Special Report

Producer exports genetics in 100 pound packages

Everett Forkner has made a career of raising good pigs through the right genetics. Demand for the pigs, the meat and the genetics was brisk enough that years ago he opted to go international. So far, his breeding stock has found homes in more than 25 countries. What’s in such high demand is that Forkner, from Richards, Mo., selects for health. His pigs go through life with little need for antibiotics. Those people in the far corners who want Forkner’s blood lines pick them out at an early age. Smaller pigs mean fewer pounds to ship. Critters generally board planes for their destinations before they’ve topped 100 pounds.

AUDIO: Everett Forkner (6 min. MP3)