Notes from the road

As October comes to a close I hope you all are in a comfortable position in terms of getting sows bred and crops out of the fields. The last couple of weeks have been fun and at times some what of an adventure. I have had the opportunity to help with a few fall shows this year as well as make herd visits.  Here are just a few highlights!

Early in the month I got to help work the ring at the Hogtoberfest show in Tipton Indiana. This show is a great opportunity for families to exhibit their American Royal and North American projects before the big shows. 

The next week we headed out to Hamburg New York for the NJSA Eastern Regional. Numbers continue to climb at this show. I would recommend this trip to anyone! We are fortunate to have an incredible show facility to exhibit it. The laid back attitude and family activities can be refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of some of our summer shows. 

The Platt invitational was next on my agenda. I have to say we had a lot of fun that day!  Travis 

looks forward to having the show next year and this is a great way to not only find your North American hogs, but to also get your showman more experience. I was most impressed with the quality of hogs from the Kilmer's. It is hard to find that many good hogs in one place! 

Early this week Ralph and I went to the Ohio Duroc breeders annual meeting. It was nice to get to see everyone and meet some new people. This group is truly passionate about making their shows and sales top notch!

In addition to these shows and meetings, I have been busy making herd visits. Hogs that I have seen for Duncan look good and I'm sure it's going to be a nice show. 

Safe travels to everyone heading to Louisville and good luck to all. 

Also make sure to read and understand all the new requirements for the Fall Classic, if you have any questions get ahold of us!

Fall Classic approaching quickly

Guys if you looked at your calendars you know that in 26 days we will be loading pigs into the barns in Duncan Oklahoma. As you being to make your preparations make sure to read our blog about the new ear tagging requirements and double check the health regulations. We want you all to have a positive experience at the Fall Classic. Having vet inspection problems on day one is never a fun time. Make the time early and get everything correct. 

Safe travels and in you are in El Reno this weekend make sure to say hello, if not I will see you all in Duncan!

Lackey's Notes From the Road week of October 7th-11th

I spent this week in Northern Iowa and Southeastern Minnesota. It seems like this time of year is always a challenge to get herd visits done. Many of you are busy harvesting crops, breeding sows, or traveling to the southwest to sell pigs. 

I did find time to stop at four farms that are having online sales next week. Diamond V Showpigs, Bolo Showpigs, Huinker Durocs and Wayne J Huinker. Guys if you have any questions on these pigs I would be more than willing to try and help answer them. I don't have notes on every pigs at every farm, but I don't have notes on a lot of them. If I can help, give me a call.

Michael Lackey

(765) 427-3733

Evans' First Week

As I end my first week as a Field Representative comes to a close, I wanted to share some of the stops I made with everyone.

I stayed in Indiana this week and got to spend some time with Marty Fordice, Kent Brattain, and Jeff Ramsey.

 Marty, Corey, and Lee are busy in the middle if breeding season, like most, however the Fordice crew gave me the behind the scenes tour. After going through the sows we studied the set of Duroc gilts they are working with. I can say I was extremely impressed with the quality of the gilts they have kept back. This firm had a nice run this summer with red hogs, and even revamped the entire herd. If anyone finds themselves shopping for red hogs next spring, the trip to Fordices' should be well worth it!

I then ran over to Brattain's to check out a pair of July Moonshine 17-4 York boars. It appears that 17-4 has clicked on the Brattain sows. Kent is working on marketing this boars and doesn't plan on feeding them for a show. These boars are young but have a real shot!  Give Kent or Kalen a call for more info.

Friday I spent the morning with Jeff Ramsey. Jeff didn't have too many pure litters this go around. However he had the first set of Bone Thugs I have laid eyes on. Jeff's set are heavy structured, good bodied, and have an awesome look. The set he has in his chip barn now are first of August, he has a younger set that are just as stout. Watch for Jeff at Duncan.

I finished up my week in Tipton, IN at the Hogtoberfest Show. There aren't many of these fall jackpot shows, but the Hogtoberfest is an awesome way to get a few more shows in for your showman. The Crouch Family and the IJSC run these shows and they are truly second to none!

Make sure to get your Fall Classic entries in to the office this week. The deadline is Friday, October 11th. 

Also safe travels to everyone headed to Hambug, NY this week for the Eastern Regional we look forward to seeing you there

NSR Eastern Region Field Representative Hired

On behalf of the National Swine Registry, we are pleased to introduce Blaine Evans as the new NSR Eastern Region Field Representative. Evans will fill Ralph Doak's position as the  Eastern Region Field Representative upon Ralph's retirement later this year. Doak has dedicated more than 20 years to the people of the purebred swine industry as a field staff member.
 
Evans grew up on a swine farm in Thorntown, IN, consisting of purebred Hampshires and club pigs. He was actively involved in the National Junior Swine Association and also participated in numerous NSR shows & sales. Blaine earned his A.A.S. Degree at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL where he competed on judging teams under the guidance of Grant Grebner. He recieved a B.S. Degree in Agriculture at Western Illinois University where he continued to judge under the direction of Dr. Mark Hoge.

Blaine is a former NSR Field Staff Intern and possesses a tremendous passion for purebred hogs and most importantly, hog people. Evans officially started with the National Swine Registry on Monday, September 30th. He can be reached at (765) 490-3731 or Blaine@nationalswine.com.


 

Stewart's and McGrew's Online sales

If you are looking for July aged Durocs, Landrace, or Yorkshires, make sure you study the set these two firms are offering. I visited both farms today, to say the least I was impressed. If you have questions I am more than willing to offer my opinion.

Michael Lackey

National Swine Registry Field Representative

(765) 427-377 

McGrew Showpigs 

Ear Notch: 27-1 LG

Breed/Sex: Landrace Gilt
Date Born: 7/8/13
Sire: Revolution
Sire of Dam: JMG Falkan

Stewart's Duroc Farm

EN: 3-6 DG
Breed/Sex: Duroc Gilt
Date Born: 7/2/13
Sire: Bold Ruler
Dam: Meatpacker

NBS Hog College Row Pictures and Pedigrees

After many miles and herd visits, the NSR Field Staff has assembled the NSR portion of this year's NBS Hog College Row. Below are the NSR boar and gilt representatives that will be showcased in Austin next week.

As a reminder, each of these individuals will be driven in the 2nd annual Hog College Home Run Drive competition on Monday evening. Judging teams will have the opportunity to submit their vote for champion boar and gilt. Winning teams in the junior and senior college divisions will recieve awards.

For more information on this year's Hog College entries, feel free to contact the NSR field staff and the breeders behind these individuals.

Note: One of the two Duroc Boars pictured below will be designated for Hog College Duroc Boar. The other will be entered in the Duroc Boar show in Austin.


Hog College Duroc Boar Candidate
Owner: Huinker Durocs Ltd., Decorah, IA
Ear Notch: 40-1
DOB: 2/3/13
Sire: HD2 Red Draw 29-1
Dam’s Sire: DTF8 Buckshot 2-2

Hog College Duroc Candidate
Owner: Huinker Durocs Ltd., Decorah, IA
Ear Notch: 40-4
DOB: 2/3/13
Sire: HD2 Red Draw 29-1
Dam’s Sire: DTF8 Buckshot 2-2



Hog College Duroc Gilt
Owner: Range & Theobald, Waterloo, IL
Ear Notch: 57-7
DOB: 3/2/13
Sire: HD2 Trifecta 49-1
Dam’s Sire: CMJW0 Tulsa Time 6-1

Hog College Hampshire Boar
Owner: Delaney Young, Agency, MO
Ear Notch: 1-6
DOB: 1/15/13
Sire: BOLN1 Point Maker 118-3
Dam’s Sire: JLM9 TCG Augusta 18-1

Hog College Hampshire Gilt
Owner: Rasmussen Swine Farm, Hurley, SD
Ear Notch: 13-1
DOB: 2/10/13
Sire: JLM0 TCG Augusta 24-3
Dam’s Sire: BRBO9 Radar Love 1-5

Hog College Landrace Boar
Owner: Cedar Ridge Farms Inc., Red Bud, IL
Ear Notch: 54-1
DOB: 2/23/13
Sire: 1CR0 Excellerator 119-3
Dam’s Sire: CRSH9 Goliath 3-1

Hog College Landrace Gilt
Owner: Bobby Batson, Wilmington, IL
Ear Notch: 1-8
DOB: 1/17/13
Sire: 1CR2 Next Generation 409-1
Dam’s Sire: CR7 Dynamite 452-1

Hog College Yorkshire Boar
Owner: George & Eric Watson, Hillsboro, KY
Ear Notch: 23-3
DOB: 3/23/13
Sire: CDO2 Crazy Bone 70-2
Dam’s Sire: WGW9 Spark Plug 77-5

Hog College Yorkshire Gilt
Owner: Hilman Schroeder, Sauk City, WI
Ear Notch: 18-5
DOB: 2/2/13
Sire: HSO2 Packer 14-9
Dam’s Sire: HSO9 Confidence 4-10

Schroeder Herd Visit

I had a great visit with the Schroeder's this week. The Packer pigs looked amazing. Below is a couple of pictures of the type of hogs this young sire is generating. If you are interested in visiting with me about the hogs give me a call or contact Hilman at (608) 643-6173

2013 National Barrow Show Hog College Nominations



 

WinMor's 2013 STC Champion Hampshire Boar
sold for $61,000 to Lean Value Sires, Ohio
Dam is sired by "The Judge"
2006 Hog College Hampshire Boar

Record Summer



Hopefully everyone that participated in the festivities in Des Moines and Louisville has now had a chance to recover and catch their breath. We would like to thank all the exhibitors, breeders and buyers that made the 2013  summer show season one of the most successful in history. It is an exciting time to be in the purebred swine industry and we continue to see increased participation at NSR events. As we begin the State Fair season here in the Midwest, we would also like to remind breeders about the National Barrow Show® which will take place in Austin, Minn., September 8-11.  





National Barrow Show® Hog College Row

 

"The Judge"
2006 Hog College Hampshire Boar
Bred by Real McCoy Genetics, Ohio

Throughout the history of the National Barrow Show®, Hog College Row has showcased elite breeding hogs that have made significant contributions to the purebred industry. Currently, our field staff is working towards assembling another outstanding lineup of Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire boar and gilt prospects to offer at the 2013 NBS®. If you feel that you have an elite Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace or Yorkshire boar or gilt, please contact the NSR Field Representative in your region by emailing a picture or video along with information. In order to be selected for Hog College, individual animals must be farrowed on or after January 1, 2013 and come from a litter of 8 born alive or more.
 

A packed Crane Pavilion watches
the first ever Hog College Home Run Drive

Home Run Drive

The 2013 National Barrow Show® will again feature the Hog College "Home Run Drive." This will take place following the annual Truckload Show the evening of Monday, September 9th. At this time, each of the boars and gilts representing their breeds will be showcased in Crane Pavilion. A three-member panel will select the boar and gilt they feel best represents their breed. College judging teams will  have the opportunity to rank the Hog College nominees and compete for a team prize. Ultimately, a Chairman's Choice boar and gilt will be selected by the committee. A College Choice boar and gilt will also be designated from the results of the college judging team's selections.







2012 Hog College Duroc Gilt
An example of the quality offered each year
on Hog College Row

Nominations

If you feel like you have an elite boar or gilt prospect for Hog College and would like to share this with us, be sure to contact the National Swine Registry Field Staff Representative in your area.  You can also email VP of Member Outreach & Youth Development, Brian Arnold, arnold@nationalswine.com.



2013 NJSA Foundation Female

This year the Foundation Female comes from a herd that needs no introduction to the Hampshire breed.  Early in the spring Jesse Heimer of Heimer Hampshires was approached about donating a gilt to be offered as the Foundation Female.  Jesse without hesitation agreed to provide this gilt, however he wanted to put a spin on things.  This year the NJSA will be offering a bred gilt from the heart of the Heimer Hamshire herd.

Now during this entire process, Jesse had one stipulation that we make this about the NJSA and the kids, but  I would be remiss if I didn't say a thing or two about Jesse.  Jesse was one of the instrumental individuals  in developing the NJSA program.  He served on the original steering committee that truly shaped the NJSA into what it is today.  Jesse has continued to support youth development by sharing his time and knowledge.

Brian Anderson and I had the opportunity to visit the farm and help in picturing this gilt, as well as look through his truly incredible herd.  I can promise you one thing, this gilt has been treated the same as Jesse's keeper gilts.  She has been running in a dirt lot with 15 other gilts on a basic gestation feed and hasn't seen any feed additives.  I'm sure most of you realize that it would have been extremely easy for Jesse to offer this gilt in his online bred gilt sale a few days ago, and if I was a betting man I would have put money on her to be his lead off lot.  But his desire to ensure the longevity of the NJSA prompted his generous donation.  Youth for years to come will reap the benefit.  Thanks Jesse, Amy, Max, and Harper!

Let me introduce to you the 2013 NJSA Foundation Female, HH2 Sonya 120-6

HH2 Sonya 120-6

SNMH1 Mulligan 11-2 X BOLN8 Home Grown 99-3

This gilt is an example of what every a Hampshire female should look like! It's hard to make gilts of any breed that are this good looking from the side while having the stout feature and skeleton we all seek.  She comes and goes so square and proportions into a bold and maternal type of rib and body.  This gilt alone has tremendous value, but there is a belly full of pigs that comes along with the deal.  Sonya is bred back to the high selling Hampshire boar at the 2012 Fall Classic.  Eyes were all on Jesse's boar at Duncan and Shaffer's Gold Rush picked this guy up. They call him Revolution.  He is a Point Taken X Home Grown.  The future for this young female looks bright and the sky could be the limit with this mating. The mothers of  Revolution and this Foundation Female are a pair of 85 litter sows that go back an extremely impressive 5 litter The Judge sow that was purchased from McCoys.  Extended pedigrees and more info will be at Louisville.  

In order to insure health on this female she will not be present at Louisville.  The gilt will remain at Jesse's until delivery and pick up options are determined by Jesse and the buyer.  Video and more information will be there for viewing all week.  She will sell on Saturday toward the beginning of the Hampshire sale.

For more info contact:

Jesse Heimer 217-257-0138

Brian Anderson 620-515-3348

Blaine Evans 765-891-0679

An Expo for the Record Books

On my way home from Des Moines I can't help but reflect on what a incredible week we had at the World Pork Expo.  Not only did we have a record number of junior exhibitors  but we had a  one of the highest grossing sales in NSR history. If this past week didn't get you excited about our industry then you need to check your pulse! 

I wanted to take the time to not only congratulate the junior exhibitors for their accomplishments, but also praise the breeders for bringing out one of the deepest sets of breeding stock that have been exhibited and sold in recent history.  I believe that we ran some true herd sires through the ring on Saturday and I can  only say that the sale averages speak to the quality of this set.  Be sure to check out the NSR website for full details on where these hogs went, also don't hesitate to call your field man to discuss how they can work in your program. 

Congrats to all involved and let's do it again at Louisville in a couple weeks!

STC Entry's

Don't forget that entries for the Summer Type Conference are due today. 

Earl Cain and Family online sale

If you are serious about showing and raising elite Hampshire hogs you had better study this set of pigs!!!

I have traveled a lot of miles this spring and looked at thousands of pigs. This is the deepest set I have seen!!

If you would like to visit about them give me a call.

Michael Lackey
765-427-3733

Diamond V Showpigs

Guys they have a great set of pigs selling tonight! If you are looking for a early January cross check this set out!

Julie thank you taking the time for me to stop in.

Seedstock ads

Today is the ad deadline for the seedstock edge march issue. If you have not sent your ad copy in or reserved your space please do so today!

See everyone in Belton.

March Issue of the Seedstock Edge

I hope farrowing season if treating you all well. This is just a friendly reminder that the advertising deadline for the Spring Showpig issue is rapidly approaching. It is February 6, 2013. If you haven't reserved your ad you can call your fieldman or NSR office.

Safe travels if you are attending, see you all in Georgia next week!!

Hoping for a great 2013!

I hope you all are off to a great start. The winter type conference and southeast regional will be here before we know it. I am curious as to how many of you are planning to attend this year? Drop me a text, shot me an email, or give me a call.