STAPLES FARM

A few weeks ago, our team decided to take a different approach and buy some Berkshires females from breeders focused on meat quality. All the farms we are talking to participate in the ABA Annual Progeny Test, and some have won it many times. We took the first steps on this journey by purchasing this Berkshire gilt at the Iowa State Fair Open Swine Sale from AJC Farms. Al and Adam Conver have a well-earned reputation for specializing in meat-quality genetics. Lillie's "Sparkles" AJC5 Sterling Lady 27-6 was sired by AJC4 Diamond Lad 2-3. She’s a long, tall, free-moving gilt, and we’re eager to see the impact she’ll have on our herd. One viewer put it best on their Facebook page after watching her video: “Super sound, flexible, balanced, proportional, and feminine. Looks like one who could make a real brood sow!” Berkshires like Sparkles may not always win the most ribbons, but for those prioritizing meat quality, this is exactly the kind of animal you want. Not to be outdone when it comes to naming pigs, we’ll be breeding Sparkles to either Woody or Buzz Lightyear in late September. Thanks to both Al and Adam for generously answering all our questions and arranging her safe transport to Oklahoma. -Leo https://www.facebook.com/reel/1044103608207351

Dog Days of Summer

One of the great rewards of working closely with our livestock is how readily they respond when we call them. This trust not only makes handling easier, but also lets us keep a close eye on their well-being. Each day, a team member checks on the pigs, donkeys, and sheep at 7, 11, 2, 5, and just before sunset, making sure they always have water and shade. We believe this attentive approach best safeguards our animals during stretches of extreme heat. During our morning rounds, Jon and I stopped by the feeder pig paddock. The video captures their enthusiastic response the moment he called out. Born in May, these feeder pigs, like the rest of our livestock, have learned to associate our voices with food, safety, and care. -Leo

Last Friday morning, our gilt Tiana delivered seven healthy piglets and quickly proved herself a devoted mother. These piglets are the first sired by our young boar, Buzz Lightyear. Yesterday evening, we weighed, ear-notched, and castrated the litter. This morning, Tiana proudly guided her piglets on a walk around the paddock, keeping a watchful eye on their every move. There’s something endlessly delightful about watching piglets explore and root around in the dirt. -Leo

Jon and I hit the road for Mineral Wells, Texas, at 2:00 am to pick up our new registered Dorper ram. Breeders Gary and Stephanie Payne have built a reputation for pasture-raised sheep renowned for their resilience and outstanding muscle conformation. Although we haven't had a chance to weigh our new ram yet, we estimate he's already over 150 pounds. Not bad when you consider a typical hair sheep born on January 2, 2026, weighs between 90 and 115 pounds. We're eager to see the impact his genetics has on our flock in the coming seasons. Much like our Berkshire pigs, Dorper Hair Sheep are prized for their exceptional meat quality. Often called the "Angus of the Sheep World," Dorpers are celebrated for their intermuscular marbling, fine texture, and remarkable tenderness. We're excited to watch how his offspring perform and contribute to the quality of our flock. -Leo