“Do not be scared to lose. Everyone likes winning banners and having success in the ring as well as the farrowing house, but, if winning were easy, everyone could do it. Making mistakes and getting beat is truly where you learn to grow and what influences your decisions in the future.” With a rich history in the business and an unwavering commitment to take risks to progress their livestock, Schwecke Genetics has quickly established a reputation for excellence.

Established in 2018, Schwecke Genetics is a multi-breed show pig operation located in Gibbon, Minnesota. What started as a two man operation managed by Zach and his father Randy, has grown into a 250 head sow farm, requiring the hiring of an additional hand in CJ Calmus. They focus on raising a variety of purebred and crossbred show pigs, including Hampshires, Durocs, Yorkshires, and Spots. Though there is variation in breeds, a commitment to quality and a positive experience is at the core of every mating and selling decision.

“Our mission at Schwecke Genetics is to produce and provide competitive show pigs to kids and breeders across the country. More than just a competitive show pig, we want to ensure that every customer has a positive interaction and experience with the show pigs we raise,” says Zach.

To accomplish this mission requires a full family effort. While Zach and his dad established the farm and play an integral part in the day to day operations, Zach recognizes the additional support from the rest of the family,

“My wife Kim, helps with social media updates and the occasional farrowing help. My girls, Karsten and Kelbie, love coming to the barns to help feed sows, wash, and gather pigs for picturing when sale time approaches. My sister, Haley, assists in farrowing sows, and helps do any other daily tasks needed, when not pursuing her own passions of obtaining her masters degree from the University of Minnesota. When Weston, my brother, is not at college he also assists in daily tasks around the farm as needed. My mom, Sherrie, has been a great support system, and always encouraging along the way.”

These day to day operations include a blend of manual labor and strategic thinking. Schwecke’s batch farrow year-round which requires hands on deck to help sows farrow, power wash facilities after weaning, and make sure the weaned piglets adjust well to their new grower barn. Concurrently, Zach recognizes the importance of slowing down to consider the breeding decisions that progress the business forward.

“Not only do we have to make sure we are constantly discussing breeding decisions, but it’s important to stay in communication with our customers who are showing or breeding their pigs as well,” Zach mentions.

Overtime, the operation goals and matings have evolved and changed since the initiation of the farm. When Schwecke Genetics first got its start, breeding decisions revolved around raising and selling show pigs that would be competitive to help youth achieve their goals at more of a local and state level. With progressive genetics and a little success, the goals have shifted slightly to a higher level of achievement.

“As we have progressed and grown the quality level has exceeded our expectations and has grown our sphere of customers across the nation. We have seen these customers achieve success at shows on a national level, and our genetics produce high caliber show pigs for breeders and producers as well,” Zach explained.

Raising competitive show pigs is fun and enjoyable for Zach and his family, and he recognizes the relationships and watching others succeed as the most rewarding aspect of their business. However, it’s also the competitive aspect of the industry that Zach identifies as one of the biggest challenges and motivators when breeding pigs. 

“As competition continues to advance and excel, we are always striving to make unique decisions that would benefit our operation,” says Zach.

And this commitment to excel, doesn’t just apply to raising elite show pigs, but the Schwecke’s also hold themselves to a higher standard of health and biosecurity.

Zach explained that “Biosecurity in the show pig industry can be a challenging task. Proper biosecurity protocols following shows or having visitors out to view pigs is crucial to ensure we are following every guideline we can to keep our pigs healthy.”

This advancement in health practices and quality has resulted in many notable successes in the show ring, which have further grown the Schwecke name. Over the last several years, they have had the privilege of raising champions at the state and national level that include Schwecke genetics on both sides of the pedigree. Zach hopes to continue this trajectory of success, but his biggest aspiration in the next 5-10 years is rooted in his passion for youth and his family.

“A big dream would be to see my girls take on the love for livestock that we have along the way. Seeing them get more involved in our daily operations and be able to show and go to sales as a family would be something I'm really looking forward to,” Zach emphasized.

While their standards are high and their pursuit of excellence is fierce, the commitment to their customers and focus on a family-centric business is evident. Zach enjoys raising pigs because of the people he gets to work with and the family he gets to share in the hardships and successes with. 

“Raising livestock comes with many obstacles and unseen outcomes that we cannot always predict. When those tough times tend to happen, we try our best to maintain a positive mindset. I truly believe our entire family has been influential to our operation and our mentality through highs and lows. Although we all have different roles, none of the tasks or responsibilities go unnoticed. We all support each other and have different interests which really keeps the wheels turning during the busy seasons.”

Q&A

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHOW OR EVENT TO ATTEND?

The expo in Des Moines 

FAVORITE SHOW PIG YOU’VE RAISED OR BEEN AROUND?

Trust Fund.

LEAST FAVORITE CHORE?

Farrowing 

FAVORITE CHORE?

Doing daily chores when my daughters come to the farm!

IF YOU COULD TALK TO ANY OTHER BREEDER OR INFLUENCER IN THE BUSINESS TO LEARN FROM THEM, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

When I was starting out I really enjoyed discussing and learning from Ross Hirschfield and Harrold Hodson.

FUN FACT

When I have some free time, I love going to our family’s cabin located in Northern Minnesota. I like to go as far north as I can go!