On this week’s edition of The Inside Scoop, we caught up with Kyle Knauth, owner and operator of Knauth Showpigs. Kyle 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.
We run about 150 sows consisting mostly of crossbreds. We also have landrace, berkshires, and recently a few durocs. We also have 10 boars on stud to use on our own sows and sell some semen on.  

What, in your opinion, makes your operation unique?
Building from within our own genetics has been a big part of our success while still knowing when it’s necessary to use outside lines to stay progressive.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 
I learn more from seeing and doing than just listening. Dennis Wilber was a huge part of my life and having him be a part of my show career as a junior exhibitor set me on a path of success.  

Describe your ideal customer.
A customer that’s as passionate about their project as I am about this industry makes me excited. Being a BLUE texter is always a plus for me!  

Share a story of one pig that stands out amongst the rest of the ones you have raised.
Hank (2022 HSLR) and the Awe barrow from 2013 ISF are two of my favorite pigs. From early stages through their end point, they always had “it”.  

One thing you can’t live without as a breeder.
My phone.  

What is one chore that you hate to do but must be done?
Processing pigs- it requires me to stand in one spot for way too long.  

If you could raise pigs anywhere in the world BESIDES the state you are in, where would it be and why?
We live in Illinois, so literally any other state. If we had to choose, Texas.  

What’s playing on your radio while working in the barn all day?
Zach Bryan, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen or Tyler Childers  

A thing you can’t live without unrelated to pigs
Water if you want the scientific answer, but I should probably say my wife and boys.  

A fun fact that many people may not know about you.
I spend every morning with Knox watching “bad guy” shows before chores.  

This or that:

Picturing or Videoing? Videoing  
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