Remembering time spent with my dad and wanting to share the same experiences with my daughters; I started DS&K Farms 6 years ago when our oldest daughter Drew turned 6. Just like with my father we purchased gilts from Jim, Chet, and Linda Brinkmeier to make the base of our herd. As we progressed and our second daughter, Shelbie, started to show; we began to expand into Hampshires and also crossbred females that we could use to enhance our program.

I have been involved in the commercial swine industry for over 15 years and worked for Breeding Stock companies, IMV International, an AI supply company and as a Swine Specialist for ADM Alliance Nutrition. I was very successful when I was showing as a child and began the learning curve on today’s showpig. My philosophy is that the animals have to be structurally correct, healthy so they grow well, and have muscle so they are easy to feed.

I have a number of people to thank for helping us get to where we are at today: Lartz Farms, Gail Reid and Family, Jim and Linda Brinkmeier, Ifft Yorkshires, Doug Loges with ADM ANI, Chris Wehmer, Ken Lane, Greg Giertz and Tom Olson at Center Prairie Genetics. Each one of these groups have helped me immensely over the years and continue to advise us in the direction we should take and continue to create the next generation of great showpigs. We are honored to be a part of and enjoy this great family oriented industry.