Gettin’ after it would be the name of the game for week two on the road starting June 17. With twelve herd visits on the list and only five days to get them done; a quick kick of the tires sent Brian and I on our way! I spent Saturday and Sunday in West Allis, WI sharing my enthusiasm for the show ring with an outstanding group of youngsters from all over the state of WI. Greg Krahn and I had an awesome weekend working with kids and pigs.
Monday afternoon, Brian and I made our way south west from Caney, KS to visit John Staude at the Oklahoma State University Swine Farm. Ladies and gents, this visit did not disappoint! John has got an elite set of up and coming WOW females that he and the boys are sure excited about. After evaluating this set I could surely see why. It’s not every day you can throw the barn door open and feast your eyes on such a consistent set of gilts!
Larry Box had a belted boar that Brian and I viewed upon arrival. An Augusta son awaited us and boy were we glad we made the visit. Folks this hog will be in Louisville so be sure and look in at Larry’s offering. This hog was correct in the places most Hampshire’s aren’t. Highlight of this tour was an eleven year old BLOCKBUSTER sow that I might think twice about entering into a beauty contest but aside from that has flat made a difference for Larry’s herd!
Tuesday morning had us scratching our heads at what we would see at Mappes Durocs. Darrel is no stranger to the red hog business and Brian and I were excited! Sure enough, Darrel does not disappoint. Darrel drives truck of a CROWN ROYAL son out the barn door and folks I’ll make it simple, if this hog can’t make you some red barrows, I do not know what will!
New Castle was next on the agenda and with their recent lengthy string of success, this visit was sure to excite. Andy and Taylor both showed us the hogs. It took me about 10 minutes of looking at the sows and let me tell you, it is no mystery why New Castle has had so much success lately. Maybe what impressed me the most was two sets of Yorkshire females recently acquired by the Forehands. There will be some Yorkshire hogs coming from this outfit in the near future that are sure to make a difference.
Kyle Hicks visit may have been our shortest but did not lack in terms of quality and consistency. Kyle showed us a cross boar that has been entered for Louisville. This one’s good and if you’re needing to add that look and style into your hogs, this one should stamp’em! Don’t give this one the one and done look at Louisville or you may have wished you didn’t!
We would wrap Wednesday up at Jerry McLemore’s and folks, what a visit it was! My anticipation had built up for this visit simply because I have heard about so much success and breed changing hogs that had come out of this herd. You want to talk about a complete, consistent, correct, functional, set of belted sows, it’s right there in Ninnekah, OK! Up until this time I had only heard about this place and I can tell you it was even beyond what I had expected! Jerry will have an extremely deep set of belted and cross baby hogs this fall!
Wednesday morning Brian and I would travel on to Kent McLemore’s place! This visit was intriguing! I had no clue what I would find here but the Yorkshire herd we stumbled upon is certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with. Kent has got a unique vision for Yorkshires and I was thrilled to hear his take on everything! If you haven’t taken the time to research this herd, you need to. Don’t mind the goosebumps!
Triple B Sires was an impressive visit! A remarkable set of boars that Randel and Terrell have on stud! A Hampshire boar yet to be named was one that hit me hard! Look for him in the next catalog!
Thursday Doc Tripp, Tim Herrin and Doc Cole would all get a visit. Dr. Tripp had a lot of impressive Yorkshires. I believe he should have a boar entry at Louisville so be sure to look that one up. Tim Herrin has got a Yorkshire boar I really like! This guy may show up at Indiana this summer so do not pass him by! Now guys I could sit here and tell you all the good in this one but I’ll leave you with a tick of wonder and let you find him! Words on here may not do justice! Dr. Cole has got a Joe Dirt son that has got all the good his daddy does. This one motors all day and sets them where they need to be! A breeding piece here folks, he will make Yorkshires better!
Friday would serve me a quick stop through both Carl Steins and Jesse Heimers! Carl had two red hogs entered for Louisville. I can assure you that come sale day at Louisville, this red boar and gilt Carl has entered are two pieces that will serve as an asset to any one serious about red hogs. These two hogs have a place towards the top of the Duroc breed so look for these investments come the 7th of July! Jesse has one impressive program! I saw some little Hampshire hogs that I have no doubt in my mind will be in front of a camera with a banner hanging behind them this late summer / fall! The mother of the Champion Hampshire Boar at the 2012 Expo is an impressive gal!
Again folks, this is a summary of what I have seen over the last week and would love to answer any questions you may have! Hope to see everyone next week in Louisville!
