Producer Spotlight
Love what you do, Do what you love
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here is a saying that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. “There are plenty of days where it’s extremely difficult and it can be emotionally draining, but on the good days I can honestly say that I’m living the dream.” Chris and Steelee Fischbacher, owners of Fischbacher Show Pigs and Next Level Genetics, feel blessed to live the life they live and grow their family in the show pig industry. Chris Fischbacher got his start in the show pig industry as a young 4-H member. As the son of well-known and highly respected County Extension Agent, Marcel Fischbacher, much of Chris’s life has been spent in the barn or at stock shows learning and growing in the livestock industry. Early on a love for show pigs took root in Chris and he decided that he wanted to raise his own show pigs, thus began the journey toward the establishment of Fischbacher Show Pigs. After graduating from Vega High School, Chris attended Clarendon College where he was a member of the livestock judging team. Chris completed his undergraduate education, in animal science, at Oklahoma State University where he was a member of the 2005 National Champion livestock judging team. After graduation, Chris returned home to take the reins of Fischbacher Show Pigs and continue his education by attending West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) to earn a Masters of Science in Agricultural Science. During his four years at WTAMU, Chris continued his passion for livestock evaluation by serving as the livestock judging team coach. Chris continued to raise hogs while he was in school and coaching, and he quickly made the decision that show pig production was his calling. “I always knew I wanted to be involved someway in livestock production,” said Chris. “When I was a senior in high school I started having serious talks with my dad about the possibility of making this a career. He always made me believe this was something I could be really good at. After high school, every move I made was designed to make raising show pigs my livelihood.” In order to take the next step, Chris began increasing the size of his sow herd. Currently, Fischbacher Show Pigs farrows their 50 sows eight months out of the year; raising pigs year-round to target any show, for anyone. Their sow herd is composed of Berkshire, Duroc, Spot, Yorkshire and crossbred females, to meet the needs of their growing and loyal customer base. In 2012, the Fischbacher family decided to diversify their operation and started a new business venture, a boar stud fittingly named Next Level Genetics. The goal of this new entity within Fischbacher Show Pigs is to offer fellow show pig producers high quality genetics for reasonable prices. Today, the genetics of their 15 head boar stud have been sold in 28 states and winning banners all across the country.
Chris knows he would not be where he is today without his family, crediting his parents for helping him along the way. “I could not have started this business without my parents,” said Chris. “I have learned a lot about raising pigs from a lot of people, but I have definitely learned the most from my dad.” There are a few more key players on the Fischbacher team. Chris and his wife, Steelee, have been married since 2009 and have two children, four-year-old daughter, Mattlee, and six-month-old son, Case. Steelee is currently the Director of Policy and Marketing for the Texas Wheat Producers Board and Association. When she finishes her nine to five job, Steelee heads to the barn to help Chris with the pigs. “It’s a family affair, but that’s what Chris and I love about raising pigs,” explained Steelee. “I really enjoy being able to spend time with my family and kids while I’m working,” added Chris. “My proudest moments come from something as simple as watching my daughter walk the teaser boar and seeing her gain the same skills and interests that I have.” Even with his great support system, Chris admits that there are still challenges in raising show pigs. “With every set of pigs, there are always matings that I wish I could do over,” said Chris. “That is what makes it a never-ending challenge, but also what makes it fun. I know I will never perfect it, but I will always work at it.” At Fischbacher Show Pigs the impossible goal is to raise litters where every single baby pig will turn out with no problems. To get as close to this goal as possible, Chris focuses on the feet, legs and design of his hogs. Once the foundation is taken care of on the sow side, current trends dictate which direction Chris’s mating decisions will go. “I think the boar needs to reach further with some different pieces and traits in order to compliment the sow,” explained Chris. “I’m not trying to raise one great one with 10 feeder pig littermates. I would rather raise 11 sellable pigs that give 11 kids a chance to be successful in the end.”
Fischbacher Show Pigs Chris believes that his females are the first step to raising a deep, quality litter, and works to continuously improve their sow herd. “I think the majority of show pig producers would be in agreement that the female dictates your success in this business,” said Chris. “You have to identify the females that can not only look the part and generate, but also cycle, farrow unassisted and raise pigs. It’s the ones that have that mothering ability that are truly great and the ones we build our herd around.” While Chris identifies that the females can make or break an operation and that he is proud of the quality of his own sow herd, he knows that there is room to improve. “I’ll admit that I do not have the perfect sow herd and they do not all look alike,” said Chris. This is where boar selection comes into play. Chris matches each sow with the boar that is the best compliment to each sow’s individual needs. This philosophy translates into the boars that Next Level Genetics offers. The boars each offer different pieces and strengths; the trait that one boar is extreme in differs from the boar in the next pen. The diversity in their boars not only benefits the Fischbachers’ personal sow herd, but also the sows of their customers. The pride that the Fischbacher family has in their work goes beyond purple banners and awards. At the core of their operation lies the satisfaction they get from helping each child accomplish a goal and become a better person while doing it. “I get more pride out of watching the business that I’m in have a positive impact on young people’s lives. Watching these kids, who have put so much effort in their projects, succeed and reap the benefits of their dedication is truly rewarding,” explained Chris. Chris and his family have worked hard to create a strong name in the show pig industry, but they recognize that they are not the only ones. “The competition is at a level we have never seen before,” explained Chris. “There are so many talented breeders in the country; especially in the state of Texas. Plus, between online bred gilt sales and open gilt shows, there are countless opportunities to purchase exceptional females from fellow producers anywhere in the country. Some of these breeders, whether new or old, have 10 sows, some have 30 sows and some have 100 sows. To win we are all trying to make ones that are flawless, but still unique and great in a few traits.” Chris credits the development of junior organizations like the NJSA, Team Purebred and TPPA for the significant growth within the show pig industry. “Youth livestock associations have grown our industry drastically. More money is getting spent on pigs than ever before. Looking back at the past, it also seems like today more families are able to make a living off of raising show pigs.”
What advice would you give to a young person wanting to raise show pigs? –Learn to manage your finances and operation. –Be honest. –Treat people right.
Where do you see the show pig industry headed? I believe just like show steers have been the past decade, the trends and moves we see are going to be much more subtle.
Favorite hobby? Watching college football.
Next Level Genetics What is your favorite show to attend? As a kid I remember my Dad pulling me out of school early for the Fall Classic in Duncan, Okla., and I can’t think of the last time I missed that show.
Favorite quote? “Don’t talk; think.” -Rick Grimes, The Walking Dead
What boar has had the biggest impact on your herd? Cowboy was the first boar we ever raised and bred sows to. It’s been 10 years and we are still talking about his pedigree in the show pigs we are selling today.
Like with all great things, there are hardships with this quick and intense growth. With so many people in the business and therefore dependent on the show pig business, it’s nerve racking to think of a day when junior livestock shows are a thing of the past. Chris and Steelee both agree that it’s disheartening to hear stories about dishonesty taking place at shows or in barns. “I believe the show pig industry is as fragile as its ever been,” explained Chris. “First, consumers are becoming more aware and want to know more about what is going into their food. Additionally, we must remember that without youth exhibiting livestock projects, we do not have a show pig business. To ensure our longevity, it is just as important to be positive role models for these kids as it is to make that next great barrow. When done right, this can be the best tool for raising kids the right way. We believe that you would be hard pressed to find something else that can teach youth responsibility, work ethic and handling the natural ups and downs of life that caring for livestock can teach kids.” As a showman, breeder and livestock evaluator, Chris loves all aspects of the livestock industry. Chances are you have probably seen him on the mic sorting livestock at the San Angelo Stars Gilt Show, among many others. “I’ll never get bored looking at and talking about livestock, especially hogs,” explained Chris. “It’s always fun waiting to see if the next one you look at will be the one you’ve been waiting your whole life to see.” Chris enjoys sharing his passion for the livestock world with young livestock enthusiasts in the show ring and at livestock judging contests. “I have officiated several judging contests and it’s cool watching the kids get excited about the livestock in the reasons room. When I’m in the ring, it’s neat to look into the kid’s eyes and see the amount of work they have put into their project and how much they are getting out of being involved in caring for livestock.” While no one can predict the future, I think it’s safe to say that Fischbacher Show Pigs is here to stay. This farm is focused on increasing the quality, not just the quantity of their herd, and helping their customers get to the backdrop more and more. On a more personal note, Chris is very direct with his future goals. “If you would have asked me five years ago what my goals in life were, they would have probably all been pig related,” said Chris. “Today, we would obviously like to win more shows and bigger shows, but the main priority in my life moving forward is about the kind of person I want to be. I want to continue to be a better husband and I want to be the best father possible to my two kids. I hope to successfully help mold them into class act adults. I would like to continue to treat other people with more respect and more honesty and hopefully instill those same traits into my children.”
A Few Winners and Boars...
Champion Yorkshire Barrow ‘15 HLSR Bred by: Kevin Thomas Sired by: Just Cause
Res. Yorkshire Barrow ‘15 FWSS Bred by: Kyle Stephens Sired by: Equalizer
Res. Yorkshire Gilt ‘15 San Angelo Bred by: Fischbacher Show Pigs Sired by: Just Cause
Champion Spot Gilt ‘15 San Angelo Bred by: Rains Livestock Sired by: Hat Trick
Res. Yorkshire Barrow ‘14 SALE Bred by: Fischbacher Show Pigs Sired by: Inception
Champion Spot Barrow ‘14 NWSS Bred by: Kyle Stephens Sired by: Addiction
Champion Cross Barrow ‘11 WPX Bred by: Fischbacher Show Pigs Sired by: Rock N Rolla
Inception Stonewall X Rock N Rolla Owned by: Next Level Genetics
Res. HW Div. Cross Barrow ‘15 San Angelo Bred by: Fischbacher Show Pigs Sired by: Chill Factor
Champion Cross Barrow ‘14 Rodeo Austin Bred by: Kyle Stephens Sired by: Vantage Point
Champion Gilt ‘13 NJSA SW Regional Bred by: Fischbacher Show PIgs Sired by: Mood Swing
Wheels Up Mud Bug X Inception Owned by: Next Level Genetics
“Today, we would obviously like to win more shows and bigger shows, but the main priority in my life moving forward is about the kind of person I want to be. I want to continue to be a better husband and I want to be the best father possible to my kids. I hope to successfully help mold them into class act adults. I would like to continue to treat other people with more respect and more honesty and hopefully instill those same traits into my children.�