Breeder Central
By Blair Kent
Briefly introduce yourself:
Carl Kent & Sons Showpigs began in 1974 in Pottsboro, Texas. The family consists of Carl and Joyce Kent, Blair and Jessica Kent, Brandon and Mondi Kent, and Brian and Tammy Kent. There are six grandchildren (Morgan, Henlie, Kyler, Hayden, Barrett and Ryder)! The farm consists of 40 showpig producing females and 6-8 boars on stud!
Location: Pottsboro, Texas
One word that best describes how you work: All day, every day
Current Mobile Device: Galaxy S5
Current Computer: ASUS
Current Camera: Sony Handycam
First, tell us what you feel separates your business from other operations in the show pig business?
We have been in the showpig business since 1974, with champions across the United States. No matter the trend in the show ring, we have stayed true to our belief that it starts at the ground. By staying true to that, our consistency over the years has set us apart from other operations.
What websites, apps or tools can’t you live without? Why?
My phone and laptop are my life during pig season. Pictures are typically taken with the phone, downloaded to the laptop and sent off for the online sales. The websites we can’t live without are Facebook, our website at www.carlkentandsons.com and Showpig.com!
How do you keep your to-do list?
Shot records are kept in a three-ring binder, while our other to-do lists are in our heads!
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
Phone and computer are the only gadgets we use.
What do you listen to while you work?
Texas/Red Dirt Country
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? What’s your secret?
I don’t know that I’m better than anyone at any one thing, but I can say that I will work hard to try to be!
What are you currently reading?
This questionnaire
How do you recharge?
Step away from the farm and spend time with the family for a while.
What is your favorite and least-favorite chore?
Favorite: Getting ready to go to a show/sale.
Least Favorite: Picturing pigs for online sales
How long does it take you to picture, sort and write a description for ONLY one pig in an online sale?
30-45 min
Describe your ideal customer.
The ideal customer is one who wants the best pig we have available, no matter the breed/ color, keeps us updated throughout the feeding period and lets us know how the show goes. Good or bad, we want to know so we can make adjustments to make our operation better for the next time!
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see ________ answer these same questions.
Josh Vincent of Vincent Farms-Dorchester, Texas
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It’s fairly simple but true, “Be honest, work hard!”