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.