We caught up with Ben Cooley of Flatland Showpigs, breeder of the Grand Champion Crossbred Gilt at The 2023 San Antonio Stock Show!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Tricked Out x 14-8 Goosebumps x 225-6 Verbatim x Roxy

What was your opinion of your champion as a baby?
The entire 52 litter were very impressive and easily one of the highlights this past summer. Bryan and I both thought these babies would have a shot at success if put in the right homes. The San Antonio gilt specifically was so impressive in terms of skeletal quality, proportions and yet having stoutness. Her hip and hind leg design is the prototype in my opinion.

Favorite sow? Why?
We have multiple sows in production at Flatland Showpigs that are really starting to make an impact but I'd say anything that goes back to the famous 225-6 Verbatim x Roxy are the building blocks of our herd. Particularly the 14-8 Goosebumps and 235-8 Kingpin daughters are spiting out winners at a high rate and just as importantly generating replacements.

What has been the scariest decision for your operation?
LOL, interesting question. We really don't try to be scared of much but be calculated in our approach to building our business. I would say we took a big step in our program this past year as we are building a new chip barn and sale facility. It's a sizable investment, one we know will pay off in the future. We're excited to show our customers the finished project in 2023!

At what age, do you ear notch babies? 
We typically notch babies at 3 days of age when we give iron shots.

Growing up what did you think your occupation would be?
My parents encouraged me to participate in a wide variety of activities from sports to music to 4-H. I'd say when I got my first pig project it was set in stone that I wanted to raise show pigs eventually. It was always a passion of mine and I can honestly say it wouldn't have happened without the partnership and friendship of Bryan and Kelly Funk. We are certainly more like family than anything else. I feel blessed that we can be part of this great industry everyday.