Q&A with Nat Stas — Technical Services Director at PIC

The swine industry is more than barns, feed, and hard work—it’s a field fueled by passion, innovation, and dedication to bettering agriculture as a whole. In this month’s installment of Showmen Currently in the Field, we’re excited to highlight Nat Stas, Technical Services Director at PIC, who has built a career blending technical expertise with a passion for swine.

From growing up on a farm in Western Pennsylvania to leading a technical team in North America, Nat’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering drive to learn. His experiences—ranging from showing pigs at county fairs to tackling complex agricultural systems— offer valuable insights for aspiring professionals in the swine industry.

Q: ShowPig

Nat, thank you for joining us! To start, can you share your background and how you got involved in the swine industry?

A: Nat Stas
Thanks for having me! My journey into the pork industry might not be unique, but it’s definitely been impactful for me. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania in a veterinary family that operated a mixed-animal practice. We were hobby farmers at best, raising a handful of show pig sows and participating in 4-H at the county fair level. I started showing pigs when I was around seven or eight years old. 

One key moment for me was a conversation with Randy Shipley, who advised me to explore commercial production. That conversation connected me to Randy Bowman at The Maschhoffs, which eventually became my entry point into the commercial swine industry. After graduating from Penn State, I moved to the Midwest to immerse myself in commercial production. Later, I pursued a master’s degree at the University of Illinois, focusing on genetics and production science. All these experiences eventually led to my current role at PIC, where I’ve been for almost eight years.

Q: ShowPig

Over the years, you’ve become known as PIC’s “ventilation guru.” How did you develop this expertise, and what are you most passionate about in your work?

A: Nat Stas
It’s funny—I didn’t start out with any formal background in ventilation. My degrees are in animal science and genetics, but throughout my career, I’ve realized the importance of continuously learning and adapting. Early on at PIC, I was asked about my experience with ventilation. I didn’t have much, but I dove in, studied the systems, and learned from experts.

Now, I’m passionate about simplifying complex concepts like ventilation and translating them into practical, farm-level solutions. For me, it’s all about taking high-level research and turning it into actionable outcomes that improve production efficiency. Helping producers execute these solutions on their farms is the most rewarding part of my job.

Q: ShowPig

You mentioned being a self-driven learner. How do you inspire your team to find their own passions and develop their expertise?

A: Nat Stas
In my current role as Technical Services Director, my focus is on empowering my team to grow. I believe passion is key—when people care about what they’re working on, they’re naturally motivated to learn and excel. I try to identify each team member’s interests and help them see how those passions can align with our goals as a company and for our customers.

The show pig industry taught me the value of both teamwork and personal accountability. Whether it’s preparing for a show or solving challenges in production, it’s about working collaboratively while taking ownership of your own success. That mindset is what I try to instill in my team.

Q: ShowPig

You’ve made some big moves in your career, from Pennsylvania to the Midwest and even living near Nashville. How did you find the courage to pack up and make those changes?

A: Nat Stas
Growing up in a small town, it was hard to imagine leaving the community where everyone knew my name. But I knew that to grow both personally and professionally, I had to step outside my comfort zone. Moving to the Midwest was a leap of faith, but it allowed me to immerse myself in the heart of the pork industry.

My advice to others considering a big move is simple: go for it. Whether it’s six months or six years, you can always come back. Stepping away from home helps you develop as an individual and gain a broader perspective. For me, it was about diving into the commercial industry and learning everything I could. Now that I’m back in Pennsylvania, I appreciate my roots more than ever.

Q: ShowPig

What advice would you give to young showmen or aspiring professionals in agriculture?

A: Nat Stas
First, seek out mentors, but don’t feel like you need just one. Different stages of life require different types of guidance. My mentors ranged from family members to advisors in college and early career connections.

Second, show up and work hard every day. My college advisor once told me, “If you do that, you’ll never have to worry about a job.” And he was right. Hard work and passion open doors.

Finally, take ownership of your path. The show pig industry teaches you to balance teamwork with individual accountability, and that’s a skill that applies to any career. Whether you’re in the show ring or the boardroom, success comes down to your willingness to learn, adapt, and push forward.

Nat’s story highlights the importance of passion, resilience, and taking risks to grow both personally and professionally. His advice to young leaders in agriculture is clear: embrace learning, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

This series is made possible through the strategic partnership of the National Pork Board. To learn more about the partnership, click here.