Sanctioned Judges

Iowa State University recently recognized Allen Christian for his dedication and commitment to the management of their Swine Teaching Farm by naming the farm in his honor.  After more than 50 years of service to ISU and its students, joining as swine herdsman in 1959, Al retired in 2010 from teaching and managing.  His students ranked him as one of the best-crediting him with lessons learned on life as well as those learned about pigs.  Al Christian travels across the country as a consultant and swine show judge.  Christian serves as one of IKHR's "Approved Judges" and is appreciated for his expertise whenever called upon

Mr. Parrish is a renowned, and highly respected leader in the swine seedstock industry. His family has been breeding Duroc hogs for 5 generations, since Charles Parrish started the operation in 1912.

​

Howard’s experience in the industry is extensive, having judged and sold hogs in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. Nearly every major state fair in the country has been judged by Mr. Parrish at one point or another, along with major stock shows like Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Cow Palace, and the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minnesota. Aside from judging, Howard is a well known auctioneer at livestock sales around the country, since acquiring his auctioneer license when graduating High-school in 1961.

​

In the current day, Howard and his son, Frank run 80 Duroc, and 20 head of Berkshire sows. In 2004, the Parrish operation was farrowing more than 600 sows!

Fun fact: Howard Parrish and Al Christian met at the NSR Summer Type Conference in 1961 after Howard graduated high school. They are close friends to this day!

​

Howard Parrish (Right), and his grandson Clay Parrish (Left).

“Mr. Snedegar [went] to Michigan State University in 1989 to manage the Swine Teaching & Research Center and Boar Test Station. He established sales of biomedical pigs to hospitals and other biomedical research groups. He worked to maintain three genetic lines at the farm. He served as a director of the American Yorkshire Club and member of the National Swine Registry Executive Committee. Mr. Snedegar gave leadership to starting the National Junior Swine Association, which is today advised and directed by former students who work for him at the swine farm. With student involvement, He distinguished MSU as the only ‘Truckload’ exhibitor since 1946 to win both the live and carcass contests at the National Barrow Show. He taught laboratory sections of several classes, coached judging teams, mentored student employees, and served as a vital connection to swine-oriented youth. Mr. Snedegar has judged major, regional, and county swine shows in 35 states”

https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/snedegar-j-alan-bb

Terry has been judging swine shows all over the nation for 35+ years.  He was active on his high school judging team in the 1970's and has gone on to judge at several National events for the National Swine Registry, Certified Pedigree Swine, American Berkshire Association, and the Tamworth Swine Association.  Some of those include the World Pork Expo, Duncan Fall Classic, Southwest Type Conference, Indiana State Fair, Ohio State Fair and many more regional, state, county and jackpot shows.

Terry has been raising hogs since 1979.  He worked alongside his father and brother building a successful purebred herd and commercial operation.  In the late 1990s, Terry decided to focus his energy on the show pig industry and founded Shaffer's Goldrush, a boar stud and show pig operation which he still works today with his wife, two daughters and four grandsons.

In 2020 Terry was inducted into the Indiana Livestock Breeder Hall of fame and has received several other accolades for his accomplishments throughout his career.

Drake, alongside his wife Katelyn, is the owner/operator of Drake Hook Showpigs, DHSP Boars, and Rockin’ Diamond H Cattle based out of Humeston, Iowa. DHSP is comprised of around 60 head of sows consisting of mainly Berkshires, Durocs,and Crossbreds which farrow year round to produce high caliber Showpigs that have consistently won from coast to coast at every level of competition. DHSP Boars houses eleven boars of five different breeds and prides itself in offering cutting edge genetics nationwide. Aside from showpigs, Drake also runs a heritage herd of purebred Meishans that has begun to enter the retail side of heritage meat sales.