STAPLES FARM

Just another amazing evening at Staples Farm.

Well, I only thought that I was done for the day. While taking Layla out one last time, I looked up at the moon. I’ve seen my share of amazing moon views, but this is the first time I’ve seen a Lunar Halo. -Leo

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The past week blurred by. It began with Jon, Travis, and me attending the OSU Extension Service Sheep and Meat Goat Boot Camp from Monday through Wednesday. While we were away, Andi, Julie, and Steve kept the farm running smoothly and, as always, did an outstanding job. This marks the second OSU Extension Service course our team has attended this year. We learned a lot and are eager to put our training into practice. On Friday morning, Layal and I left the farm at 7:00 am to visit our friends at Osborne Livestock Equipment in Osborne, Kansas. From Osborne, we drove to Seybold Berkshires Farm in Wilcox, Nebraska, where we toured Troy Seybold’s operation and selected two gilts. Sired by TSS2 Wachtel Merger 28-8, they are full siblings in Seybold’s 2025 ABA Progeny Test group, which placed first in the 100% Berkshire Prime Pork Index. Nearly every highway in Nebraska and Kansas seemed to be under construction. We finally left Wilcox at 5:30 pm and didn’t return to the farm until 12:30 am Saturday. These two Seybold gilts, along with those we purchased from AJC Berkshires, represent the future of Staples Berkshires. Like the Conover’s and the Seybold’s, our breeding program focuses on meat quality and maternal performance. This afternoon, we moved Tiana’s piglets into their first paddock with an electric fence. They loved having more space to explore and are quickly learning to avoid the fence. Next, we relocated the feeder pigs’ equipment, cleaned their waterer, and assessed their health. This group includes some impressive gilts. Afterward, we checked on the sheep, moved their equipment, and gave them fresh grazing in the field. Our final task was setting up a farrowing paddock for our AJC gilt, Enter Sandmann, who is due to give birth on 11/1/2026. Another busy week awaits, so that’s all for tonight. -Leo ##ajcberkshires #seyboldberkshires #osbornelivestockequipment

Sunday Morning at Staples Farm

Regenerating the Land. Sustaining the Future.