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

Describe your operation in terms of scope, size, breeds, etc.
Gossett Genetics at last count had 72 sows and breeding age gilts. Focus primarily on crosses but we have had some success with Durocs and are diversifying into Hampshires, Chesters, and Polands.  

What, in your opinion, makes your operation unique?
Me. They only made one Jake Gossett and I think I’m just weird enough and determined enough to be good at this.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My grandpa told me, “you can’t set a refrigerator on Dixie cups.” This is a fun way for me to remember that bone and lower skeleton has to be in proper proportion with upper mass, for a hog to balance.  

Describe your ideal customer.
My ideal customer is obsessed with show pigs .. I’ve also found that the best homes have kids that want it more than mom and dad. If the kids are into it, they get every ounce of energy I can provide into their project  

Share a story of one pig that stands out amongst the rest of the ones you have raised.
I thought Russell’s Division 1 barrow at NAILE this past year was real good. He set the standard of what I want my show barrows to be built like, and I look forward to building around his sisters.  

One thing you can’t live without as a breeder.
Dex, Baytril and Linco 300  

What is one chore that you hate to do but must be done?
Random, but I hate heat checking. I got this new teaser boar and he is not fat and old. He’s quick and runs faster than me.  

If you could raise pigs anywhere in the world BESIDES the state you are in, where would it be and why
Ohio, got a lot of close friends and families we help over there. And I’d love to win Columbus before David Korb.  

What’s playing on your radio while working in the barn all day? 
I’m not a big music guy, I love silence. But I do listen to a lot of sports talk radio. My favorite is Colin Cowherd.  

A thing you can’t live without unrelated to pigs. 
My swimming pool. Duh.  

A fun fact that many people may not know about you.
When I get time I really enjoy woodworking.  

This or that: 

Picturing or Videoing?  Picturing
Crossbreds or Purebreds? Crossbreds
Stay in a hotel or stay in a camper? Hotel
Stay home or go to a show?  Stay home
Frozen semen or fresh? Fresh