Episode Summary: "Consistency Is Key... Featuring Will Winters"
EmpowerU, hosted by Weston Hendrix, Luke Domingue, and Quinn Hartley, delves into the intricacies of the livestock industry, aiming to empower individuals, leaders, operators, and customers with knowledge and confidence. In the June 13, 2025 episode titled "Consistency Is Key... Featuring Will Winters," the hosts engage in a comprehensive conversation with Will Winters, co-owner of Wintex Farms, exploring his extensive experience, insights into breeding practices, challenges facing the industry, and the importance of consistency in livestock management.
1. Introduction to Will Winters and Wintex Farms
The episode begins with Weston Hendrix welcoming listeners to the fourth season of EmpowerU. Luke Domingue introduces the special guest, Will Winters, highlighting his expertise and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge about the livestock industry.
Notable Quote:
"I know Will, you're very, very knowledgeable in this industry in a lot of ways. So I can't wait to pick your brain a little bit." — Weston Hendrix [00:36]
Will Winters provides an overview of Wintex Farms, detailing the family's operations, which include raising approximately 250 show pig sows and around 150 cows. He emphasizes their commitment to self-sufficiency by cultivating their own feed, such as corn, wheat, and hay, while navigating the rising costs of agricultural production.
Notable Quote:
"We try to be as self-sufficient as we can. But in this day and age everything gets pretty expensive. So just try to do all we can with what we have." — Will Winters [01:17]
2. Background and History of Wintex Farms
Will shares his background in livestock showing, mentioning his participation in 4H and county shows alongside his siblings. He reflects on the generational legacy of Wintex Farms, tracing its roots back to his grandfather who started raising pigs through the Sears and Roebuck program in the mid-1950s.
Notable Quote:
"Our goal is to raise just our own, try to raise our own feed corn when the weather allows it... but we try to keep this thing going. So it's a hard thing to do, I can assure you." — Will Winters [05:35]
3. Evolution of Show Pigs and Breeding Practices
Will discusses the transformation in pig showing over the decades. He notes a shift from tall, slender pigs to more compact and aesthetically varied breeds. The introduction of commercial advancements and crossbreeding has significantly altered traditional breeding practices.
Notable Quote:
"Back when I showed, we showed them tall. Them tall, skinny, no bellied ones. And I can remember some of them shows going to San Antonio..." — Will Winters [10:24]
He expresses concern over the current focus on popularity and physical attributes that do not necessarily contribute to the longevity and productivity of the sows. Will advocates for breeding practices that prioritize traits like hip length, squareness, and skeletal strength over mere aesthetic appeal.
Notable Quote:
"Now it’s, everybody's got a few sows and it's great for the industry because there's a whole lot of new money that comes in. But at the end of the day, if some of their pigs that they sell don't turn out, it really ain't no big deal." — Will Winters [11:22]
4. Challenges in the Modern Livestock Industry
Will highlights the primary challenges facing the livestock industry today, particularly the decline in dedicated breeders and the shift towards a more commercialized and fast-paced approach. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality and consistency in breeding programs amidst these changes.
Notable Quote:
"The industry's pretty upside down at the moment because it's not about the build of the pig. It's just about the popularity of it." — Will Winters [11:22]
He also touches upon the potential future of reproductive technologies in swine breeding, expressing cautious optimism while lamenting the loss of traditional breeding artistry.
Notable Quote:
"I think that that's going to just magnify and accelerate it to a point that will be where we can't get back." — Will Winters [14:03]
5. Balancing Purebred and Crossbreeds
Will discusses the strategic balance between maintaining purebred lines and incorporating crossbreeds within Wintex Farms. He underscores the necessity of diversification to enhance genetic robustness while striving to preserve the integrity of purebred programs.
Notable Quote:
"Since I've gotten back, we've kind of still maintained probably a 50, 50 split on crosses and purebreds." — Will Winters [10:12]
He expresses the challenges of integrating new genetic traits without compromising the foundational qualities of their breeding program, advocating for patience and strategic planning in genetic enhancements.
6. The Importance of Consistency in Breeding and Judging
A central theme of the episode is the critical role of consistency in breeding practices and show judging. Will argues that consistent standards and practices are essential for the long-term success and sustainability of livestock breeding.
Notable Quote:
"Consistency is what will get you from one generation to the next, I believe." — Will Winters [25:09]
He recounts his experiences in judging and coaching, emphasizing that consistent criteria and honest evaluations are vital for developing quality breeding stock.
7. Advice for Young Judges and Industry Participants
Will offers valuable advice for young individuals entering the field of livestock judging and breeding. He stresses the importance of gaining hands-on experience, understanding animal movement and athleticism, and prioritizing long-term genetic health over short-term show success.
Notable Quote:
"If you don't feel like you're ready, then don't do it. Don't feel like you have to do it." — Will Winters [31:00]
He advocates for education and mentorship, suggesting that judges and breeders adhere to consistent standards and remain true to foundational breeding principles.
8. Personal Motivation and Influences
In the concluding segments, Will reflects on the personal motivations that drive his dedication to livestock breeding. Family legacy, personal responsibility, and the desire to provide the best for his loved ones underpin his commitment to maintaining and advancing Wintex Farms.
Notable Quote:
"Them two kids and that wife and that house of mine, they deserve nothing but the best for me." — Will Winters [46:46]
He acknowledges the myriad of influences that have shaped his approach, from his late father to industry mentors, highlighting the collective wisdom that informs his practices.
9. Concluding Thoughts
Will Winters concludes the interview by reiterating the significance of consistency, dedication, and ethical breeding practices in ensuring the longevity and success of livestock operations. He emphasizes that fostering strong, healthy animals through disciplined breeding is paramount for the industry's future.
Final Remarks:
The episode underscores the complexities of modern livestock breeding, advocating for a balanced approach that honors traditional practices while adapting to contemporary challenges. Will Winters' insights provide a nuanced perspective on maintaining quality and consistency in an evolving industry, offering valuable guidance for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.
Note: Advertisements and promotional segments interspersed within the transcript have been omitted to focus on the core content of the episode.