Show pig producers pass on pork pride

Ellen and Kyle Knauth and their sons, Kolton and Knox, are a family that raises show pigs for customers showing in state fairs, 4-H and other livestock competitions.

The business became their primary income in 2016, but the couple’s experience goes way back.

“Kyle and I both grew up raising show pigs,” Ellen Knauth said.

They have around 200-250 sows. Knauth said that compares to most show pig producers who have between 10-15 sows.

Knauth said they have two primary buying seasons from the end of December to March, which is mainly those wanting to enter Junior Nationals or 4-H competitions, and late July to September for pigs that will be shown the next spring.

There is a 12-week span when they are mostly in Texas.

“Our primary customer base is in Texas and Oklahoma,” she said.

A typical day on the farm starts with getting everyone fed, and the sows are fed first. Knauth said they then walk through the barns to check on things as well as walking the nurseries and checking on and feeding show pigs. Pens are cleaned, self-feeders and medicator buckets are filled.