Farms.com Home   News

Nominate Young Individual with Exceptional Service to PA Dairy for Award

If you know an individual between the ages of 18 and 30 who has demonstrated exceptional service to and promotion of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, nominate them for the Jan Harding Ruslavage Memorial Service & Promotion Award by August 4, 2025. The award program was established in 2024 to honor the memory and distinguished service of Janet Harding Ruslavage to Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. The award will provide recognition and financial support to an outstanding young individual who has demonstrated a commitment to dairy service and promotion through the contributions they are making to enrich the future of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. 

“My mom was a promoter [for dairy] all of her life, and she was a role model for many young ladies over the years. She felt promotion and service to the industry was pretty important, and we are proud that this award recognizing exemplary service and promotion to the industry was established with donations from many folks across the industry,” said Jeff Harding on behalf of the Harding family.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/janet-harding-ruslavage-award and are due by August 4, 2025. The winning individual will receive a $3,000 cash award and recognition at the annual Pennsylvania Dairy Princess State Pageant in September.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

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

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.