Meet the Bloggers


Michael Lackey, Field Representative
Northern Region

Michael works to promote the use of purebred Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire swine in the Northern region of the U.S. He also provides technical assistance to breeders throughout his territory. Michael attends regional, state, and national NSR events, sells advertising for Seedstock EDGE and coordinates catalog listings for Buyers Choice Auction sales.





Brian Anderson, Field Representative
Southwest Region

Brian travels to promote NSR breeds across the Southwest region of the U.S., covering states from Missouri west to California and south to Louisiana. He also attends all regional NSR and NJSA events, sells advertising for Seedstock EDGE in his territory, and helps members coordinate catalog listings for Buyers Choice Auction sales.





Ralph Doak, Field Representative 
Eastern Region

Ralph is responsible for promoting purebred swine and making herd visits in the Eastern region of the U.S. He also works as a ringman at all NSR shows and sales, as well as several state fairs. Ralph sells advertisements in his territory for Seedstock EDGE and helps members coordinate catalog listings for Buyers Choice Auction sales. Additionally, Ralph is available for genetic consultation for both junior and senior members of NSR.



Jen Gillespie, Director of Marketing & Communications
As the Director of Marketing & Communications, Jen is responsible for the long-range planning and implementation of activities within the department. This includes the production of Seedstock EDGE, development of an online presence through the NSR website and social media outlets, and fostering strong working relationships between the department and NSR members. Jen attends NSR shows and events to represent the NSR and provide event coverage.
 
 
Katie Maupin, Assistant Editor

Katie is our Assistant Editor and major contributor to Seedstock EDGE. Her responsibilities include writing feature articles, compiling and editing show reports, maintaining social media content, taking photographs and working with advertisers and clients. She serves as the editor of the Pinnacle, the e-newsletter of the National Junior Swine Association, and travels to NSR shows to represent the NSR and provide members with live reports and updates.




Sarah Schwab, Junior Activities Coordinator

Sarah works to organize and implement the activities of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA). NJSA is the nation’s largest youth livestock organization, which consists of more than 11,000 youth 21 years of age and under who have an interest in the Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds of swine. The NJSA currently hosts nine regional and national swine shows, three leadership conferences, and oversees a variety of personal development and competitive programs for youth in the swine industry.


Cally Hass, Director of Junior Activities

Cally directs the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA), the nation’s largest youth livestock organization, which consists of more than 11,500 youth, 21 years of age and under, who have an interest in the Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds of swine. She works to organize and implement five national shows, four regional shows, and three leadership conferences, including the World Pork Expo and the National Junior Summer Spectacular. She also works to manage partnerships of the youth organization, as well as lead long-term planning and growth.


Steve Weintraut, Creative Director

As our Creative Director, Steve designs advertising for Seedstock EDGE and produces various custom projects such as breeder catalogs and fliers. He also develops numerous promotional materials for NSR and NJSA events throughout the year and maintains the NSR website.





To meet more of the NSR staff, visit the Who We Are page on our website!