Town: Williams, California

Background and Personal Info:
I started breeding hogs 51 years ago with an FFA project. I married my high
school sweetheart 43 years ago, (she’s a keeper). I have three daughters and two grand children. We have a 30 sow herd on our 20 acre farm that includes English Walnuts and fresh market peaches. I have an Agribuisness Insurance agency which I started 35 years ago.

How many Berkshire litters did you record last year?
Last year we recorded 3 litters. This year we are on track to record 10 litters.

How many years have you been raising Berkshires?
We purchased our first Berkshire in 2018 at the WPX. She was the Champion Open Gilt. We now have 7 Berkshire sows.

In what ways are you actively involved in the Berkshire breed (local, state, national level)?
I have always had an active operation with respects of working with young people who have a love for raising quality hogs. Our commitment to promote Berkshire swine projects to 4-H and FFA members is increasing all the time.

Give a brief narrative of what motivates you to be an ABA Board member and your goals for the board.
The meat quality factor of Berks is an easy sell in a diverse state like California. The opportunity for direct marketing is
unlimited.

As a member-driven organization, how do you envision increasing member opportunities, in addition to increasing member involvement in current ABA programs?
To add members to the ABA, profitability remains the key factor for all participating members. Profits drive participation. Whether it is show pig production or direct marketing of Berkshire pork, people will always want to be a part of a good thing.

If someone new asked you why they should raise Berkshires, how would you respond?
People always ask me why after 51 years of pig production I started to breed Berkshires. I have worked with most all of the breed of swine, mostly Hampshires. Today, right now, the Berkshire breed is maybe the last honest breed of hogs left. Berkshires do many things well: unassisted farrowings, good mothers, good growth with soundness and an end product that is unparalleled compared to the rest of the hogs out there.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the Berkshire breed faces and how do we navigate that challenge?
The biggest challenge occurring right now is our country’s upside-down
economy. With all challenges come great opportunities. The direct marketing avenue of 100% certified Berkshire pork has the greatest potential for growth in the breed, The reduced revenues from the number of canceled shows and sales has created the need for other means
for producers to market and sell their breeding stock and show pigs.

What previous leadership experience do you have (church board, school board, pork producers, etc), and how will those
experiences make you a good board member?
My previous leadership experience entrails starting the Central Coast Pork
Producer’s Association in the mid 70’s and serving two terms on the Board
of Directors of the California Pork Producer’s Association.

Why should ABA members vote for you?
I hope to serve on the ABA board as a voice for the West Coast Producers. It
would be an honor to serve.