West Bend, WI – The first litter of showpigs has been born at Schmidt Century Farm, 5485 St. Anthony Road, West Bend, WI. There were 7 live piglets born according to Deanna Schmidt who captured the birth on video. “Mom and babies are doing well,” said Schmidt.
Birth is amazing for all species #showpigs #farmwifelife
Pigs cycle every 3 weeks and then are pregnant for 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days.
Females are called “Gilts” before they have a litter of pigs and are called “Sows” after giving birth.
Males are called Boars until castrated then called Barrows.
“Schmidt Century Farm has about 15 production gilts/sow pigs that will have 2 litters per year and ideally this will equal 300 piglets in a year but that is rare,” said Schmidt. “We also have a few boars.”
Deanna manages the showpigs and the farm has 8 show-quality gilts/sows and 1 show-quality boar.
“Our high-end Berkshires and sows get artificially inseminated with the best quality semen we can get,” she said.
Most pigs will deliver in the evening/night.
“I sat with both of my showpigs and dried off the piglets as they were born and put them under the heat lamps and then helped them to nurse. You never know how many piglets will be born but you know mom is done when the placenta is delivered. Showpigs are bred for their confirmation and have big bone. Many need a little help at delivery,” said Schmidt.
Most show piglets will nurse about 21 days.
Our production pigs will nurse longer. Ideally production pigs will have 9 or more in each litter to be beneficial to the farm. Showpigs will hopefully have at least one great pig to be beneficial. It only takes one to be grand champion.
Most show pigs are born December to February for summer county fairs and state fair but can be born all year long for other national shows in fall or Wisconsin Showpig Association jackpot shows April to June.
Happenings on the farm
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10% off Stew Meat
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Small business Saturday special: Buy a $100 gift certificate for $90 (cash, check or venmo only no credit/debit)
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Need a last minute Christmas gift? Stop in at the Farm Store this week for a Holiday gift box!
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Christmas Sampler and Party Boxes are great gifts! Pre orders and in store purchases available.
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Our 2 of our 8 showpigs had babies. All are healthy.