Meet Morgan Lobdell, the gal behind our website and social media!
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​Q: How many years have you been showing/raising hogs?
A: I have been showing pigs since I was 9 years old. I got my first two county fair pigs from my cousins and was hooked. Casey and I started dating in 2015. In order to spend time with him, I worked with him and supported the pigs every step of the way. I started doing all our marketing and online sale photography. My true passion is farrowing and spending time with sows and babies. The only thing better than baby pigs is seeing families and kids benefiting from their show animal.

Q: Favorite breed?
A: Spots

Q: What is your favorite past show pig?
A: The trio of spot gilts are pretty memorable from the 2020 National.

​Q: Why did you start raising pigs or choose to become involved?
A: Date night was always in the barn. It was good that I had a passion for it. I have always been drawn to pigs and expanded that when I went to Iowa State. It’s great to be able to combine my passion and work with family.

Q: Favorite job on the farm?
A: Day one pig care

Q: Fun fact related to pigs that people may not know about you.
A: My great-grandfather raised Poland Chinas and won several state competitions. They moved away from pigs to dairy farm. My family kept commercial pigs until ’92. Things come full circle because there are hogs again on my family’s home farm.

Meet Casey Lobdell, the guy that keeps the train on the tracks!
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Q: How many years have you been showing/raising hogs?A: Family has raised sheep and we were looking for another livestock species for our county fair action. I showed my first fair pig in 4th grade. My dad suggested we get some gilts as an SAE project in 7th grade. Little did he know how it would grow. From farrowing in the old milking parlor to a Double L - it’s a 4-H project gone wild.

Q: Favorite breed?
A: Spot - they were something different and a family friend in the county raised some pretty darn good ones.

Q: What is your favorite past show pig?
A: Crossbred Cowboy gilt from the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair. She was the first to help us feel like we were doing something right.

We know that PRRS test brings many questions as show pig exhibitor. As a breeder, here are helpful steps and questions you can ask your veterinarian while testing. At the end, learn how you can be reimbursed for testing.

When is testing required?
Testing is required to comply with Wisconsin’s Animal Health rule effective March 2018. The rule requires farms with pigs to test for PRRS and PEDv when moving intrastate or interstate. Testing is not required for pigs moving directly to harvest. So as an example, a pig moving to a county fair that is not terminal, is required to be tested.

Why do we test?
Testing is done to help improve the overall health and biosecurity of Wisconsin's pig population.

Where can kits be purchased form?
Exhibitors should work with their veterinarians to get a kit and submit for testing. The paperwork and results will be delivered through the vet office. They can then write a health paper for an event.

How does the testing process work?
Instructions should come from a vet or in the packet. The rope should be hung from a gate and be kept off the ground. Allow the group of pigs to chew on the rope for 20-30 minutes. Saliva samples are then to squeezed out of the rope into a plastic bag. The person performing the test should be wearing gloves. The saliva can then be deposited into the sample jar by cutting a hole in one corner of the bag. You should aim to collect 5mls of saliva. Salvia samples should be refrigerated until returned to the vet clinic within 24 hours.

Can I be reimbursed for tests?
Yes! The Wisconsin Pork Association offers test reimbursement for producers and exhibitors based on the type of test you are running. You can find the forms on their website, or by following the link.

Helpful Resources -
Wisconsin DATCP
Wisconsin Pork Association

Disclaimer - This is meant to be a guide only. Please consult with your veterinarian and establish a VCPR with your provider before acting. Always contact a veterinarian before administrating any treatment or tests.