Breeder Central
Jordan and Justin Tibbits of Mineral Point, WI, although commonly referred to as brothers, are actually cousins. Their fathers are brothers who have farmed together for 40+ years. In addition to their own 50 sow operation, the four of them together run 250 beef cows and milk 75 dairy cows. Justin, Ashley (wife) and baby Landry live on the dairy farm where they farrow and Jordan lives a mile away where the sows and beef feed lots are located.
One word that best describes how you work: Spontaneously. We might plan to process some pigs or collect the boars but on a regular basis we get caught up in other stuff on the farm with the dairy and beef and have to delay what we plan to do until later on in the day. You never know what your day is going to be like around here!
Current Mobile Device: iPhone 6
Current Computer: MacBook Air
Current Camera: Canon Rebel T5
First , tell us what you feel separates your business from other operations in the show pig business?
After some success of feeding barrows for state and national shows, we decided a few years ago to start breeding. I think the sows we started with were as good as any around and we tapped into some friend’s herds who had been developing them for many more years than we had, like Lance Ryan, Ryan Stohlquist, Danny Burzlaff, and Darren Lynd. We are always looking to find a female or boar that can make ‘em better.
What websites, apps or tools can’t you live without? Why?
Showpig.com, Showpig Buzz, and Mountain Dew (That’s a tool right?)
How do you keep your to-do list?
Mostly by one of us saying, “We probably need to that, huh?” Like the first question, priority takes place with whatever needs to be done around the farm first.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
Phone chargers and pocket knives
What do you listen to while you work?
Mostly just the local country radio. We’re outside quite a bit so we don’t listen to a whole lot.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? What’s your secret?
Asking questions. If there is something we have a problem with we don’t hesitate to call a friend up and ask them for suggestions.
What are you currently reading?
Hahahahahahahaha. Bred heifer catalogs?
How do you recharge?
Playing with Landry. (Justin’s 8 month old boy)
What is your favorite and least-favorite chore?
Favorite chore – feeding sows on days where they passover. Least favorite – shoveling out sow runs or calf pens.
How long does it take you to picture, sort and write a description for ONLY one pig in an online sale?
Depends on how long they have been on chips. If they are settled down and used to us being around them, 10-15 minutes.
Describe your ideal customer.
A repeat customer and customers who keep you in the loop as their project progresses and knows what they are doing.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see __Lance Ryan_____ answer these same questions.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never buy a dead man’s cows/sows