Breeder Central
Lackey Livestock is a show pig operation based in Haskell, TX that consists of approximately 40 Yorkshire and crossbred sows. The skeleton crew includes Jason, his wife, Jackie, and sons Weston (7) and Grant (5). They pride themselves on quality with limited quantity and are passionate about helping hard working kids and families thrive in the show ring.
One word that best describes how you work: Alone
Current Mobile Device: iPhone 6
Current Computer: Dell laptop
Current Camera: iPhone 6. For the stuff that matters, Eric Drager pictures for us – whatever fancy camera he has!
Tell us what you feel separates your business from other operations in the show pig business?
That is a tough question, but I feel like very few who raise pigs are truly convicted about the kind they like and want to produce. I don’t keep many around that don’t fit the mold of what I see as an ideal animal, and because of that, I feel like we’ve been able to create a lot of consistency with a limited number of sows.
What websites, apps or tools can’t you live without? Why?
Weather Channel app, ESPN app, and iTunes are about all I need to get through the day.
How do you keep your to-list?
In my head and on a steno in my office
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
Wireless Headphones – the sound of pigs will about put me over the edge by the end of the day and headphones with wires always seem to get stuck in whatever piece of equipment I’m on – so wireless is key.
What do you listen to while you work?
Eminem, Eric Church, Pink, Kathy Mattea – everything in between
What are you currently reading?
<silence>
How do you recharge?
Grant keeps us laughing and puts life into perspective on a regular basis. Anytime we have the opportunity to take the boys to a show is always fun and motivating for many reasons. Sunday afternoons watching football or sports with the family are pretty great.
What is your favorite and least-favorite chore?
Favorite: Breeding sows, Least Favorite: Cleaning up after them
How long does it take you to picture, sort and write a description for ONLY one pig in an online sale?
If they are good – not very long.
Describe your ideal customer.
When I first thought about this, I immediately answered, one who listens and is obedient – as a joke but not really. But, then I thought about some of my favorite customers. I find great joy in working with kids who over a period of time develop a strong enough opinion that they will argue with my recommendations. At that point, you know they have listened and developed enough confidence to question what they feel is the best decision. I can’t be with them every day so when we begin to have that kind of dialogue is when I know I’ve done my job and it’s a new level of fun.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _Mike McCoy_ answer these same questions.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad passed along words of wisdom that my granddad always shared with him, and that was, “Never get so far out of bounds that you can’t get back in.”