Breeder Central
Final Drive Genetics is a 50-sow, showpig operation located in Shipshewana, IN. It is owned and managed by Jordan and Katie Leatherman and Jordan’s dad, Todd Leatherman. In addition to her duties with the operation, Katie is also a 4-H Extension Agent for Purdue University in Elkhart County, IN.
One word that best describes how you work: Diligently
Current Mobile Device: iPhone
Current Computer: Mac Book Pro
Current Camera: Canon T3i
First , tell us what you feel separates your business from other operations in the show pig business?
We’ve been able to have the success we’ve had with only 10 sows. Having a small number of sows has forced us to focus on making deep, consistent litters where the majority of all the pigs in the litter can hit the show ring to compete against much larger operations with more sheer numbers of hogs. We haven’t had the luxury to swing for the fences on our matings, as every litter has been crucial to our survival in the industry. I hope this helps us as we transition into growing our sow herd and continuing with the same mindset.
What websites, apps or tools can’t you live without? Why?
Showpig.com, thepigplanet.com and every boar stud website. I’m a baby pig sale watching junkie as well as a pedigree junkie. I loose sleep at night on trying to figure out what boar to breed to what sow, and so I am constantly studying boars and scanning through sales to see what boars seem to be working for other producers. I just started using it, but it looks like the GesDate Application is going to be a must use for a showpig operation. The ability to store all of your information and just help stay more organized and on top of things such as heat dates and vaccination dates is always helpful. Facebook and Instagram seem to be great applications and tools for us in our marketing efforts.
How do you keep your to-list?
The Notes Application on my phone is an absolute lifesaver.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
NutriBullet – the best thing I can cook is a bowl of cereal, so when Katie is gone, to survive I’ve learned to make some mean shakes.
What do you listen to while you work?
Aaron Watson, Randy Rogers Band, William Clark Green, & a number of other Red Dirt artists are always on the playlist. Mumford & Sons Pandora station is the greatest thing ever. I love music, but ESPN Radio during College Football season helps get me through the day as well.
What are you currently reading?
Do the Purple Circle and Seedstock Edge count?
How do you recharge?
I enjoy working out or playing basketball to clear my mind and just reenergize. Also, Katie and I are known to get into some pretty heated, competitive games of ping pong.
What is your favorite and least-favorite chore?
My favorite would be feeding pigs in the nursery because I end up just sitting and studying babies rather than getting much work done. My least favorite would be castrating babies.
How long does it take you to picture, sort and write a description for ONLY one pig in an online sale?
Way too long! Ha. I would say roughly 20 minutes to a half hour for each pig pending their cooperation. If you ask my wife, I’m a perfectionist to a fault when it comes to picturing baby pigs and probably not much fun to work with. But, the day and age we are in now, and they way we market baby pigs, its so crucial to have proper presentation and a photo that appropriately represents each pig.
Describe your ideal customer.
Families with dedication, work ethic, and not afraid to ask questions.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see __Jesse Heimer__answer these same questions.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Just be your own man and make your own judgments. Don’t let others influence you one way or the other too much. At the end of the day, there’s only one opinion that matters to your business and that’s yours. – Aaron Cobb