Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Rags To Riches X 4.0 X Cryin Shame

Mate To O'Farrel barrow that was champion at Breeders Cup and class 14 winning gilt Southeast Regional.

If you have a person starting out, what is one tip on facility design you would suggest to them?
If you are willing to take time to do the little things they will reward you in the show ring.

What do you consider the most influential sow/boar in the showpig industry or your herd?
This is such a broad question, but staying focused with in our program. I would say Collusion made more of an impact in 1 year then any other pig ever has.

My favorite barn snack is..
Biscuit...

In 2021 I most look forward to...
Without a doubt I look forward to working with the kids on our show team.

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion: Black list X Busch League

How did you get involved in the swine industry?
I have been involved in the swine industry since I have been born. With that being said my father used to raise Hampshires in the late 80’s with his dad and my mothers side of her family raised Hampshires. They were installed in the blood and a passion for us even though we just started accumulating them a couple of years ago.

With this being one of the major shows of the summer, how rewarding was it to capture a win?
It is rewarding to see genetics work to what you think they can when you breed livestock. Making this the biggest summer event to date it is a privledge to say we raised a hampshire gilt that won at this level.

With the pandemic, what struggles have you faced as a breeder and how do you think the show world will evolve with the problems we are facing?
The biggest problem in my eyes is the ability to be able to sell the common pigs. The people that are showing nationally are still buying pigs but the families that participate at the local level are not buying as many. With that being said it is going to take everyone to survive these trying times in agriculture even before the pandemic came into play.

What breeding decision are you most excited about for the next breeding/farrowing season?
The sow I am looking the most forward into this fall crop is the Duroc sow that we bred to a 5th place boar from Perry Ga. The sow is the female that won expo in 2016 and I think she is absolutely tailored made for the boar she is bred to.