There is an old saying that if you love your job, it really isn’t work. In Brenden Sieren’s case, he believes he has found a business he enjoys that can one day become his career. Brenden, 16, works for Donscheski Show Pigs based in Dunlap, Iowa.
“I started showing pigs in 4-H when I was 9 or 10,” Brenden says. “Dad just asked me if I wanted to show pigs and I said ‘sure.’ I always liked being in the barn every day, watching them and knowing the things they are going to do. They can definitely be a handful.”
Brenden is the son of Brian and Mindi Sieren and will be a junior at Denison-Schleswig High School this fall. The family farms in Crawford County, Iowa.
He says he is interested in all aspects of hog production but especially enjoys the show pig side of the business.
“Right now, I’m learning more about the feeding aspect of the business — how to feed them and how to raise them, that sort of thing. I’m also learning a lot about genetics,” Brenden says.
He says his love of livestock didn’t come until his family moved back to the farm. “When I was younger, I was around livestock a little bit, but I was around it more once we moved to the farm.”
In the summer, Brendan feeds pigs at home and then drives down to Dunlap and does chores there. He also tries to find some time to work with the pigs he plans to show. He has had some previous success in the show ring.
“I enjoy going to the fair and to the different shows,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity for me to network with people in the show pig industry.”
He also is involved with trapshooting at the high school and is a member of FFA.
Brenden is considering attending Des Moines Area Community College to take livestock and agriculture courses.
“I definitely know I want to sell show pigs on my own someday,” Brenden says. “I enjoy the family aspect of the business. Once you get to know them, you consider them family. I enjoy learning from others involved in the industry.”
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Believe it or not, there are a number of Brenden Sieren types interested in a future involving agriculture. In the case of Brenden, he happened to focus his energy on pigs. For him, pigs and pork production are definitely a passion, something that he loves doing. For others it may involve a U-pick fruit or vegetable operation. Some will love the machinery and being involved with planting or harvesting crops. Others will choose computers or technology to help improve their farming operation. The point is this – there are a lot of youth interested in agriculture. It’s not too early to start cultivating relationships with the next generation of agricultural leaders and farm/ranch owners. Get involved with 4-H or FFA if you have not done so already. Sponsor a scholarship or two to help these young entrepreneurs pursue their dreams. Demonstrate your support of agriculture now and they may be loyal supporters of your dealership in the future!
