Explore every episode of the podcast Showpig Central

“Send us a message.”

In this episode, Clay Parrish from the National Pork Board sits down with Josh & Carrie to discuss the importance of swine health strategies, centered around the National Swine Health Strategy by the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff. Topics include biosecurity, vaccinations, and best practices for show pig producers, exhibitors and everyone between to prevent disease and ensure healthy pigs at shows and sales.

“Send us a message.”

This episode covers the essentials of receiving baby pigs. Josh and Carrie focus on many parts of getting in new baby pigs, from facility preparation, nutrition, and management strategies and more, all to ensure healthy growth and development, and to get things off to the right start for your new project!

Brockman Online Store:

Brockman Farms

Camps, Boars, and For Sale at Brockman Farms:

brockmanfarms.com

“Send us a message.”

Navigating the world of Livestock Showing through the eyes of this show mom. In this episode, discover essential tips for parents entering the livestock showing world. Learn how to foster relationships, build knowledge, and support your child effectively. Entering the world of livestock showing can feel overwhelming for parents, especially if they didn’t grow up in the industry. In this episode, we’ll explore insights from Baden Shackelford, a seasoned & successful livestock show parent, who shares her journey and advice for families just starting out. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or just getting a feel for this world, this episode provides valuable advice on how to navigate this exciting yet challenging endeavor.

“Send us a message.”

This is the first episode where we take you "into the farm"! This episode is much more information based, and less discussion in type, but in it we explore the common practices we use here in nursery management, including weaning protocols, health management, and facility setup, with an inside look inside one of our nurseries!

“Send us a message.”

A 2 part series discussing a basic principle question - WHY? This began from a listener request, and kind of took off from there to another level. In this episode we explore the purpose of and for purpose-driven selection in the show pig industry, addressing questions about industry standards, genetic diversity, and the balance between function and appearance. Hosts Josh  and Carrie Brockman discuss industry evolution, judging criteria, and the importance of purpose in breeding and showing pigs, and what the vibrant showpig industry has become and their thoughts on it. 

“Send us a message.”

A 2 part series discussing a basic principle question - WHY? This began from a listener request, and kind of took off from there to another level. In this episode we explore the purpose of and for purpose-driven selection in the show pig industry, addressing questions about industry standards, genetic diversity, and the balance between function and appearance. Hosts Josh  and Carrie Brockman discuss industry evolution, judging criteria, and the importance of purpose in breeding and showing pigs, and what the vibrant showpig industry has become and their thoughts on it. 

“Send us a message.”

In this episode, Carrie sits down with Colby Ferguson, excutive direction of the Texas Pork Producers to discuss the current status of the New World Screwworm fly, its impact on livestock, and best practices for prevention and control, especially in the swine industry. This discussion provides simple insights on signs, symptoms, and resources for producers and showpig exhibitors in a practical sense.

Resources: 

www.texaspork.org

“Send us a message.”

This episode Carrie is joined by her daughter Kamylnn and the two discuss advice on show ring attire, emphasizing professionalism, appropriateness, and trends. They discuss hair, clothing, accessories, and evolving standards to help young showmen present their best overall package.

“Send us a message.”

This episode provides an in-depth look at farrowing and production management, covering vaccination, feeding, inducing, and caring for sows and babies during farrowing and lactation. We pickup with pre-farrowing thoughts and take the journey through the farrowing house. This episode is perfect for breeders seeking practical tips and best practices from our vantage point.

“Send us a message.”

We sat down this spring with a few of our seniors to reflect on their show career, some of the things they've learned, what advice they would give to a young exhibitor, and what lies ahead. Along with one of our youngest. Be sure and watch all the way to the end!

“Send us a message.”

This episode of Showpig Central explores one of the most current questions of using two whips in the ring. Josh and Carrie discuss the use of one or two whips before moving on to another key part of showmanship, the importance of the sift pen, and practicing for that key part of the show ring. The hosts share insights on training, presentation, and the evolving standards in showmanship, emphasizing the value of practice and observation.

“Send us a message.”

In this episode, Josh and Carrie discuss the importance of layovers in show pig preparation, emphasizing routine, acclimation, and fine-tuning for optimal performance. They share practical tips, personal experiences, and the significance of relationships built during these strategic periods.

“Send us a message.”

In this episode of Show Pig Central, Josh Brockman discusses the intricacies of managing sows for breeding, including setting up breeding schedules, managing sow condition, and vaccination protocols. He emphasizes the importance of using Matrix for synchronization and shares his personal breeding techniques, including the use of Cysterelin to enhance conception rates. The episode aims to provide practical insights for breeders as they prepare for breeding season.

“Send us a message.”

We'd like to welcome everyone out to the first annual Brockman Farms Winter Open House on December 27th! Come check out this crop of babies for sale that will fit May-August shows! And see the FIRST LOOK of the new set of boars from the summer 2025 crop! Lunch, prizes, and fun fellowship we hope to see you on Saturday, December 27th!

“Send us a message.”

In this episode, Josh Brockman discusses the importance of supplements in show pig care, focusing on when to start using them, the types of supplements available, and their specific benefits. The conversation covers joint health, hair growth, immune boosting, respiratory health, digestive issues, and feed supplements, emphasizing the need for careful timing and selection based on the pigs' growth stages and health needs.

Check out many of the products discussed today at Brockman Farms online store!

“Send us a message.”

In this episode of Show Pig Central, hosts Josh and Carrie Brockman discuss the significance of hair quality in show pigs, exploring various aspects such as genetics, barn setup, daily management practices, and feeding additives. They emphasize the importance of selection and how different practices can enhance hair growth, ultimately aiming to maximize the potential of each pig. The conversation is filled with insights and practical tips for show pig enthusiasts.

*Get $10/off your next Big Wig purchase a www.brockmanfarms.com by using the Promo Code: Central10

“Send us a message.”

Summary

In this episode of Showpig Central, Josh & Carrie discusses the essential aspects of pig validation and entry processes, particularly focusing on the importance of proper tagging techniques, post-tag care, and the nuances of entering livestock shows. The conversation emphasizes the significance of following guidelines to ensure the health and compliance of show pigs, while also providing practical advice for both new and experienced participants in the livestock community.

“Send us a message.”

Welcome to Showpig Central, "Everything Showpigs", a new podcast platform brought to you by Brockman Farms! Our goal with this podcast is to be an ongoing conversation that reaches into relevant discussion and topics of all facets of the showpig industry from the breeding pen to the showring and everything in between!