Welcome to Elite Swine Inc....

     I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since my last blog entry.  I guess it proves the whirlwind world we live in when it comes to the showpig industry.  As the fall showpig hunt winds down, I thought it might be fun to reflect on some things I saw this fall and possibly start some discussion from others thoughts on the direction of our industry.

     After returning from Duncan and reflecting back, I think it was the largest crowd i've seen both inside and in the parking lot.  I think the numbers of entries inside were down slightly, but I would guess numbers in the parking lot were significantly up.  It would appear that there are still large numbers of small producers looking for a market for their pigs.  It would be interesting to know the number of pigs traded during the Classic.  With the large number of fall online sales deliveries, I'm convinced there were a record number of pigs pass through the gates at Duncan.

     I think we can all agree online sales have and will continue to change the way we market pigs.  I have a lot of thoughts on this subject, both positive and negative.  I would really like to hear some of your experiences on this subject either as a buyer or seller??  Secondly, I would like to hear peoples thoughts on direction as to type??  What were your priorities when breeding sows this fall or buying breeding stock??  Just to start the discussion, I think we are starting to see slight improvement in keeping structure within the skeleton.  We still need to emphasize the fact that TOO MUCH of any single trait is HIGHLY DETRIMENTAL to any genetic improvement. (i.e. width, moderation, BONE, softness(fat),ASS).  If I had to pick one trait that appears to be a huge (and growing) problem it has to to be acceptance of flat or weak pasterns!!  Well enough of my ranting, let's hear from you all???  What are your thought or questions???

Have a BLESSED and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!  Galen