Two Maine 4-H alums to be National Ag Day representatives

Feb 21, 2022

Two Maine 4-H alumni, selected by the National 4-H Council in a competitive application process, will represent National 4-H during the 2022 National Agriculture Day Training, part of the National Agriculture Day Student Leadership Program.

Ashton Caron Penobscot Livestock 4-H Club

Ashton Caron is a nine-year member of the Penobscot Livestock 4-H Club, where he raised cattle and sheep, served as a mentor for younger 4-H members and participated in multiple research projects. Ashton attends the University of Maine School of Food and Agriculture majoring in animal and veterinary sciences.

Elizabeth Eaton Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club

Elizabeth Eaton, a seven-year member of the Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club, raised and showed Belted Galloway cattle and served as a leader of younger 4-H members. She attends the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, majoring in animal sciences with a pre-veterinary focus.

Along with other students from across the country representing Future Farmers of America; Agriculture Future of America; and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Science, Caron and Eaton will connect with policy influencers at local, state and federal levels, and with industry experts, exploring how to become more effective advocates for agriculture and 4-H.

The training and student leadership programs are annual events leading up to National Agriculture Day, sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America, to be held as a virtual event in March.

Source : UMaine

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.