Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Reserve Team Purebred Barrow: Rosscoe x Hilljack x EIN x Bellringer 34-5
Littermate to new RBC Chesters herdsire Hoss

4th Overall Team Purebred Gilt: Candy Man x Over The Top x Bellringer 34-5

How did you get involved in the swine industry?
I grew up raising and exhibiting purebred livestock with my family, but today after working for Cargills Pork Business in Wichita KS for 6years moved back to Illinois farm with my wife Breann’s family, the Conrady’s in Elkhart Illinois. We raise corn soybeans and operate a 600 sow farrow to finish farm. I have always been extremely involved in the swine industry and agriculture. Today I am Vice President of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, President of the Chester White Swine Record Association, member of the Executive Board of Certified Pedigreed Swine, member of the Team Purebred Adult Advisory boars as well as being a member of the executive board of Logan County Farm Bureau.

With this being one of the major shows of the summer, how rewarding was it to capture a win?
For the last 8 years our family has strived to make our 50 sow Chester herd not only more competitive but at the same time not sacrificing the production priorities of the commercial side of our farm. Our ultimate goal has been to create a sow base that would allow my own daughters and nephews that comprise the RBC Chesters The Conrady and Titis Kids herdmark a valuable learning and show ring experience to maintain the memory of their Uncle Ross, the original RBC Chesters.

Experiencing success at this level has been unreal for our family but would be short sides to not recognize the families from across the country that have helped support our dream and build our sow herd to what it is today. So thank you to all those families!!

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 issues we have faced with the pandemic are much different than most families, but with every challenge we evolve, adapt and attempt to make the best of every situation. To say our focus has been in a bit different place during the pandemic would be an understatement with market ready animals and essentially no home to market them. With that, our relationships within the showpig industry have proven to be invaluable as we’ve sent pigs to FL, CO, PA, TN, IN, MO, IL, AR, an IA that allowed us to continue to flow production without hitch. With these challenges the showpig industry has prove its resilience through virtual shows, live shows that are a bit different and ultimately the National Junior Show which we all were so blessed occurred as when the world seemed against us we prevailed and an incredible event was hosted.

What breeding decision are you most excited about for the next breeding/farrowing season?
Last fall as customers would ask what litters and sows we would be loading into the farrowing I would always say I’m either going to be really right or really really wrong and I don’t think I’m going to be wrong! We utilized a number of sires with significant RBC influence and has proven to be very effective. This upcoming season is not much different utilizing many of the same sires, highlighted by our new young sire LUT whos first litters look incredible!