We caught up with Mr. Zachary Schwecke before he steps “Inside the Ring” to sort the Light Cross Gilts at the 2024 Oklahoma Youth Expo. Learn more about Zachary below!

Tell us a little about yourself and your background in the ag industry?
Grew up on our family farm in south central Minnesota. Graduated from SDSU in 09 always knew I loved the livestock world and wanted to be involved with it. My dad and I own and operate Schwecke Genetics,  Alongside my wife Kim and 2 girls Karsten and Kelbie.  We also run 40 Charolais Cows.

What are you looking forward to most about judging this show?
It’s OYE The Greatest Show!! Excited to see the depth of quality and working with the youth of Oklahoma.

Any expectations going into it?
Excited to get the opportunity to sort through the best cross gilts in the country all under one roof, and do it with my good buddy Troy!  

What is a nonnegotiable for you when sorting hog shows?
Structure and build.

Favorite hotel chain to stay in while at shows?
Holiday Inn / Hampton

What are you looking forward to in 2024?
Spending time with my family watching our girls grow up in the barn and around livestock. Judging light gilts at OYE and cross gilts at Expo.

Boots or Comfortable Dress Shoes
Boots

Prepared Grand Drive Speech or Wing It
Wing It

Flying or Driving
Flying

Fist Bump or Handshake
Handshakes