Notes from the road

As most of you rang in the new, I made my way to Pennsylvania to take part in the PA Farm Show. This was my first time at the show, I want to thank Harry, Rodger, and the whole farm show crew for showing me around and making me feel welcome.  This year Terry Shaffer judged the bred gilt show and as always did a great job. On Saturday we sold 156 gilts and every single lot sold. That says a lot for the quality of the set and the demand for bred gilts.  I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know many people and I look forward to my next trip that way. 

The next few weeks I will be out looking at hogs for the Winter Type, get ahold of me if you need anything. 

Be sure to check the new health regulations for all hogs heading to Georgia at the end of the month. 

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