On this week’s edition of The Inside Scoop, we caught up with Blake Goss, owner and operator of Goss Livestock. Blake gives an inside look at his operation and even shares some fun facts that you may not know!

Describe your operation in terms of scope, size, breeds, etc.
Goss Livestock raises show pigs and cattle, we farrow sows almost year around and enjoy working with people across the country. We believe the values children gain from being involved in youth livestock activities are lifelong and will greatly benefit them in their future endeavors. Our goal is to provide the best genetics possible to our customers. At Goss Livestock we focus on raising Crossbreds, Berkshires, Durocs, and Club Calves.  

What, in your opinion, makes your operation unique?
Two things come to mind: we believe in our sows and build within as a whole (we don’t shy away from buying some outcross females though). The second thing is our customer base.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Go broke by keeping your gilts when they are young instead of getting rich selling them.  

Describe your ideal customer.
Loyalty, regardless of how good or bad a year can be we appreciate the customers that stick with us through the highs and lows.  

Share a story of one pig that stands out amongst the rest of the ones you have raised.
ROLL CALL from the sow to the nursery to the chips. Also, there’s a 52 litter boar in pen 1 right now that hits differently.  

One thing you can’t live without as a breeder
Our crew and our customers.  

What is one chore you hate to do but must be done?
Cleaning pens or putting out straw. My hate is equal. I prefer phone calls during those times.  

If you could raise pigs anywhere in the world BESIDES the state you are in, where would it be and why?
Oklahoma is the only way I know. Iowa would be next.  

What’s playing on the radio while working in the barn all day?
Lil Wayne, Zach Bryan, or Tyler Childers  

A thing you can’t live without that is unrelated to pigs
Deer Hunting  

A fun fact that many people may not know about you.
I love to cook. It’s my stress relief.  

This or that:

Picturing or Videoing? Picturing  
Crossbreds or Purebreds? Crossbreds  
Stay in a hotel or stay in a camper? Hotel, unless it’s OYE, then a camper  
Stay home or go to a show? Go to a show, unless Ty’s available, then stay home.  
Frozen semen or fresh? Fresh