Pedigree/Genetics of Champion: Family Jewels X Speak Now

How did you get involved in the swine industry?
I got involved showing at a county level my first year of 4-H and turned into a deep passion for this industry

With this being one of the major shows of the summer, how rewarding was it to capture a win?
Very rewarding, to raise a Berk Barrow to grab the champion banner at Iowa has always been a goal of mine and to do is this year through all the hurdles in our was was even more special.

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 main issue we faced was not being able to get the foot traffic through for the last couple sales of the year and then as a farm we quarantined pretty hard at the start of the pandemic so being able to communicate with my families on how stuff was doing rather than seeing them in person was tough.

What breeding decision are you most excited about for the next breeding/farrowing season?
Through the madness of this year we have actually grown out sow herd rather significantly, so I’m very excited to get everything bred and ready to roll for summer 2021.