Darin's Pig Pen-- Thoughts from nearly 50 years of life in the swine industry from barnyard to board room. 

Welcome to the Pig Pen! Here we will discuss swine industry issues ranging from commercial production to the show ring. I've been very fortunate in my nearly 50 years on this planet to be presented with so much opportunity and wonderful experiences in an industry for which I have a strong passion. My journey in this industry has taken me to many corners of the world and given me experiences I could never have dreamed of growing up as a scrawny, ornery, red-headed farm kid in southern Wisconsin. I've worked alongside such incredibly gifted people from whom I've learned so much in so many different facets of the industry. I could never adequately repay those who have helped me to reach this point in my life thus far, but it is my intention to share as much as I can with those who share my passion for the swine industry, with hope that I can help others as others have helped me. This is the place I've chosen to share my experiences.

Welcome. I hope you find something enjoyable and useful here. -Darin

This past week I attended the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minnesota. While it doesn’t necessarily get the same hype and attendance as some of the other shows such as World Pork Expo and Summer Type Conference, NBS is one of my favorite shows to attend.

Welcome to the Pig Pen. Labor Day has passed and in Wisconsin that means Tuesday was the first day of school all over the state. Elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and even universities in our state all start on the day after Labor Day. For our family, that meant one child heading off to begin second grade, one heading off to begin her college career, one soon-to-be-son-in-law starting his college classes for the year, and one daughter beginning her new school year teaching music. I should include one little brother too young to start school but who wants desperately to keep pace with his big sisters! Only one of the whole crew who is finished with school and won’t be going either as teacher or student.