It makes sense why we struggle to find people to come back to the farm and put in long, hard days working with livestock. It’s not easy. People don’t understand what it’s all about. With more and more generations removed from the family farm, the pool of potential employees continues to shrink.
There is no question that visa programs are making a big difference. But I believe the swine industry is missing opportunities by not investing more into the next generation of kids who simply love pigs.
I’ve spent the last month on the road watching hardworking, driven, talented young people chase big dreams – and contrary to what some may think, they aren’t just dreams about banners. They are dreaming about so much more because of the opportunities the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred are providing to gain knowledge, develop leadership skills and explore career opportunities.
They Know How to Work
For Nathan Hedden, vice president of swine and animal nutrition at Keystone Cooperative, Inc., there’s no better place to find his future work force.
“We don’t just see young people in the NJSA—we see our future. These youth bring grit, passion and a work ethic that mirrors our values,” says Nathan Hedden, vice president of swine and animal nutrition at Keystone Cooperative. “These kids know how to work. That’s why we’re fully invested—not only in their success, but in building a pipeline of leaders who will shape the future of agriculture, protein production and beyond.”
It’s easy to discredit things you don’t understand. I am excited to see more commercial swine producers and industry partners engage with these kids who have a passion for the swine industry.
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