We caught up with Mr. AJ Lewis of Lewis Genetics, breeder of the 3rd Overall Purebred Gilt (Champion Hampshire) at the 2021 The Recovery!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Marvel x Grand Entrance
Mother was 4th Overall Hamp Gilt 2019 NJSS
Grandmother was 5th Overall Hamp 2018 WPX
Littermate gilt being successfully shown by the Rodibough family in Indiana this summer
Littermate boar will be exhibited at the 2021 Exposition

What's your favorite sow on the farm?
3-4 ....Ruble..    When I started raising pigs on my own, I had 35 hamp sows.  That number continued to dwindle until I had none.  I was looking for a special Hamp to kick start our Hamp program with.   Platt said he had just bought one that he thought would work and I said send her.  She made the top 5 overall pretty consistently for a 7 year old Caleigh that summer.  She has since generated our Champion Bred and Owned Hamp at the 2019 NJSS, the Res Champion Hamp Boar at the 2019 STC that sold to Premium Blend,  the $85,000 Champion at The Exposition that Purple Power purchased and named Direct Approach and most recently the 3rd overall hamp gilt at The Recovery Show.

If you could offer one piece of advice for families wanting to show pigs on a competitive level, what would it be?
Stay the coarse and don't give up.   It doesn't happen over night and it sure isn't easy.  Keep an open mind and always be trying to learn something new because its a million little things that make the difference, not just 1 big thing.  Work Hard and then work even harder.  I don't think that people understand the amount of hours that this takes to be successful.  It is not only training the pigs, but also the kids to be great showman.  Also, be sure to connect with a breeder.  Don't try and do it alone.  

Least Favorite Ear-Notch
Least Favorite, 1 litter.  its way to common of a notch

What's next for your showpig business? (Upcoming sales, exciting matings, future goals/expansions, etc)
There is always too much going on, but the three things that pop up in my mind are:
1)  Getting excited for the pair of Hamp boars that will go to The Exposition soon (if we make it through this bs heat).  
2) The new boar barn is almost done here!!  To have a facility to house our herd sires in that they can't tear shit apart in is long overdue!!
3)  First year to have our oldest child eligible to show at our state fair.  

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Sire - Big Step
Dam - Aftermath
Dam also raised the Champion Yorkshire Gilt at the 2018 American Royal

If you have a person starting out, what is one tip on facility design you would suggest to them?
I would suggest having a warm facility to bring your pigs home to during the winter and spring months in the Midwest. Almost all Show pigs come out of a heated barn and need this for a smooth transition to get started off on the right note.

What do you consider the most influential sow/boar in the showpig industry or your herd?
It would be hard to ignore the impact Best Man And Dirty Secret have had on the Crossbred show pig business the last several years and our sow base as well. Purebred wise - Loud Mouth is still Our GO TO in the spotted breed.

My favorite barn snack is...
Dill pickle sunflower seeds

In 2021 I most look forward to...
World Pork Expo