The show pig industry is built on passion, dedication and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the ring. It's about more than just winning ribbons and banners — it’s about shaping the future for the next generation. A Seat at the Table is a monthly series that highlights show pig producers who are stepping into leadership roles within their state associations. These individuals are actively shaping the future of the industry through their passion for agriculture and their commitment to making a lasting impact.

This month, we’re excited to feature Blane Olson of Illinois. A show pig producer and long-time advocate for youth in agriculture, Blane serves on the Illinois Pork Producers Association board and is a strong voice for the show pig sector. As the owner of Olson Farms and a proud member of a family deeply rooted in the swine industry, Blane brings years of experience and forward-thinking leadership to the table. We caught up with Blane to talk about his background, why he stepped into leadership and his hopes for the next generation.

Q: ShowPig
Welcome, Blane! To start off, could you just share a little bit about yourself and your operation?

A: Blane Olson
Thanks for the opportunity! My name is Blane Olson, and I'm from Logan County in central Illinois, near Elkhart, where I grew up on a corn, soybean, and show pig operation. My family’s been raising purebred hogs for generations — my dad, his dad, and now me and my kids.

I showed through 4-H and FFA, judged livestock at Lakeland and Western Illinois, and came back home to farm. What started as a 4-H project has turned into a full-time operation with 40–50 sows. My wife, Kristi, and I have been in the hog business together for over 16 years. She and our five kids are hands-on with the farm, and we now sell pigs across the country. It's truly a family-run deal, and we love what we do.

Q: ShowPig
How did you first become involved in your state association?

A: Blane Olson
Well, I guess, like a lot of people, you don’t start out with a plan. It just kind of happens. I started attending Illinois Pork meetings years ago, kind of tagging along with some older producers from around here. One of my mentors was really involved at the time, and he encouraged me to come to some of the meetings and give input. I didn’t say much at first, just listened. But over time, you start speaking up, and eventually someone asks you to be on a committee or a board. I guess one thing led to another and I’ve just stayed involved.

Q: ShowPig
What inspired you to say yes to that leadership path?

A: Blane Olson
I think it was partly feeling like if I didn’t do it, someone else would have to. And maybe they didn’t want to either. Also, like I said, I had some people who encouraged me and made me feel like I had something valuable to add, even if I didn’t think so myself at the time. That kind of support really matters. And once you get a little taste of being part of something bigger than just your own operation, it becomes pretty rewarding.

Q: ShowPig
What’s been the most rewarding part of your involvement in the show pig industry?

A: Blane Olson
That's a good question. So, we’ve raised reds since I was a kid, and we’ve had some success. But honestly, the neatest thing has been doing it as a family.

My wife grew up in the cattle business and was very successful with Shorthorns. When we met, she said she’d never marry a pig guy — and now she’s a pig lady. Our kids are involved in different ways. One of our sons prefers showing sheep, which is great, but he’s still involved on the farm. Watching them grow into roles and be passionate about what we do, that's the most rewarding part. They’re not just doing chores, they’re engaged. And seeing that evolve, especially as they think about their own futures in the industry, is really special.

Q: ShowPig
How have your leadership roles changed your perspective on the industry?

A: Blane Olson
I think as your role changes, especially as you gain experience, you see things differently. On the farm, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve shifted from doing all the manual labor to making breeding decisions and mentoring the next generation. That perspective shift helps me appreciate the bigger picture.

When we had our youngest, my wife was in the house with a newborn and I was out cleaning pens late into the night. A couple weeks later, we sold a boar that ended up making a big impact. That experience taught me a lot about perseverance and growth.

In leadership roles, the same thing happens. You start small and suddenly you’re making decisions that impact the whole state. You realize how important it is to keep improving, because when you're doing well, it raises the bar for everyone around you. 

Q: ShowPig
Has that new perspective changed how you view the broader impact of the show pig industry?

A: Blane Olson
Absolutely. Judging shows, you realize very quickly the weight of your decisions. You might have three to five seconds to decide if a kid’s pig makes it to the ring or not. Sometimes, you’re delivering tough news to a kid who reminds you of your own. And it hits you — this matters.

That perspective carries into state association work too. We try to think not just about the families who win all the time. They'll be fine. But what about the kid who only shows at the county fair? Or the family that clearly doesn’t know what they’re doing because they’re brand new? We were that family once.

I remember getting kicked out of the ring when I was 16 because our gilt was short-titted — we didn’t even check. We didn’t know what we were doing. And someone helped us. That’s stuck with me. We have to remember to help those people and make their experience just as meaningful as anyone else's.

Q: ShowPig
What advice would you give to other producers considering leadership roles in their state or local associations?

A: Blane Olson
Do it. And if you’re even thinking about it, ask questions. There’s always someone who has done it before who’s willing to help. And don’t think you have to fit into a certain mold. You don’t have to be like the person who came before you.

For me, that was my mentor. He did so much at the state and national levels, I was never going to be him. But he saw something in me and encouraged me, and that’s what matters. Find where you fit. Figure out what you bring to the table, even if it's different.

And if you’re going to take time away from your farm to go to meetings, make it count. Be involved. Don’t just go through the motions. If you’re not contributing, you’re just in someone else’s way. But if you’re intentional, you’ll make a real difference — and you’ll enjoy it more, too.

Q: ShowPig
Blane, thank you so much for being a part of this series and sharing your experience. Your story and insights are incredibly valuable.

A: Blane Olson
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity—it’s been fun to visit.

Thank you, Blane, for your time and leadership. We look forward to seeing what’s next for you.