Showpig News
Describe your operation in terms of scope, size, breeds, etc.
G&S hovers around 80 mature females plus younger keeper gilts at all times. We pretty well farrow year round to fit the age/size windows for all shows across the country. Our main focus is on the crossbred side of things with our biggest purebred focus on Yorkshires, but we also have a select few Berkshires and Spots. We strive to keep making livestock better and greatly enjoy the families we get to interact with in this industry.
What, in your opinion, makes your operation unique?
From a female stand point, we have never been shy about going out and purchasing females (as babies/opens/breds) that we felt like could move us forward in a hurry. We have stayed committed to female lines that not only generate dollars and wins, but also perform in the crate. Relationship wise, a lot of our “customers” are great friends that feel more like family. We do our absolute best to try and help everyone make every pig purchased here the best it can be.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Maybe a little cliché, but I’m a big karma guy so: If you work hard and treat people the right way, good things will happen to you.
Goes along with one of my favorite sayings: “Are you working hard enough to get lucky?”
Describe your ideal customer.
Loyal-we greatly appreciate the customer who stand by us through the good times and bad. Hard working, dedicated, and willing to listen and learn. Showing livestock has gotten so competitive at every level, families have to have these traits to accomplish the goals we all want to achieve!
Share a story of one pig that stands out amongst the rest of the ones you have raised.
“The Solo Sow”—she was an awesome baby pig who went on to win nearly every show she went to in 4 states, then came home and farrowed unassisted at 11 months old and has really laid a major piece of the foundation of our success and continues to make winners every litter.
One thing you can’t live without as a breeder
Family and cell phone.
What is one chore that you hate to do but must be done?
Processing litters or cleaning pens.
If you could raise pigs anywhere in the world BESIDES the state you are in, where would it be and why?
Texas. I love it down there and enjoy the heck out of the people.
What’s playing on your radio while working in the barn all day?
If grandpa is in the barn—strictly country. If he isn’t: Eminem, Dr Dre, Snoop, Heavy Metal, 70’s rock
A thing you can’t live without unrelated to pigs
Ohio State Football
A fun fact that many people may not know about you.
I have 3 tattoos and I enjoy preparing and cooking food (when I have the time lol).
This or that:
Picturing or Videoing?
Picturing
Crossbreds or Purebreds?
Crosses
Stay in a hotel or stay in a camper?
Very indifferent. Whatever is easier that show
Stay home or go to a show?
Go to a show most times. Farrowing season-stay home
Frozen semen or fresh?
Fresh