We caught up with Drake Hook of Drake Hook Showpigs, breeder of the Champion Crossbred Gilt at The 2023 NJSA Southeast Regional!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Roll Call x Blindside x Dirty Secret (Littermate to Close Call @ DHSP Boars)

What was your opinion of your champion as a baby?
“Thumper” always had an outlier look to her even on the sow, a bout with some strep resulted in her being sent back to the grower floor shortly after being dropped on chips.. the Wolka’s came out to look at babies and the rest is history.

What do you think has impacted the pig industry the most within the past five years?
This gilt’s mom, duh. Just kidding, while she’s definitely up there, the one that meant the most to me personally as well as the progression of our program was for sure “Big Red”, the grandmother of Deal With It and many other derivatives. RIP Big Red!

What has been the scariest decision for your operation?
I’m not sure if scary is the right term but a decision I struggle with often is what to keep and what to sell in terms of females. I know what it costs to replace them.. but I also see the bills that come in.

At what age, do you ear notch babies? 
We try to do it within the first 12 days of life.. keyword “try”.

Growing up what did you think your occupation would be?
I knew I wanted to be a cattle rancher/livestock producer from the end of my elementary years on forward, really nailed that one. Prior to that I wanted to be a sportscaster, and to this day I’m certain I’d make Tony Romo and Jim Nantz nervous about losing their jobs if I was in that realm.