Crowder Pork

Crowder Pork Plays Multiple Roles in Pork Industry

“Variety is the spice of life,” the saying goes and that concept is apparent at Crowder Pork of Attica, Indiana. The Crowder family is involved in several aspects of the pork industry, with Kyle Crowder representing the fifth generation on this Fountain County farm where pigs are raised for both commercial production as well as the show arena.

“We are unique in that within the 800 sows (mother pigs) we have commercial and show pigs in one location serving both sides of our operation,” Kyle says. The pigs on the commercial side of the operation are born on the farm and then head to a farm in Iowa to be fed out to market weight. These pigs are sired by the Berkshire breed that is known for its premium meat quality and meeting consumer demands of rich flavor and tenderness. On the show side of the operation, the Crowders are focused on improving the genetics in the pigs which are purchased by local families for kids to show. The pigs are also sold via on-line auctions and through live sales to make their way to show ring.

Regardless of the pig’s purpose, being sure the pigs are healthy is the focus. “The pigs are observed daily and given the care they need to thrive,” Kyle says. “We are constantly monitoring their feed, water and overall health, being sure they are growing and in a good environment.”

His brother, Kevin, runs the row crop and hay side of the farming operation where the pig manure is used as fertilizer. Kyle shares that they use cover crops to help protect the soil, and this cropping practice also helps retain the nutrients provided by the manure. “From an environmental standpoint, we are a full circle of recycling in that we grow the corn fed to the pigs whose manure is applied to ground where the corn is grown, it really is a big circle,” he says.

Both Kyle and his wife Denise grew up showing animals, and this passion has passed on to their children Ashley, Garrett and Tyler. The family is active helping others in the industry through involvement in several organizations. “Indiana Pork is a good resource for hog farmers and good friend of the industry,” says Kyle who serves on the board. For many years, Kyle has helped with Indiana Pork activities such as the Midwest Pork Conference which provides education for producers on a variety of topics. Of course, he loves visiting the Indiana Pork tent at the Indiana State Fair each year.

On the show pig side, Kyle helps with Certified Indiana Bred (CIB), a program to provide added opportunities for Indiana purebred breeders and exhibitors. CIB, a part of Indiana Pork, promotes purebred pig breeders in Indiana and gives Indiana kids opportunities like skill-a-thons and activities at shows.

Another way the Crowders help advance knowledge is by hosting on their farm the next generation of pork industry leaders. “Denise and I have helped judging teams here on the farm, letting them use pigs to practice for contests,” Kyle says. In judging contests, participants must evaluate pigs and provide reasons for their placings, so it is important to have hands-on practice. “This fall we had four or five teams out here, with more than 50 kids.”

Helping others in the industry is second nature for the family. “From a local standpoint, we always like to be involved and feel that we are helping both in our community and on the state level,” Kyle says. “We want to promote pig production in general, staying involved and being active to help consumers understand more about what goes into producing their protein.”