Youth Feature
For the Love of Pigs Kastin Wilde With a long family history spent in production agriculture and in the show ring, there is no doubt where Kastin Wilde’s love for showing pigs has come from. In fact, some might even say she was born into it. “My parents actually met at a pig show,” said Kastin. “I guess you could say that’s how it all started for me.” The Wilde family has been involved in raising and exhibiting show pigs for several generations. Dating back to the 1930’s and 1940’s when Adolph Wilde, Kastin’s grandfather on her fathers side, began raising hogs in Runnels County Texas. He was the first hog farmer to bring the Spotted Poland China breed to the state of Texas. He was also the first to pour a cement feeding floor and shaded cement hog wallows. While on her mother’s side of the family the story begins in Santa Fe, Texas where her grandfather, Tom Glover, started in the hog business in 1974. The influence of both grandparents being involved in the hog business was then pasted down to Kastin’s parents. Her mother, Annie, showed diversified livestock projects while growing up, but her passion always lied with showing hogs. Kastin’s father, Joseph, grew up a
cotton farmer in Wall, Texas. His family had a sheep operation and he and his brothers were very successful at the major Texas shows while growing up. In 1969 they won Grand Champion Market Lamb at the State Fair of Texas with a Finewool sheep, which was unheard of at that time. Additionally, they had also won five breed champions at the San Antonio Livestock Show for four consecutive years.
Accomplishments • 1st place Yorkshire gilt -2015 World Pork Expo • Champion White OPB barrow - 2015 Rodeo Austin • Reserve Champion Cross barrow - 2011 State Fair • Top ten at several major livestock shows with her barrows and gilts • Champion Showman at Glasscock County Show every year since she began showing • Reserve Grand Champion - Glasscock County Show • Numerous breed champions - Glasscock County Show • High Point at the TCPA for Region in 2012 & 2013 • Top 10 Breeder, Certified Texas Breed Registry 2013 • Selling top placing hogs to exhibitors across Texas
It wasn’t until Kastin’s older sister, Randi, came home from school one day and told their father she wanted to show pigs that her family dove back into the showpig scene. Their operation has grown over the years and they now sell top quality show pigs to exhibitors across the state of Texas. Today, AnJo Farms consists of four boars and 42 sows made up of Crosses, Hampshires, Yorkshires, and Chesters. Nine years ago in Big Lake, Texas, 3 year-old Kastin Wilde took her first step into the show ring. As the judge approached her during showmanship, he asked her if she had shown before. Without hesitation young Kastin confidently responded with, “well of course”. In that moment her parents knew she was going to be a natural at showing and were excited for what her future in the show pig industry would hold. Now twelve years old and in the seventh grade, Kastin is no stranger to the true meaning of hard work. Her success is a direct result of the uncommon work ethic she possesses for an individual her age. Growing up on a farm in
West Texas, she has come to love helping her family during cotton harvest. Her father has taught how her to operate their module builder and cotton stripper and she has spent many tireless days and nights helping in the field. “I really do love the farm life,” said Kastin. “I could not picture myself growing up any other way.” When it comes to raising hogs, Kastin most enjoys having the opportunity to raise and work with her hogs on a daily basis in preparation for a show. She looks forward to going to the barn each day and describes it as more of a family affair. “I love doing chores with my parents every day and I love the commitment it takes to raise quality livestock,” said Kastin.
parents have helped me most when it comes to understanding how to raise and take care of my pigs,” said Kastin. Through her experiences she has gained practical knowledge about the swine industry including the responsibility of caring for livestock from start to end- the breeding and farrowing process, feeding, and how to care for sick hogs. Kastin’s genuine love for animals and the bond she makes with each of them can make some aspects tough on her. When asked about her least favorite aspect, she quick to say, “I do not like when I finish showing pigs and seeing them onto the trailer. I have been with them since they were born and now have to deal with never seeing them again.”
“I love the commitment it takes to raise quality livestock.”
Kastin says she is extremely thankful to have been blessed with such loving, caring, and giving parents. They have provided her with many opportunities and learning experiences. “My
When it comes to the show ring, Kastin lives for the competition. She finds it especially rewarding when she is successful with hogs that she has
bred and raised herself. “It is all business when I’m in the show ring,” says Kastin. “It is always a competition for me.” At the same time, Kastin also enjoys the many friendships she has made outside of the ring. One of her biggest thrills is being able to guide her visually impaired friend, Ryan, through the ring as he shows his pigs. Although her responsibilities on the farm keep her busy, Kastin still finds time to be involved in many extra-curricular activities while still excelling academically and remaining an Honor Roll student. She plays the trumpet in her school band and is a member of the Glasscock County School basketball team. Kastin is very active in the Saint Lawrence Catholic Church and is a member of the National Junior Livestock Association and the Texas Junior Livestock Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Glasscock County 4-H livestock judging team and was high point individual in the Junior District 6 Division in 2014. “My parents always tell me to try my best in everything I do and to have fun while doing it,” says Kastin. “That is exactly what I plan to do throughout my future.” She says she will continue to strive for academic success while increasing her knowledge about livestock. Her longterm goals in life are to attend Texas A&M University and eventually become a successful veterinarian. As for her involvement in the swine industry, Kastin intends to increase her sow herd and become even more competitive at the Texas majors and national type conferences. “I feel blessed with my success, but have been taught to always improve and keep working to reach your ultimate goals,” Kastin reflects. With her passion for the industry and competitive drive, you can be certain you will be hearing more of Kastin’s accomplishments in the future.
Get to know Kastin! I always make sure I...check my pigs every day. I can’t live without...my parents and animals. My favorite song is...Every Storm by Gary Allen. If I could meet one person it would be...actor Steve Martin. If I could be anything I would be...an actress or comedian. l have always looked up to...my Nanny Catherine, she is very special to me. I hate it when...I have a lot of homework. The barn radio is always playing...we don’t have a radio, my pigs do enough singing.