Holt Show Pigs

Our show pig program is founded on three basic principles:

1. Genetics
2. Nutrition
3. Health

+ Genetics +
Dad and I have teamed up and worked hard over the years at fine tuning a set of foundation sows that simply get the job done for us. Our females were originally selected from swine herds in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, and Florida. We now breed and replace most of our females with gilts out of our own nursery. Our females are bred to work hard in the farrowing crates and to naturally be good mothers. We are constantly looking for a set of females that perform in a southern geography that is both hot and humid. Most of our females are artificially inseminated with boars from elite show pig studs from across the country. Our pigs are bred to eat, grow, and thrive.

+ Nutrition +
Our pigs' genetic potential would not be evident without a good nutrition program. We have searched and finally found a nutrition recipe that will bring out the best in our pigs during all stages of growth. Most of our feed rations are ground on site using a feed mill and stored in bulk bins. Our female gestation ration is carefully formulated to maximize fetal development. The sow lactation ration is formulated to maximize milk production, while maintaining the sow's body condition. Finally, our nursery ration is carefully formulated to maximize the pig's body development and weight gain.

+ Health +
Dad and I firmly believe in a "no pig left behind" health philosophy. Every animal in our heard is placed on a strict vaccination schedule that is prescribed by Dr. Dale Hendrickson from Farmland, Indiana. Dr. Hendrickson specializes in swine veterinarian services to show pig and commercial producers and is one of the most distinguished swine veterinarians in the United States. Our sows are routinely vaccinated and dewormed to insure strong fetal growth and farrowing success. Our younger pigs are given a set of different vaccines after birth and at weaning. We always follow up with booster shots to ensure healthy pigs in the nursery. Like all livestock, pigs can have their share of health problems, but we do everything that we can to ensure that the pig starts healthy and stays healthy.