Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is the the fancy long name for the disease. This disease causes reproductive failure, pneumonia and increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. This ever-evolving disease affects the pork industry in both the commercial and show industry. While this disease has been around for some time it is always evolving and changing within the industries. For the future of pork production this is a topic that needs to be addressed.
Photo Cred: Pederson’s Natural Farms
What’s New?
Within the past few months of the new year there has been a new strain of PRRS migrating into the commercial pork and show industries. PRRS linage 1C RFLP pattern is what they are calling it, and it comes about by the swine having prolonged PRRS infection. This meaning that they have contracted the disease and have not been treated or have been on and off sick with PRRS. There has been some difficulty eliminating the disease since it is a new strain that nobody was ready for.
There are 2 distinct strains of PRRS with one coming Europe and one here in the United States. Both are currently in the United States and have many different viral variants. Between the 2 strains they are genetically different but clinically similar in terms of symptoms and reactions. These symptoms are periods of anorexia, fever, lethargy, depression, and respiratory distress or vomiting.
Photo Cred: U of I Veterinary Medicine
How Does This Affect Us and What We Need to Do.
With this new strain of PRRS it affects both the commercial and show areas of the swine industry. As far as preventative maintenance of the spreading of this disease is to ensure better biosecurity procedures than what we already have in place. This includes cleaning transport trucks, showering in and out, isolation from the heard, wearing plastic boots and changing clothes in between barn visits.
Vaccines and Technology
Within the past few months there is no know vaccine out yet for the new strain of PRRS, but according to my local vets around the area they are about 6-8 weeks out from getting a new vaccine. There is also new technology that is supposed to be coming out for commercial hog barns to help combat PRRS. It includes taking water and oxygen molecules from the air and turning them into hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyls that are distributed through and fogging machine. The swine will inhale these particles and get into their lungs and destroy the PRRS in the pig.
About The Author
Photo Creds: J. Marie Photography
Hello everyone, my name is Andy Bates and I am from Gilson, Illinois and currently a senior at Western Illinois University. I am majoring is Ag Science and minoring in Animal Science where I will attend another year at Western and graduate in May of 2025. I grew up on a small diversified livestock operation which included, a small commercial cow/calf operation, and raising purebred Duroc show swine. I grew up raising and showing swine since I could walk and having to hear about this new string of PRRS really got me worried since I am still deeply into this industry. I hope you enjoyed my blog and i hope that i brought a new perspective to the swine industry.
William James: “The greatest purpose of life is to live it for something that will last longer than you.” I never truly understood what the word legacy truly meant until my time at WIU begun. It became apparent my first day on campus WIU wasn’t just a University but a place where true legacies begin. The livestock industry alone is packed with WIU alums who have not only been influential but will leave lasting impacts. Their continued support is what keeps the WIU agriculture program standing. I hope one day that I can give back to the program that has already given so much to me.
The word legacy is widely used but many often don’t understand the true meaning. The Oxford Dictionary: “The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.” After talking to alumni, professors, and supporters it is clear that their actions have changed WIU for the better. As you walk down the hall of the Livestock Center the walls are decorated in history dating back to almost a century ago. Little did they know the impact they would have on not only future students but WIU it self.
Events such as annual livestock judging competitions, livestock shows, and representing WIU at the National Barrow Show have blazed the trail to where we are today. Everyday we strive to be better than the day before. As Dr.Mark Hoge, WIU professor, remarks “Amateurs make decisions off of emotions while pros make decisions off commitments.” This quote speaks volumes, it’s a direct motivator that speaks to and relates to everyone here at WIU. Every current and past student has embraced this quote and exemplifies it in their own lives.
I want to contribute to this legacy and continue the Leatherneck way but also make it better. This year we made a goal for the Legacy Sale to generate 150,000 dollars, we not only met our goal but exceeded it. This took countless hours contacting past alumni, breeders, and businesses across the country. This speaks volume to the support WIU has as well as the dedication of the current students to succeed. Not only was our Legacy Sale a success but my fellow classmates and I are striving to improve other parts of WIU. For example my friends and I have been redoing a barn currently on school grounds. South Side, as we call, it started with a vision, it certainly has not been an easy task. But we have made it into a fully functional show barn for small ruminants. My favorite part is showing prospective WIU candidates what is possible with a goal and self motivation.
“South Side”
Co-founders- Adam Bensman and Coby Frey
Photo Credits: Paige Pence
Making the decision to come to Western wasn’t easy. Being seven and a half hours away from home certainty isn’t ideal. But there is no other place I would rather be. Everyday I am surrounded by like minded motivated individuals, and professors who push each other to get better every single day.
If you want to be apart of the Leatherneck legacy there is a link below.
Hello my name is Coby Frey. I grew up in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, exhibiting all 4 species but predominantly goats. My family and I own and operate Frey Livestock. My involvement in the livestock industry led me into livestock judging. This passion laid the foundation for going to Black Hawk East to continue livestock judging and building lifelong connections. I’m currently studying Ag Science at Western Illinois University, while continuing livestock judging.
Cagwin, a name that has always been impactful in the livestock industry when it comes to cattle; trimming feet, cattle dehorning/ chiropractic, to even capturing the essence of the hard work at shows. Blood runs thick, but the passion for the industry runs even thicker.
It all started with Donald Elwin Cagwin who found his love for cattle through the FFA organization in 1956. As a junior in high school, Donald drove to Colorado to purchase his first Shorthorn heifer from John Shuemin.
“Thats where it all started.” –Donald Elwin Cagwin
Captured in the photo taken by Unknown:
Bruce Brooks, Don Cagwin, Dave Greenhorn, and Brain Cates
Donald started like many others and got a taste for the ring. He started at his local county fair and from there went to state fair. Eventually this led to six plus national champions with his Shorthorn steers and heifers. From there, he went and worked for the National Shorthorn Association for two years and wound up managing Questing Hills Farm. He bought his own operation in 1970 and started building his legacy from there. Donald accomplished this success by buying whole herds and then selling majority and keeping the ones he saw fit for what he was trying to accomplish. He bought herds from all over, this is anywhere from Canada to Nebraska to Tennessee and so on. He held a sale anywhere selling from 50-60 head and kept selling and buying, keeping his herd size around 100 to 150 head.
Donald was the first person to bring Shorthorns over from Ireland. To import any Shorthorns from Ireland, you had to contact Donald. He traveled all over the world looking for the best; Australia, Italy, Ireland, Canada, and etc. Donald was also one of the first people to import full blood Chinana’s from Italy to Canada and traded the cattle there.
Through all this, Donald met his wife Kathleen Jewel Delaney. They had three children: Cindy, Jeffery, and Amanda. But that didn’t slow Donald down. It made the passion grow even stronger to have Cindy and Jeffery working with and beside him. Donald’s piece of advice is to upcoming cattlemen is to:
“I think buying groups rather than just individuals, then sort them around in your breeding program. Then you sell some and keep some is the way to go.” –Donald Cagwin
In the mix of growing up and watching his father fire his passion, Jeffery Donald Cagwin found a unique path of his own.
Photo taken by unknown of:
Jeff Cagwin Exhibiting a Grand Champion and Res. Grand Champion Heifer at his county fair.
Photo taken by Katelyn Turner of:
Jeff Cagwin in his natural habitat (trimming table).
Jeff started showing at the age of nine years old in 4-H, showing heifers and steers. He continued showing until he proved himself outside of the ring by dressing up cattle and working. That started on and off from 14 to 19 years old. During his travels, he started fitting for Jerry Talyor. Jeff and his crew took Mr. Talyor’s cattle to about every major state fair from Missouri to Iowa, and to Kentucky. They went to all of the bigger county fairs in Illinois. Basically, this meant being gone all summer long showing Shorthorns.
In the mix of working and traveling from state to state, Jeff had the opportunity and dedication to win Illinois State fair with his Shorthorn Land of Lincoln steer when he was 17 years old.
With Don always traveling, Jeff had to watch and learn when it came to maintenance work on their cattle. Trimming feet over the years from watching and practicing, Jeff became known for doing a heck of a job. He started trimming at 5 pm after chores and the trailers started rolling in. He did as many as he could until about 10 pm at age 16.
“Non-stop I’d do probably over a 100 head on a weekend.” –Jeffery Cagwin
On top of trimming feet, Jeff had one of the biggest fitting services at the time. Starting in 1983, he won numerous titles, Herdsman of the year, over 30 National Champions, over 5 Shorthorn Junior National Champions, plus having Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion at Junior Nationals two years in a row. Those National Champions consisted of Charolais, Sillars, and Shorthorns. Whenever they were at a show, he had anything from 15 to 40 head of cattle in his string and over 40 different owners.
Jeff worked at the M6 ranch in Texas, taking care of Charolais. They hired him to be in charge of the show cattle and all of the medical work for the 900 head they ran. That’s where he picked up the skill to dehorn.
“We went everywhere, wherever there was a show. Colorado to Louisiana, all the shows in Texas, to Missouri, about every State Fair. If there was a show we went to it, it was non-stop with the M6 crew.” –Jeffery Cagwin
After a while, Don wanted Jeff to come back home. So, they made a deal. If Don bought “Miss Bee” as a three-week-old calf he’d come back home. Miss Bee was out of a cow that Jeff and M6 Ranch made a National Champion. The three-week-old calf (Miss Bee) later went on to produce a bull calf (Be Cool). Be Cool put the Cagwin name more on the map. Jeff and Don syndicated Be Cool. From there on Jeff no longer considered himself a shorthorn guy. He was all in on Charolais cattle.
“We won numerous State Fairs with the Charolais. We hardly ever got beat. We had top selling bulls multiple years in a row in Denver, topped the Iowa Beef Expo sale 3-4 times.” –Jeffery Cagwin
In Virginia, Illinois, Don and Jeff got up to 40 head of Charolais and still carried on with his fitting service. Later on, Jeff moved to Peoria, Illinois, and got up to 200 head of Charolais. Through this transition, he wanted to keep furthering his knowledge of structure and how to structurally correct cattle from the ground up. He started researching and training to do chiropractic work. Jeff is now currently in Kickapoo, Illinois running around 150 head of Charolais. Still trimming feet and dehorning, on a normal day averaging anywhere from 18-25 head a day. While in heavy show season can vary, they come from all over the country and at any time of day or night.
Jeffery Donald Cagwin has three daughters: Brooke Lee (Cagwin), Kylie, and Ella. Who all have spent their fair share of time in the barns. Jeff is still going day in and day out not only trimming feet, dehorning, and chiropractic work, but also striving to keep his genetics one of a kind.
A passion started and turned into where he made his living.
Some may call him “the hoof God.”
Captured in the photo taken by Cindy Cagwin Johnston:
Kylie, Ella, Jeff, Brooke, and Brexton
As a third generation Cagwin, I am born with a passion of the agricultural industry. I want to give back to FFA and agriculture, which has done so much for my family. In order to do this, I plan to educate and give students the same chance to make an impact like my grandfather did. I cannot wait to, hopefully, inspire the future generations to go after their dreams and know the sky is the limit when it comes to paving their own road.
Meet the Author
Hi, my name is Ella Cagwin, and I am a Senior at Western Illinois University. I am majoring in Agriculture Education with a minor in Animal Science. I am involved in many different clubs on campus including: Ag Vocators, Hoof N’ Horn, Livestock Judging team, Ag- Council, Collegiate FFA /Ag Ed/ PAS club, Sigma Alpha, and hold numerous positions in those clubs. I am from Kickapoo, Illinois, where we raise purebred and commercial Charolais cattle. I have my own small engraving business, Cagwin Creations. I am so excited to further my passion for the livestock and agricultural industry!
For as long as I can remember, animals have been the center of my world. From being mesmerized by the animals at the zoo, to saving every baby bird that fell out of a nest in my grandfather’s barn, and starting my own little farm at home, my passion for animals has always shown through. Where most little girls played dress-up with their best friends, my best friend and I were digging up worms and rolli pollies for our “bug farm,” and putting band-aids on our stuffed animals, pretending that we were veterinarians. I have brought home countless stray cats, and currently at home I have 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 goats, 1 horse, and 1 donkey that I have brought home because I simply could not live without them. I have known since the moment I knew what one was, that one day, I wanted to be a veterinarian.
When I was about five years old, my parents took my brother and I to the local animal shelter to adopt our very own kittens. I walked in the kennel room, and locked eyes with a very special little kitten. I knew in that moment, she was going to be coming home with me to be my very best friend. Long story short, she did, and so did her brother. These kittens were named Marci and Turtle, and they were my whole world. I did everything with them, including dressing them up in doll clothes and pushing them around the house in a baby stroller. Marci just celebrated her 16th birthday with my family, and she is still one happy kitty!
A few short years later, I had finally convinced my parents it was time to get a dog. Now my dad had always had a boxer growing up, and said he would never have a different breed of dog, so when our veterinarian told us about a litter of boxer puppies just born, we knew it was soon going to be a match made in heaven. When the puppies were about six weeks old, we went to the family’s home to pick one out. I seriously wanted to take all of them, but there was one that just stuck out to me a little more. For the whole night, I remember clinging to this special little puppy that they called “Wolfie.” Two weeks went by and it was time to pick up our puppy, and it was one of the best days of my life. We named him Brutus, and he has seriously been my parents’ favorite child since. He is now 10 years old, and he is the pride and joy of the whole family.
Horses have always been a major part of my life, and my true drive and passion for the animal industry. My aunt used to take me riding with her growing up, and I never wanted those days in the saddle to end. My aunt told me a story once, about a time she took me riding when I was very little, and the horse decided to buck. Instead of being scared, she said I just laughed and laughed. One year for Christmas, my grandma bought me two riding lessons at a local barn for me to try it out. Those two riding lessons did not last long, and I just kept going back for more and more. When I was 13 years old, I had finally saved up enough money and it was time for me to buy a horse of my own. We drove to a distant relative’s place who had a 10 year old palomino quarter horse mare for sale, that seemed to be exactly what I was wanting. She was everything I had ever wanted and I took her home. Her name is Blondie, and she truly is my best friend. Blondie has taught me so much about riding, patience, kindness, and myself. I have learned more about myself sitting on the back of Blondie, than anywhere else. The back of a horse is truly my happy place.
As soon as I turned 16, I started working at a vet clinic. I have worked at five different vet clinics over the years, four horse stables, and pet-sat for a handful of people, soaking up every second of animal experience I can get. Each place that I have worked, has shown me new skills and given me new experiences. I have also met some of the best people that I truly look up to. I know in my heart, there is no other career path for me, and that is why I am pursuing my dream of being a veterinarian. I believe that yes, my life experiences have shaped me into this dream, but my true passion for the field is what keeps my dream alive.
Veterinary medicine is extremely important to not only me, but agriculture as well. Livestock producers rely on veterinarians to keep their herds healthy and protected, and that is exactly what I plan to do. Without veterinarians providing care, antibiotics, and vaccines for these animals, the production levels of livestock would greatly decrease. With the growing population, livestock producers cannot afford to lose many of their animals.
Meet the Author
Photograph taken by Ryan Stark.
Hi! My name is Emma Lowe and I am currently a junior here at Western Illinois University, with a major in Agriculture Science and a minor in Chemistry. My plan is to attend veterinary school to become a mixed animal veterinarian! Thank you for reading blog!
What are the chances of a first generation female livestock judge making it in the big ring… time will tell. I am a product of collegiate livestock judging, where I was taught by many individuals that all have a different path to get to where they are today. But one thing that has stayed consistent from judging for Jennifer Bedwell to judging for Mark Hoge is being taught not only how to judge four animals but also growing the ability to find the generators (unique females that can make elite offspring within their species) that will make the most lucrative impact on the next generation. Even though most people see it as all fun and games, there is passion and drive to be the best no matter what program you are in. Yet, Western Illinois University does so much more for me than just judging livestock. We get the collegiate experience of traveling around the United States, meeting industry leaders, growing connections, and creating a name not just for the school but for ourselves. But the real question I ask myself is “will I ever get the phone call?”
“When it comes to judging a major stock show it only takes one phone call, you get the phone call by being honest, fair, and accurate you never know who is watching the show. A big show manager could be out there and be your next step for the next phone call” ~ Dr. Mark Hoge
At the end of the day, when we turn in our final card, it will be time for us to grab the microphone, sort the stock, and find the next outlier that will create the new industry standard. The big question is whether committees and people who run major stock shows prefer an individual who went through collegiate livestock judging or someone who’s out on the farm every day creating the champions. At Western Illinois, I get to see both sides of the collegiate judging opportunity, learning how to break down the animal accurately and still keep it where people can understand. Combining it with the hands-on experience of a fast-growing industry, we see the importance and the difference between a generator and a livestock whose sole purpose is to look good in the ring. More times than not, finding a female who can generate and make it to the backdrop is hard to blend, and the person who can break it down correctly is hard to find.
Northen Oklahoma Colloge 2023 Team of the Year
So where does that leave a young lady from Kentucky with no family with a history in the game? I am lucky enough to have parents who understood my passion and did not stop me from taking the bounds needed to get to where I wanted to be. It all started with Jennifer Bedwell, the coach at Northern Oklahoma College, who allowed me to learn the game and what makes good livestock while aiding and grooming her “spitfire from Kentucky.” She allowed me to judge my first show by her side. With the passion I grew from learning from her and connections, she opened me up to a new world and helped me find my purpose in what direction I want to head in. That is how I found my way to contacting Mark Hoge. A leader when it comes to judging shows as well as aiding young stockmen in learning the ways of creating the next animal to make the impact desired. Regardless of my mentors, they have all said one thing: to get to where I want to go, I can not say no to any show, regardless of size, because you never know who will be there.
”In my opinion it is both the livestock judging experience that creates decicison making skills and opens you up to a multitude of breeders and industry leader. Being on a collegiate judging teams help you develop the ability to effectiely communicate and present your thoughts. Students who can take those skills and apply it and make their name through the livestock they produce are the best evaluators, it’s not one or the other its both. There are only one or two progressive judges that I can think of that get the call back that did not judge collegiately” ~ Dr. Mark Hoge
Sydney Alsip competeing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
However, the story changes when you ask a female; after speaking with Jennifer Bedwell, she describes the truth about the hardships of a first-generation livestock judge. She states, “Regarding judging shows, it is all about who knows you. Coming from a historically notable family for judging or raising livestock helps ladies, especially, to get their feet in the door. I do not think first-generation livestock judging females will judge shows on a large scale if they do not come from a production background of the species they are judging.” So that means one thing: First-generation livestock judges and producers like me are least likely to judge a big one and get the same opportunities. So why do I spend all my time studying livestock, going to school, judging livestock with a collegiate team? Because it is my passion and I hope one day that even though I work hard now, I can get the call or at least make a path for my future children.
Meet the Author
Hello, my name is Sydney Alsip; I am a Junior at Western Illinois University, where I am getting a Bachelor’s in Agribusiness with a minor in Accounting. I am from Northern Kentucky where I run S&W Livestock where we raise and show sheep, goats, and cattle. While doing this I aid in teaching youth the basics of judging livestock and helping grow the future of agriculture every step of the way. Thank you for reading my blog!
Gypsy Vanner horses embody the nature of a draft horse in a smaller, hairier, more magical form. This newer breed of horse originated in the British Isles, and was envisioned as the ideal horse for the Gypsies of Great Britain after World War II. The goal of the Gypsy people was to create the perfect caravan horse. These ponies were described as “a small Shire, with more feather, more color and a sweeter head” (Gypsy Vanner Horse Society). The genetic lineage of the Gypsy horse is composed of the Shire, Clydesdale, and the Dales Pony. These breeds also trace back to the Friesian horse. Thus, the magical Gypsy Vanner was created, bred for their strength, lovable personality, intelligence, trainability, and striking looks. Gypsy horses are renowned for their long flowing manes, and tails that elegantly drag the ground, with forelocks typically extending past their nose, and the distinct feathering on their legs; as if they have stepped right out of a fairytale. These features, coupled with their gentle temperament and remarkable build, make Gypsy Vanner horses a true embodiment of equine beauty and grace.
“Gypsy gold does not chink and glitter. It gleams in the sun and neighs in the dark.”
– Claddagh Gypsies of Galway
These real life “unicorns” were first brought to the United States in 1996 by a couple named Dennis and Sandy Thompson, who were simply mesmerized by their beauty and fell in love at first sight. Dennis and Sandy started the first Gyspy registry in the United States “the GVHS (Gypsy Vanner Horse Society) is the world’s first registry to recognize a breed of horse developed by the Gypsies of Great Britain/Ireland and the only such registry founded on an in depth study of British/Irish Gypsies and their horses” (History Gypsy Vanner Horse Society). Since then, other associations representing the Gypsy breed have been formed including the Gypsy Horse Registry of America (GHRA), the Gypsy Horse Association (GHA), the Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association (GCDHA), and the International Gypsy Equine Association (IGEA). Their growing popularity has taken the horse world by storm. From the show ring to the trails, this magnificent breed excels. Even country superstar Miranda Lambert has owned and showed these extraordinary horses for the past 10 years. The Gypsy athleticism, versatility, docility, intelligence, lovable personality and of course spell binding beauty captures the hearts of all whom they encounter.
Pictured here is Bellbottom Risky Bottoms, aka “Storm”, age 5. He is a miniature gypsy gelding, registered with the International Gypsy Equine Association (IGEA). Photo credit: Captured by Carli Equine Photography
In my own life, I have had the great pleasure of personally experiencing the magic of a Gypsy Vanner. Pictured above is Storm. I have never met a horse with more personality or a bigger heart. Storm is a lovable clown and there is never a dull moment when he’s around. Guaranteed, he will win over the heart of whomever he encounters. Back at the beginning of 2023, we decided to completely switch our breeding program. We replaced our foundation quarter horse stallion with a Gypsy Vanner. Pictured below in all his beauty, is Gunner, the star of our barn. He is the most docile, kindest stud I have ever had the pleasure of handling; a true gentleman. As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Gunner’s first foal crop of Gypsy/quarter horse crosses, we are filled with excitement and optimism for the future of our breeding program here at TJ Horses & Tack, LLC. An entire new world of opportunity has opened up due to this breeding transition. I know Gunner has brought with him a sense of magic and wonder into our barn that captures the hearts of everyone he meets. I can’t wait to see where it takes us.
Pictured above: Latigo Westmoreland’s Gunner, aka “Gunner”, age 4, is a Gypsy Stallion currently standing at TJ Horses & Tack, LLC. He is registered with the Gypsy Horse Registry of America (GHRA). Photo Credit: Captured by Carli Equine Photography
Photo credit: Captured by Carli Equine Photography
Hello, my name is Kate Jones. I am a junior at Western Illinois University majoring in Agricultural Business. I am from Fieldon, Illinois, and have a strong passion for agriculture and the equine industry.
For as long as I can remember I have been playing sports. They have been part of my daily life since I was about 10. The memories I have made are irreplaceable and have helped me grow as a person. I have also made the some of the best friendships a person could ever ask for and none of this would have been possible without the presence of sports in my life. The connections you make with coaches, friends, and parents can play a large role in helping your future when you have made it beyond sports, whenever that may be. I have made it to be a division one athlete and I am very thankful for the opportunity I have been given because not many people are able to pursue a college sport, let alone at the highest level.
Photo courtesy: Rachael Keating
Athletics has been huge to me, but I would debate that agriculture has been more beneficial to me as a person. I showed pigs for a brief time when I was eight years old but was too busy with sports and other time conflicts to really pursue the hobby even though I enjoyed it. I really found my passion for agriculture again in 8th grade when my school began construction on an agricultural building. I knew this was my chance to get back into showing pigs and being able to do so even with a busy schedule.
Photo courtesy: Hallie Horsman
What I didn’t take into consideration was how much time, money, and effort goes into owning show animals. It has not been the easiest to combine sports with show animals, but I think there are many similarities to both that are often overlooked. The first being that it is always a team effort, whether you realize it or not there is always someone in your corner helping you. It is hard to get far in sports or livestock without help from someone more knowledgeable than you. I think the connections with people I’ve made owning show pigs have been more beneficial to my future than anything sports could have ever done. However, doing both has opened up many doors for my future and I am extremely thankful for both. Here at Western I’ve been really lucky to have teammates like Logan Beckmier and Lydia Bennett who are on my team and also have shown livestock, it has been great to have people who have similar interests and understand the effort we all put in. Unfortunately, many people do not have the time to do both and often results in finishing your involvement with one or another. I can recommend participating in one or both because it is something you’ll be able to carry with you for the rest of your life.
Meet the Author
Photo courtesy: Rachael Keating
My name is Mia Harris, and I am originally from Sullivan, Illinois. I am a sophomore here at Western Illinois University and I am studying to major in Ag business with a minor in Animal Science. I am also a member of the Track and Field team as a high jumper. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities I have been given and wouldn’t have been able to accomplish them without my parents and my high school ag teacher Wes Wise. I look forward to enjoying what is left of my time with track and owning livestock.
Where do I begin? Where do I start? How should I start? Well, maybe I can start by explaining how I’m new to Agriculture life. I have never heard anything about it besides the stereotypes of crops, farms, and cows. But while studying Agriculture, I learned that there is so much more than the basics of Agriculture. Granted, when I was young I knew what I wanted to do and what I wanted to be.
(Source: Joanna Lee/ 4 years old)
I remember my parents took my brother and I to a farm in Indiana. It was a dairy farmland where kids could do a lot of fun activities and watch cows give birth. At that moment, my mother showed my cows giving birth I knew exactly what I wanted to do and where I needed to be in animal life. I was extremely interested in animals and the laboring procedures. It’s amazing how a child can look at one thing of exposure and wanted to make a career from it.
My family knew how invested I was with animals that every activity I wanted to do it was with animals. My father took my brother and I to see dolphins and wanted to grab background knowledge. Now you’re wondering what this has to do with Agriculture, it doesn’t. But I can say this between knowing the science of animals and putting with Agriculture it helped me understand a little more how important Agriculture is.
(Source: Joanna Lee/ 18 years old)
Now presently, I enrolled into my college years. I began with a Zoology major to start my path of being a Veterinarian Theriogenologist. But after talking to my advisor I was asked which major would give you more hands on exposure and I was welcomed into Agricultural Science. It was a big step for me, because I didn’t come from a rural area nor had any knowledge with Agriculture. Thus, it was a great choice of major because I indeed did get hands on experience and was able to take Pre-Veterinarian Classes. I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I didn’t mention that getting to this process was easy. It was honestly scary and I had so many doubts with myself plus I was typically surrounded by students who were more familiar with Agriculture and the farming life. I’ve felt like the odd ball out, but once I’ve started adapting to students in group projects and speaking with professors to gain more knowledge, I felt at ease and was excited to continue my path with becoming a Veterinarian Theriogenologist.
(Source: Pre-Veterinarian Class Trip. 2021)
Meet The Author
My name is Joanna Lee, I am a Junior at Western Illinois University. I am majoring in Pre-Veterinarian Medicine Agriculutre Science with a Minor in Chemistry. My hometown town is Chicago,IL. I am forever grateful for being in the Ag Department to further reach my career being a Veterinarian Theriogenologist.
For as long as I can remember I have been around livestock. Whether that was feeding livestock at my grandparents or showing my first wether at the county fair, I have always loved working with livestock. From a young age I have always strived to improve myself and the livestock I surround myself with. I have never had the opportunity to purchase the most expensive livestock or had the nicest facilities but my family and I have always worked hard to improve and learn as much as possible. Within competing in the showring, I was soon suggested to try livestock judging through 4-H. In doing so I was quick to realize it was something I wanted to pursue after high school.
High Team Overall National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Photo Courtesy: Linde’s Photography
After high school, I continued my academic and livestock judging career at Black Hawk East in Kewanee, Illinois and now find myself judging as a junior at Western Illinois University. Within my travels, I have made connections all over the country and learned a vast amount of knowledge about evaluating livestock and what it takes to improve your own operations. Although my show career is over, my younger siblings’ time has come and my role has changed from showing alongside them to solely helping to fulfill their dreams and goals and raise livestock that I can help other youth exhibit.
Photo Courtesy: Chrissy Russell
Although I cherish and miss my time in the showring, I am driven to follow my passion in livestock judging and help the younger generations with similar aspirations. I remember what it was like growing up and having a million questions and I strive to be a source of inspiration and knowledge for those who share the same desire and similar goals.
About the Author
My name is Colton Russell, I grew up in Berwick, Illinois. I am currently a junior at Western Illinois University studying to major in Ag Business and minor in Animal Science. I am also a part of the livestock judging team and a member of the Hoof n’ Horn club. I have enjoyed my time showing but am anxious to begin a new chapter in my life helping others who have similar dreams and aspirations achieve their goals and become the leaders of the next generation. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!
A lot of people may not know what electrofishing is; so, I will fill you in. Electrofishing is a fishing technique that uses a direct current of electricity that flows through a submerged cathode and anodes. It is one of the most effective ways to survey and monitor the population of fish within a lake. There are three types of electrofishing techniques, there is a backpack model, tote barge model, and a boat-mounted model. I have all my experience with the boat-mounted model. With this model you will stand up on the deck of the boat and have the driver hover over top of the spots that hold high amounts of fish. The fish will get a volt of electricity and freeze for a minute or two, and you try to net as many as you can in order to get an accurate survey sample of the lake.
Photo Credit: Delaware DNR
I, along with my siblings, have had the opportunity to work with Herman Brothers Lake Management at Little John Conservation Club that my family belongs to. It is located outside of Victoria, Illinois, on some old strip mine ground. There are eight lakes that are consistently surveyed. We do four each year on a consistent rotation. We will survey the lakes collecting some of the fish that are shocked and then determine what actions need to be taken to improve the populations of fish in the lake. This could be reducing the population of one species or increasing the population of another species. This could also include adding structural pieces for the fish, which could be man-made or increasing the amount of vegetation. The following spring or sometimes the fall will be the time that we stock the lakes with the species that we think needs to be increased. Our job after that is to track that population of fish throughout the following years whether that be fishing or looking at the fish while they are spawning. Those are the two most effective ways to look at the fish population without electrofishing.
The stocking of the lakes is the fastest way to replenish the population of fish or introduce a new species. This is why we are surveying the lakes. The fish we are putting in could be a new food source for the fish we are trying to grow, or it could be the complete opposite where we are introducing or increasing the predator fish population to control the bait fish. Like in the picture above we took out a couple flathead catfish because they mostly feed on the bluegill and crappie population. I have had experience doing both where I have added a couple hundred crappie to a lake along with bluegill. The bluegill in the lakes at Little John Conservation Club act as the bait fish with every other species feeding on them. The crappies, when they get big enough, will feed on the smaller bluegills, so we stocked a predator fish at the same time as the bait fish. It is all about what the owner is trying to build his pond to be. If they want a better game fish population, such as largemouth bass, muskie, northern pike, sauger and walleye they would supply them with plenty of bait fish and limit the competition for those bait fish.
This is my experience surveying, electrofishing, and helping to manage lakes. It is important to continue this practice in order to maintain a healthy lake in the long-term. Electrofishing allows a consistent population of fish that will create a self-sufficient ecosystem for the future.
Meet the Author
Hello, I’m Tristan Rogers. I am a senior at Western Illinois University majoring in agriculture business with a minor in business management. I am from Galva, Illinois and I am planning to graduate in May of 2024. After graduation I am planning on working in the ag retail industry.
Western Illinois University School of Agriculture 