We caught up with DJ and Amara Sanders of Sanders Showpigs, breeder of the Champion Crossbred Barrow at The 2023 NJSA Southeast Regional!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Hidden Treasure X (Shakira) Rockstar X Curtain Call

What was your opinion of your champion as a baby?
His nickname was PNut  he was the smallest, greenest pig in the litter  no one picked him out! He was a $500 pig that the Martin family put faith into!!

Favorite sow? Why?
Our Yorkshire sow Hallie— every litter she generates champions! We love the babies out of her son Redemption and several daughters!

What has been the scariest decision for your operation?
When we built our Indiana farm and then moved back to Illinois. We had to start over in terms of faculties and we had downsized a bunch so had to rebuild. This in term allowed us to buy our original cross sow - the Cobb sow and that’s Shakira’s grandma!

At what age, do you ear notch babies? 
2 days old when we give them iron, excede, and draxxin 25!

Growing up what did you think your occupation would be?
DJ always wanted to raise show pigs!

Amara wanted to be a psychologist and do forensic work in the SVU department! Also raise show pigs!

We caught up with DJ and Amara Sanders of Sanders Showpigs, breeder of the 4th Overall Purebred Gilt (Reserve Yorkshire) at The 2022 Exposition and the 3rd Overall Purebred Barrow at 2022 NJSS!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Swaim gilt:
Commotion X (Hallie) Shine On X (44-11) Big Country
She’s a Littermate to our boar we sold Hi Point that was Champion at the STC!

Dore barrow:
The Closer X (50-9) Jasper X (44-11) Big Country
He was also 4th Overall NJSA Barrow and Reserve Champion Yorkshire at the Team Purebred Junior Show

All Time Favorite Boar:
Yorkshire: Big Step
Crossbred: Visionary

What's next for your operation?
Continuing to grow and build on the foundation we have established!

Favorite breed to raise:
Yorkshires

Who was someone who helped you get your foot in the door and get your operation started?
Brent Bolen