r e c u Prod ght i Spotl
On the
Fast Track
You reap what you sow.
We have all heard this saying throughout our lives. It implies that what you put into something determines what will happen or how you will be rewarded. Since the establishment of Rival Genetics, in 2011, Shane and Tatum Swenhaugen have been sowing time, dedication and passion into their show pig operation, and in return are reaping the benefits of making a name for themselves in the show pig industry. After getting married in 2011, Shane and Tatum moved Rival Genetics to Canadian, Texas. From that point on, the Swenhaugens’ have quickly built their sow herd to approximately 60 sows. The primary focus is to produce Crossbred pigs, but they also farrow litters of Chester, Berkshire, Spot, Yorkshire and Hampshire hogs. Currently the majority of litters are targeted for the spring majors, but around 10 to 15 litters are farrowed for fall shows, and in the near future, Shane and Tatum want to farrow year round. Their families have long been involved in the hog industry, instilling a love for livestock and a drive to succeed in both Shane and Tatum at an early age. From 1976 until 1985, Tatum’s grandparents raised commercial hogs in Silverton, Texas and then added show pigs to the mix in 1989. Similarly, Shane’s parents started raising show hogs when Shane was about five years old. As Shane grew up working in the show pig industry, he quickly realized that he wanted to own his own farm one day. To turn this dream into reality, during Shane’s senior year of high school he partnered on some sows with his uncle, Kevin Van Hoesen, laying the foundation for what was to become Rival Genetics. Like the start of any business, building Rival Genetics has required the support of many. Playing a leading role in this operation has been Tatum’s parents, Keith Ellison and Jeannita Ellison; along with Shane’s Uncle Kevin, who still lends a helping hand whenever it is needed. Keith and Jeannita were key in in transitioning the operation from Perryton to Canadian, allowing Shane and Tatum to keep all their sows and build facilities on Jeannita’s land and supporting them in all their endeavors. There are several others that have provided advice and insight over the past few years. Shane credits Mike Clay as a big player in the very beginning of Shane’s show pig operation.
“Alot of our older sows that I bought when I first started, which go back to Space Monkey, came from Mike and we have tried to build our herd around them. Still today those females continue to produce some our best show pigs.” Dan and Rachel Schley have influenced the Swenhaugens’ as well. Shane and Tatum have bought sows and gilts that have been integral in the progression of Rival Genetics and Dan is Shane’s first call when he is in need of advice or an answer to a question. Another veteran to the show pig world, JoBonney LeCompte, is a close friend and mentor to the owners of Rival Genetics. During Shane’s showing days, JoBonney was his Ag teacher and is still a good friend today. “The list could go on and on,” stated Shane. “But Josh and Carrie Brockman, Colby Christie and Kelton Mason have been a huge help to our success as well. There are many others that we could certainly include.” In the short four years that Rival Genetics has been in business Shane and Tatum have steadily increased the size and scope of their operation. Even as they have grown one piece of advice that is always at the forefront of their minds is: never overload the boat. “Rory Duelm once told me that and it is the best advice I have ever been given,” said Shane. “It reminds me that when you have more than you can take care of on your own, animals don’t get tended to like they should and that leads to other problems.” All of this guidance and assistance has no doubt influenced the makeup of Rival Genetics. We at Texas Pork Producers wanted an insight to the workings at Rival Genetics and the Swenhaugens’ were excited to indulge us. “ S h o w pigs in general, and specifically raising them, is a passion that we both share,” explained Tatum. “But to be more specific, we try to build competitive barrows and gilts that can compete and be successful at every level.” Shane is dedicated to building hogs from the ground up. “I stay true and like hogs that are built correct, heavy structured and good designed,” said Shane. “Whether it be a boar, female or show pig, they all have to be sound and functional on their feet and legs. Structure and balance are very important when it comes to choosing females for our breeding program.”
When it comes time to A.I. sows, this duo focuses on maintaining a balance between using proven boars, along with new “up and comer’s.” “We try to focus on proven boars and genetics,” explained Shane. “When there is a new “hot” boar each year that we like, that doesn’t mean we won’t try him on some, because to progress that is a must. However, we always try to keep the mindset to stick with what we can trust, what is proven and has a strong genetic family behind them. That philosophy has worked for us when making boar selections, and determining what females to retain.” Like every operation, Shane and Tatum deal with their own set of obstacles on a daily basis. Along with every show pig operation and commercial hog farm, biosecurity is a major issue that has to be constantly monitored. Mother nature is another challenge that this Texas Panhandle based operation faces. Experiencing everything from extreme summer heat to bitter winters, the welfare and daily care requirements of their hogs alter every day.
Best hog you’ve ever seen? Shane: There are many that come to mind, but one of the best I’ve ever seen would have to be the Grand Champion Barrow at the 2012 HLSR that Brady Leach showed and Kip Smith raised.
Outside work from the farm? Shane: Apache Oil and Gas Corporation Tatum: Dental Clinic in Canadian and Wheeler
Hobbies? Shane: We both like spending time with our families and going to the lake. Tatum: I like helping my grandparents with their garden in the summer.
Favorite quote? Tatum: Go Big or Go Home - Colby Christie
“In the spring time, one day we might be making sure the sows are cool enough, and then the next day we could be putting hay out to make sure the sows are warm enough,” explained Shane. Additionally, staying on top of your game provides a certain set of challenges. Anyone in the show pig industry can attest to the fact that the image of the “ideal” show hog has changed over the years. You can flip through any livestock magazine and see different trends that have come and gone, and know that the same type of show pigs who are taking home banners today, might not turn heads in a few years. Many would say that this constant evolvement is what keep things interesting, but also presents challenges. “You’re going to have good years and bad years but during the bad years you can’t give up,” said Tatum. “You have to reevaluate what you have and figure out what needs to be fixed. One must stay open minded, but at the same time, don’t get caught up in chasing the trend and then always stay grounded to what you believe in.”
Then...
“A real champion isn’t made in the ring. They’re made in the barn by a clever showman, who had the vision to create it and worked hard to condition it.”
...and Now
While it is true that breeders of livestock will endure good years along with some rough ones, it is safe to say that the 2014-2015 stock show season was one for the books. In addition to numerous county and major class winners, Rival Genetics raised the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow at the State Fair of Texas, the Grand Champion Barrow at the San Angelo Stock Show and the Reserve Breed Champion Yorkshire at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Those wins alone are enough to put a smile on any producers face, but the proudest moment for Rival Genetics thus far would have to be raising the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow at Houston, their favorite show. Other wins that are close to Shane and Tatum’s hearts date back to their own showing days when Shane drove the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow in 2003 at both the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and State Fair of Texas. What is just as much fun as banners and backdrop photos for Shane and Tatum, is encouraging and teaching the next generation of agriculturalists, just like their mentors taught them. “Kids involved in agriculture and showing livestock are taught responsibility, good morals and have a strong work ethic,” said Tatum. “The livestock industry teaches kids that you have to work hard each and every day to get a banner or a trophy at the end of the season, as well as all the life lessons learned along the way.” Tatum is such a believer in the youth livestock program that she happily accepted the offer to be the area 4-H Swine Project Leader for the upcoming stock show season. “I’m very excited about this opportunity and I hope to get more kids from our community involved in showing hogs.” To get where they are today, Shane and Tatum were given sound advice; now they are taking the opportunity to pay it forward. Their first piece of advice to young people is: “be sure you are fully committed to raising show pigs and that you are financially able to do it. Next, find someone you trust and who has been in the industry to help you along the way. Last but certainly not least, is to not get more than you can handle and realize the hard work and dedication it takes day in and day out to be successful in this industry.”
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
- Vince Lombardi
Shane and Tatum know first hand the dedication and sacrifice it takes to have a successful operation. Two summers ago Rival Genetics doubled their numbers when they purchased bred sows from Josh Vincent. With the increase in numbers the Swenhaugens were faced with the decision to either hire additional help to farrow the sows or for Tatum to quit her full-time job that she was very passionate about. Since farrowing sows and taking care of the babies in the crate are Tatum’s favorite farm duties, it didn’t take her long to decide that she would be the one hanging out in the farrowing house all summer long keeping an eye on everything. With a past as bright as theirs there is no doubt that Rival Genetics will continue to shine in future. On the To-Do list for this aspiring team includes hopefully partnering on a boar stud, allowing Rival Genetics to sell more breeding stock. They also want to continue to strive and help their feeders reach the goal of taking home Grand Champion banners from the prestigious San Antonio and Houston barrow shows. Eventually, Shane and Tatum want to increase the size of their household and watch their children grow up in the livestock industry, just as they did. There is no questioning whether or not these goals can be accomplished and we look forward to watching the long, lustrous career that awaits Rival Genetics.
Canadian, Texas | rivalgenetics.com Shane: 806.202.4789 Tatum: 806.217.1093