W-D Swine Farm - Home of the Watje Blue is family owned and operated, located in Turlock, CA.  They run around 150 sows that farrow year-round.  Ryan started raising pigs when he was 8 years old and has had a passion for the industry since.  He now shares that passion with his wife, Stacey and their 3 kids, Trent, Drew and Stella.

One word that best describes how you work: Consistently. I never stop thinking about the farm, pigs, breeding, feeding, etc.

Current Mobile Device: iPhone 6

Current Computer: I don't know, I don't have one.  Anyone who knows me, knows my wife does that for me.

Current Camera: Nikon D7000

First, tell us what you feel separates your business from other operations in the show pig business? We don't purchase outside of our farm very often.  We have always raised our own herd boars and gilts/sows.

What websites, apps or tools can’t you live without? Why? showpig.com, pigplanet.com and Facebook

How do you keep your to-list? My wife!  I use the notes app on my phone and my wife will text me several times a day to remind me of important things, for example when I need to get the kids at school...then I get a text to be sure I did indeed get them...both of them!

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can't you live without and why? My 80 inch TV, remote and the sports package...do you really have to ask why?

What do you listen to while you work? I don't listen to anything while I am working but on the way to the farm I am currently into: Can't Feel my Face by The Weeknd

What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? One of our greatest accomplishments was raising, showing and selling Sky's the Limit. To have a boar out of all our own genetics earn such a title was such an honor.

What's your secret? Honesty!  I have always been honest about my genetics and I have always stood behind my genetics.

What are you currently reading? All of the Stud catalogs coming in the mail and whatever bedtime story I am told to read from time to time.

How do you recharge? Going to the shows and seeing the quality of animals out there, it motivates me to get back to the farm and strive to make them better and better.

What is your favorite and least-favorite chore? Processing litters, cleaning out the trailer after a week on the road and pressure washing are tied for my least favorite and my favorite is breeding.

How long does it take you to picture, sort and write a description for ONLY one pig in an online sale? It really seems to depend on the size of the pig.  The smaller ones always take us longer.  On average I would say 20-30 minutes per pig. We don't do write ups, most people will call and ask about the exact same things I wrote about, PLUS since I don't use the computer I usually write out the descriptions or say them to Stacey and she types. She can't stand the grammar to be incorrect, can't read my writing or hates when I use my judging voice to give her reasons so we just pass the step all together.  It's good for the marriage.

Describe your ideal customer. Someone that pays attention to detail and asks questions when they need help.

What's the best advice you've ever received? There is no place like 1st place!