Ottenwalter Sales

I am in California this weekend working Ottenwalter Showpigs sale. My number is listed in wrong on Mark's web site. 765-427-3733.

Lackey's Notes From The Road 2/13 - 2/18

It seems like the spring sale season is off to a crazy start. It has been wild so far and we are only a week into a long season. I wish you all the best of luck finding your next potential champions. This week’s travels started in Iowa with a snowy Monday spent on the phone and preparing for a meeting in Colorado with a group from the Colorado State Fair. The meeting was very positive and I should be able to tell you all more in about a month.

After a day in airports and meetings I made my way to Illinois for a stop at Bobell Farms. Ben has a Hill Billy Bone son headed to Southwest Type Conference that is simply outstanding. This guy is HEAVY structured, big footed, and sound. He has an ideal set to his hip and hock and can really flex and go. He is busted open underneath and has a soft and pliable rib cage in him. He should have some friends in Belton. Ben also has a great set of December born gilts and barrows that will sell this come week online, make sure to check them out.

My next stop was at Bobby Meeker’s and Tim Dare’s, they have a really good Duroc boar entered for Belton. He is sire by Meat Packer, this one is big and even in his toe size, heavy structured, and square built. He is tall fronted, great designed and flexible on either end of his skeleton. Plus he has done what red hogs are breed to do, GROW. Guys, he looked good. Good luck in Belton.

Next I had a great visit with Mitch Springer and Kelly Bowen. They both have a nice set of hogs headed to Belton, a very functional and problem free set that should be easy to sell and make the next generation better. Guys, thank you for your time and the hospitality.

Friday was filled with staff meetings in the NSR office, the field staff doesn’t make it to West Lafayette often, so when we do, Clint usually has a full agenda for us. On Saturday I stopped in and visited with Tom Olson at Center Prairie Genetics. Tom has a an interesting boar heading to Belton sire by Biscuit (RWG8 Problem Solver 197-2 x DPK6 Cold Cash 13-4) he is big footed and flexible. He’s a really sold Duroc boar that will be completive at the show. Tom the entries looked good, have a safe trip as you head south.

Then I stopped by Dan Burzlaff’s Saturday afternoon. If you are looking for a really good Duroc gilt in Belton, make sure to stop by Dan’s pen, he has one that is sire by a son of Red Draw. Plus, he has entered one of the stout made and bigger ribbed Yorkshire boar I have seen in awhile. Dan’s December and January hogs looked great, make sure you check out his online sales that will be held with Buyers Choice Auction. Here is the link http://www.nsr-buyerschoiceauction.com/ . The Tree Shaker pigs will be popular. Great set Dan, thanks for the visit.

Just a reminder that Stewart’s Duroc Farms sale will be held February 20th at www.nsr-buyerschoiceauction.com/Sales/Stewarts_Duroc_Farm.html . If you are looking for a competitive November or December born gilt, LOOK AT THIS SET!

Torpedo Farms.

Bloodline 8-3

I really enjoyed my visit with the Mauro family in Pueblo, Colorado on the way home from the National Western.  Nick, Kyle and Zach showed me a great set of hogs that they have assembled.  I think they are bringing a really nice set of hogs to Belton for the Southwest Type Conference in March.

Bloodline 8-3 is a young herd boar that they have raised that is going to do great things for them.  He is a Big Mac on a Spark Plug x Dakota female.  His best littermate sister will be in Belton!!!!!!!!!!!

This hog has incredible bone and squareness and is really sound with lots of muscle and power.  I think you are going to here lots of good things out of this guy. 

Be sure and inquire about the excellent set of York and Duroc hogs these guys are bringing to Belton.  I don't think you will be disappointed.  Find more information at Torpedo Farms website.  

I can't wait to get back by and look at the promising set of November and December babies that they showed me.  Thanks guys for the tour, food and hospitality!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thoughts From the Road

The NSR Field Representative log hundreds of hours of windshield time ever year. This gives me a lot of time to think about topics that we need to talk about, but do not necessarily have time to discuss at shows or events. As we approach spring sale season we all need to make sure that we know and understand the breed eligibility requirements to show at an NSR/NJSA event.

One of the toughest parts of my job is trying to explain to an exhibitor why they can not show there hog due to an breed eligibility problem. Breeders, we can fix this problem, double check all the gilts that you will be selling to junior members for underlines, extra dew claws, and make sure that hamp gilts have a complete belt and they do not have to much white on there noise. Do your best to make this a positive experience for the youth. Also, transfer the pedigrees in a timely manner, I really get frustrated when I get calls saying they can't get in touch with a breeder to get a pedigree transferred.

Exhibitors you need to be familiar with the breed eligibility requirements. Here is a link www.nationalswine.com/Show_Events_Pages/NJSA_Show_pages/NJSA_Handbook.html. Do your home work and make sure that the gilt or barrow you want will meet breed requirements before you purchase them!

Best of luck in your travels. See you all done the road.

Stewart's Duroc Farm Belton Entry

Sired by Meatpacker