Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Business Management Practices Selling Tips
It’s sale time and anxious buyers are scanning the web looking for the right pig at the right age. As a breeder you’ve made the decision to video a few of each litter, and put them in an online sale. With a camera in hand you head to the barn, anxious to get some video and send it to your website sale manager.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Cassidy Hayes and his father own and operate HF Genetics, a growing showpig operation in Port Lavaca, Texas.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Breeding Stock Health & Nutrition
Worming your show pig should be common sense. But when a study shows 70% of pig livers from slaughter houses in the U.S. are being discarded due to worms it’s time for the swine industry to take better care of their beloved projects.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Triple L Showpigs in Janesville, WI is a small family owned and operated business that started in 2000. Laura and Darren both raised pigs growing up, but their families never continued farming. They took a leap of faith into the hog business together at the age of 22 years old with two small children who are now 17 and 15. They currently run about 50 sows that consist of Crossbreds, Yorkshires, Berks, Spots and a few Hamps. In stud, they have six boars that they collect and offer semen. They both grew up mostly with pedigree swine, but also enjoy the diversity the crossbreds bring to the table.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Though the bidding is silent during an online auction, there is a constant roar of excitement on screens each evening across the country. And, though a bidder can’t see their competition during on online sale, there is a way to control and conserve your bid, specifically with the maximum bid feature.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Walking, walking and walking – that’s the name of the game for a young woman who has mastered the art of showing pigs. Lea Kimley is an experienced showman who exhibits her love of the show ring and her ability to calmly train a pig to all who watch. She says the key to success is the work done at home. And no matter what time of day or how much she wants to hang out with friends, Kimley works on her pigs to build and maintain the stamina they need to do well in the show ring.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
If Ella Bobell could give any piece of advice to showman across the country, it would be to practice patience while walking their pigs.
Though her age is only in the single digits, Bobell has probably put as many hours into her swine projects as most junior showmen. She has shown pigs since age three and works hard at home to train them to act just right.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Sorting through hundreds of prospect photos online can be incredibly overwhelming and might leave you feeling more confused than excited. Each seller has a different approach to getting pigs ready for sale, which translates to some pigs that are already bloomy and look ready for the show ring, while others are still very green and natural in their appearance. Ryan Sites gives some insight on how to break them down, so that no matter which look you prefer in a baby pig, you can set yourself up for the best outcome on show day.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Luke McDonnell lives in New Castle, IN where he works as a Channel Seedsman and owns LM Ag Services. In addition, he also owns 50 sows jointly with two of his best friends, Ricky and Megan Rosenbaum in Omaha, Nebraska. They place projects currently with around 80 families across the US. Luke has two beautiful Girls, Johnie Anne 7 and Raynee 5.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
The invoices, the registration papers, the delivery schedule, and you can’t forget the pigs. The only way to stay sane is to get organized. When pigs fly, you say? Remember, the goal of organizing is to make your business functional. Being organized doesn’t have to be difficult, just keep it simple.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Nick Berry is the CEO at Swine Genetics International and part owner of Lettow Showpigs. He lives in Ames, IA with his wife Corinn and 2-year-old daughter Collins. Nick is equally passionate about the commercial swine industry and the educational platform that the showpig industry can provide for our future leaders in the pig business.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Your sale is complete, pigs have been delivered, and now you can relax for a few days, close the book on this sale and focus on your next set. Well…not exactly. Continuing a relationship with your buyers beyond the sale gives you the opportunity to develop strong relationships that can create customers coming back year after year.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Lynsee Pullen, her husband, Kyle, and their first baby, Kashton Shaffer Pullen born on May 30th, 2015 all reside in Walton, IN. Lynsee works for her family farm Shaffer’s Gold Rush as well as raises Duroc and Crossbred show pigs with her husband.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Business Management Practices Selling Tips
If you aren’t talking on your phone, it is ringing. All while it continually dings and bings from text messages and emails. This can only mean one thing - it is sale season. Seasoned breeder, Rory Duelm, owner of Duelms Prevailing Genetics, has managing communication in the bag. Here are a few of his tips.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Russell Pedrett is the Herdsman and Farm Manager at Ottenwalter Show Pigs in Colusa, CA where he oversees 240 sows and markets approximately 1500 show pigs each year across the United States.