Evans' Florida/Georgia Trip

Last month I took some time before the Winter Type Conference and the NJSA Southeast Regional to make my first round of visits in Florida and Georgia. I had a great time and really enjoyed getting to meet so many new people. I wanted to take the opportunity to share some of the highlights of my trip with everyone.

I started my trip in Inverness, FL with the crew at D&D Showpigs. Dale and Don are retired brothers who now raise showpigs full time. The set up consists of 15 mainly York sows and a few cross females.  Although Dale and Don have only been at this for a coupe of years I was impressed with not only their facilities but the quality of the sow base they have put together. Genetically a lot of the breeding stock goes back to Shipley and Triple B boars. We sorted through some keeper gilts and studied a set of Star Search hogs that I thought had tremendous potential. If your searching for hogs in that part of the country these guys need to be on your short list!

Next I spent some time with Dennis Holt in Archer, FL. Even though Dennis only had some sows and bred gilts to look at, he still took time out of his busy day for me. In 2013 Dennis bought the Shaffer crossbreed boar from the WTC, the hogs out of this guy looked extremely good and the boar himself has done everything you would want. I know the Holt crew has had as much success as any raising and selling show pigs and the passion for making them better is alive and well.

I continued working north and stopped in to see Ken Clyatt in Lake Butler, FL. Ken not only works hard on making crossbreed hogs that will compete as youth projects at home, but he also works with the students at Florida State  University. Ken had a white cross boar to take to the WTC as well as some replacement gilts to take a look at. I had a great time visiting with Ken and his family and I would say the sky is the limit when his son gets old enough to show.

I crossed into Georgia and spent Saturday with the Thrift family. Some of you may know that Pat is having some health issues right now, and I would ask you to keep the whole family in your thoughts. I met with Olin and Josh to take a look the hogs. I can't say enough about these two young men. Not only are they crazy about the hog business, but they are genuinely two really good guys. Olin had some hogs to take Perry for the show as well as some sows and litters for me to take a look at.  Thanks again for taking the time to allow me to meet you guys and look at the hogs.

Garry Childs and I spent Sunday running around looking at junior projects for the state show as well as the NJSA show. I bet we looked at 150 hogs that folks have on feed, and I can tell you one thing the GA state show is going to be a good one. Garry was a big help in getting me hooked up with guys in his part of the word. He truly knows the pulse of the industry not only in GA but around the county.

As I headed down to GA I wanted to spend some time with Frank Morgan. I have know Frank for a lot of years now and even showed a few hogs from him in my junior show days. Frank was very covered up that Monday morning, but we slipped away long enough to look at some litters of pigs for his Midwest market. Frank is planning on make several trips up to Indiana for sales and I encourage any of you to meet him and take a look at what he is selling.

Next on my list was Bar M Showpigs. When I called Brodie to tell him I was in my way he told me to hurry because his with Rita was going to cook us lunch. I can say that the hogs look good, but nothing was as good as Rita's lunch! Brodie has an extremely sharp eye and knows how to not only breed hogs but get them ready as well. I was impressed with the set on feed for the McCraine kids. Brodie and Rita gave me an awesome tour and I really enjoyed talking hogs and life with them.

My last stop before getting into Perry was at Clint Oliver's. Clint didn't have a lot of hogs to look at but he toured me around showing me how diverse their operation is. You name it and the Oliver crew does it! Along with the showpig deal they feed out commercial hogs, have some commercial nurseries, and run several head of baldy and Hereford cows. Clint and I talked for along time and I enjoyed getting his take on several aspects of agriculture in general.

This post has become a lot longer than what I had originally planned, however this trip has been one of my highlights. I thank you all for taking time and look forward to getting back down there again.

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