We caught up with Mr. Kyle Knauth of Knauth Showpigs, breeder of the Reserve Champion Crossbred Gilt at The 2022 National Junior Summer Spectacular!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Play It Cool x Never Before x Rule 21

The Never Before sow, Rosie is a full mate to Play It Cool, it’s only inbreeding if it doesn’t work, right?

What have you changed in your operation over the years that has helped you succeed?
Over the years, we have stayed convicted to how we want to do things    It maybe wasn’t the quickest way to success, but it seems to be working in the long run.

Favorite product you use in your operation:
That’s a big question. There are a lot of small things we use that make a big impact. In terms of breeding sows, IU AI rods are a must!

Who was someone who helped you get your foot in the door and get your operation started?
Dennis Wilber took me to the first World Pork Expo in Des Moines when I was about 12 years old. From there, he taught me a lot about raising and showing pigs

The ideal customer to me is... 
One that sends texts messages. I’m not a big talk on the phone guy, or a big talking guy in general.

We caught up with Mr. Kyle Knauth of Knauth Showpigs, breeder of the Grand Champion Market Hog at the 2021 Kentucky State Fair!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Hall Pass x Rule 21

Hall Pass was a boar we had a lot of faith in when we sold him and it’s very rewarding to produce high caliber offspring out of a boar we raised!!  The Rule 21 daughters are tremendous sows

What's your favorite sow on the farm?
This is a very tough question as there are several that come to mind but the dam of Hall Pass, Fool Proof and Breaking Rules would have to be at the top of the list.  

If you could offer one piece of advice for families wanting to show pigs on a competitive level, what would it be?
The most important thing is to become familiar with a breeder or a trader and tell them your goals and allow them to assist you.  For us, we are always willing to help all customers with feeding and daily management advice.  Winning at the highest level is a total team effort.

Favorite or Least Favorite Ear-Notch
27 - I struggle to make that notch big enough and customers misread a lot of our notches, especially when it’s in down earred hog.

What's next for your showpig business? (Upcoming sales, exciting matings, future goals/expansions, etc)
We have the first online sale of the season for Knauth Showpigs scheduled for 1/18/2022 on showpig.com!!!  These hogs will be perfect for May-July shows.