his contributions to sustainability, growth accomplishments, and his vision for the future of pork production. Expect to gain insights into how Dr. Spronk's experiences have influenced the industry and what he envisions for its future.

3. Global Excellence and Growth: With Pipestone ranking second in the latest World Mega Producers ranking, we'll delve into what these impressive numbers signify and how Pipestone continues to excel on a global scale. Dr. Spronk will share his perspectives on the key factors driving Pipestone's success and its strategy for continued growth and innovation.

4. Navigating Challenges: We'll address the hot topic of Prop 12 and its implications for the industry. Dr. Spronk will provide valuable insights into the challenges and implementation issues faced by Pipestone and how the company is navigating through this complex landscape.

5. Updates on Wholestone Plant: Dr. Spronk will provide updates on the latest developments at the Wholestone plant in South Dakota, offering insights into how this initiative aligns with Pipestone's broader goals and objectives.

6. Transformative Journey of Pipestone Management: Taking a trip down memory lane, we'll explore the transformative journey of Pipestone Management since its inception in 1988. Dr. Spronk will share insights into the growth and evolution of Pipestone Management, highlighting key milestones and lessons learned along the way.

7. Defining Swine Health Success: Finally, we'll delve into Dr. Spronk's definition of swine health and its pivotal role in the success of Pipestone Management. Expect to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of swine health and how it drives Pipestone's mission and values.

Overall, this episode promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of Pipestone's journey and the future of swine health. Tune in for an engaging conversation that's sure to leave you inspired and informed about what lies ahead in the world of pork production.