Photo by Tom Campbell

Since retiring as an Extension educator, Steve Nichols' wardrobe has changed, but not his passion for pigs.

It's not hard to spot Steve Nichols, BS '73, MS '75, at a swine show — it's a safe bet he'll be the only one wearing a hideously loud Hawaiian shirt.

"He used to wear overalls, but he has moved on to Hawaiian shirts," says his daughter, Brandi, BS '05. "How many other people do you think wear Hawaiian shirts to livestock shows? There is only one: My dad!"

Steve's change in apparel mirrors his change in careers. He retired a year ago after more than 30 years as an Extension educator and is now a consultant for Livestock Engineering Solutions in Greenwood, Ind., working with swine producers to construct proper waste management, nutrient and confinement plans.

"I get to work with people I have known for years, and it allows me to have a flexible schedule, so I can continue livestock judging," Nichols says.

Nichols' passion for livestock and working with swine producers is rooted deeply in his youth; he grew up on his family farm in Boone County, Indiana.

"I knew since I was 10 years old that I wanted to go to Purdue and major in animal sciences," he says. "I was the first in my family to attend Purdue."

Nichols participated in swine judging at Purdue and came under the influence of Hobe Jones, professor of animal sciences, who was also Nichols' academic adviser.

"It was through 4-H and livestock judging at Purdue that I got to know Hobe Jones," Nichols says. "What I remember most about Jones is that it didn't matter if he was talking to a 10-year-old kid or a 40-year-old swine producer, he talked to everyone the same, with great respect."

Nichols had a gift for livestock judging that blossomed during his time at Purdue. In 1972, he took first place in the Eastern National Regional Livestock Contest.

"During my time as a student, I needed a job, so I worked at the Purdue swine farm, which Hobe Jones managed," Nichols remembers. "After I graduated, Hobe asked me if I would like to manage the swine farm and go to graduate school. I thought that sounded like a good option."

Nichols received his master's degree in animal sciences in 1975 and had job offers that would have taken him from his central Indiana home. But after much soul searching and discussions with Jones, Nichols decided to stay close to home, starting his long career as an Extension educator in southern Indiana in 1975.

Two years later, Nichols moved to Carroll County as an Extension educator. That is where he met his wife, Chere, with whom he raised three children, Charlie, Brandi and Woody. He also became one of the most respected swine consultants in the state.

"I accepted the Carroll County Extension job on two conditions," Nichols says. "That I could raise some hogs on a small farm and could still continue judging livestock shows."

As the largest swine-producing county in the state (over a half-million hogs annually), Carroll County was the perfect fit for Nichols. He says he enjoyed his work as an Extension educator as much as he enjoyed judging.

Livestock judging stills plays a major role in Nichols' life. He credits judging for the hundreds of friends he has made over the years.

"I have judged more than 400 shows in 22 different states and Canada," he says." You get far enough from home, and they think you know something."

Brandi said her dad isn't too concerned about smelling like pigs as he travels home from competitions. In fact, he's used it to his advantage to get quickly through airports.

"Dad likes to tell people that at airport security, where they make you take off your shoes, he usually smells so much like pigs that they wave him right through," she says.

Nichols has been a livestock judge for 33 years and has fond memories of packing up the family on judging trips that doubled as vacations.

For Brandi, a memorable aspect of the shows was that right before announcing the winners, her dad would thank everyone for giving him the opportunity to judge and he would also recognize his family for being there. "He values his family so much, and he was always excited to have us there," Brandi says.

Brandi recalls only two family vacations, both within the past six years, that didn't involve pigs. And those trips, to California for the 2001 Rose Bowl and to Hawaii this past November, centered around her dad's other passion: Purdue football.

Now retired for a year, Nichols says he remains close to Purdue in both his work and in his judging.

"I have made so many friends through AGR (Alpha Gamma Rho, a social and professional fraternity for students in agriculture), judging and Extension work, which wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't attended Purdue," he says. "Purdue has had an impact on everything I do from Extension to judging. I have remained close to many of the animal sciences faculty, and all three of my children have attended Purdue."

His impact on others has not gone unnoticed in Carroll County. When Nichols retired, the weekly Carroll County Comet wrote a heartfelt story about Nichols and his contributions to Carroll County.

Nichols has found a new hobby as well. As a retirement gift, he got a digital camera.

"When we were in Hawaii, the camera was permanently attached to his head," Brandi quips. "I'm surprised he didn't have a tan line on his face in the shape of a camera!"

Contact Nichols at snichols@ffni.com