Hi Point Genetics - Dissapointing

[SPRINGBRANCH]

I purchased a cross boar from Hi Point that we took to the WPX. Prior to going to Des Moines from Texas a called Brent and Mike, the owners of Hi Point and asked about purchasing a bred sow or gilt to pick up there. They said they would probably have one, but would call me before the show to let me know. About 2 weeks out i called them to follow up and was told they had my name and number and would be in touch. They never called. While at the show i text both of them about coming to look at the boar since they were there and they said they would and would call or text me when they could come because they had folks picking up some pigs. Again, no call. So the next day still prior to our show i called again, and again they said yes they'd come take a look at him. i was wanting their opinion on him in person since they were the breeder. Strike 3 no call again. Hey i know these guys are busy, but if you don't want to or can't do something just say so, i feel like they really don't care about a small buyer. it was frustrating to purchase an animal from a breeder then completely get blown off when that same breeder is literally within 5 minutes walking distance from you at a major show. i'll never purchase pigs or semen from them again that's for sure.

[khilligo]

I can feel your frustration and wouldn't blame you for posting it but they aren't the only ones in this industry that have their noses pointed to the sky. Banners sell hogs not personalities. Reality. There is guys I wouldn't buy a beer for but if the pig is good enuf and I can afford it I'm in.

[LazyRYhogs]

I was just reading your experience with Hi Point. Disappointed is putting it lightly. We bought 2 Elite gilts. The registered york wont cycle constantly and we missed her for farrowing in time for our fair. The registered Hamp is a total loss. She was bred to Man Amongst Boys from Hi Point. 5 piglets - 3 born with 5 and 6 toes. Of the 2 that lived. One beautiful gilt and a 6 toe (on her left front) misshapen gilt. This is not an environmental issue. We a are small producer and our other two sows had 13 and 12 with one still birth between them. We paid a lot of money for 1 good piglet. +×÷= happens but over 50% of a litter deformed is very disappointing. I called and was treated rudely. I would stay away from MAB and Hi Point. I hate posting this but i dont think they care about the ethics of these deformed pigs. The one we have that is good is a market / terminal hog. Good show hogs shouldn't come at the price of deformity.

[gobigorgohome]

This is my pet peeve!! Yes, I know breeders are busy, sell a lot of animals, etc. But don't offer to do something and then blow the buyer off. My daughter's first year showing goats, the breeder told us he would come by and check on them part way thru, and his wife used to show goats and would be more than happy to work with my young daughter on handling/showing. All sounded good until after we got home. The goat ended up being too old - rookie mistake on our part. I called the breeder to let him know how much the goat gained in the fist month and to get advice - he never called me back. I called him a hand full of times, always getting voice mail and leaving messages with no call back. Since then I have discouraged new showmen from buying from this breeder and suggested our Ag advisor not send new showmen to him.
Similar experience with pigs. Breeder lived close by, comes to our area every so often and would be glad to come by 30-45 days before the show to look at the pigs and give us last minute feeding advice. Sounded great! Bought more pigs from him that we had planned to, just because he seemed so nice and helpful! Well, I did get a call back the fist time I called - received vague advice and "send me a picture so I can see". A little disappointing!
Like I said, I know everyone is busy and can't visit all the kids they sell to - but don't offer to do something and then not follow thru.
This year we bought from a well know breeder, had a little issue with one pig - he made it right. Any time I called or texted I got a quick response. He was an hour away so I didn't expect a personal visit. But, I was pleased with him trying to keep a new buyer happy and we will be back to buy again this year. Win - Win for both of us!!

[kcshow]

Ive heard of several small breeders using big name boar studs, buying semen from some of the most popular, high dollar boars and having small litters or females not sticking. Theyre paying an arm and a leg for semen with little to no result. I do believe that things can happen due to the shipping company mishandling packages but when its a consistent issue there is some sort of problem.

[luxie]

I've dealt with hi point for over 20 years and they have always treated me well. I am a very small breeder and never breed more than 5 sows, I always deal with Brent or Mike and they have both stood behind whatever they told me.