Butyenek & Gerlemann Show Pigs
BOURBON, MO. – In Crawford County, just outside of Bourbon, Mo., a small but growing swine operation continues to make a big impact in the show pig industry. Butyenek & Gerlemann Show Pigs, owned and operated by first cousins Jake Butyenek and Jordan Gerlemann, focus on raising high-quality show pigs while creating meaningful opportunities for youth across the country.
While the operation itself has officially took shape in recent years, the foundation had been built long before. Jake bred his first gilt in 2016, marking the beginning of what would become years of learning, growth and determination.
“For the first few years, there was plenty of trial and error,” Jake said. “The operation we have today really started to come together in 2022 when Jordan and I combined our operations.”
Both Jake and Jordan brought valuable experience to the partnership. Each grew up showing swine and developed a passion for the industry at a young age. Their time as students at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where they were involved in livestock judging, helped further shape their knowledge and sharpen their eye for quality livestock.
A key influence early on was Robbie Bird, a relative of Jake’s, who played an important role in encouraging and supporting the operation. That guidance, combined with their own drive, helped push the pair toward building something of their own.
Today, Butyenek & Gerlemann Show Pigs maintain a sow herd of eight head, primarily consisting of crossbred females. The operation also continues to expand its genetic base, including the addition of Yorkshire sows as part of a growing focus on incorporating purebred lines.
The farm operates as a farrow-to-wean system, allowing Jake and Jordan to stay closely involved in key stages of production. From breeding decisions to farrowing and daily care, every aspect of the operation is handled with attention to detail and a commitment to improvement.
“Our priority has always been maintaining a healthy herd while consistently pushing our genetics forward,” Jordan said.
That commitment extended beyond genetics and into the facilities themselves. Over the years, the operation has placed a strong emphasis on improving infrastructure to better support herd health and performance.
“Herd health and proper housing conditions go hand in hand,” Jake said. “We’ve consistently looked for ways to improve our setup.”
Those improvements culminated in the operation’s largest project to date, a barn expansion designed to better accommodate their growth and enhance the overall environment for their livestock.
Family remains at the core of everything they do. As first cousins, Jake and Jordan work closely together, but the support system extends well beyond the two of them. Family members play an active role in both daily responsibilities and the customer service side of the business.
“What makes our operation unique is how involved our family is,” Jordan said. “Whether it’s helping with chores or working with customers, it’s truly a team effort.”
That team-oriented mindset carried over into their interactions with customers. For Butyenek & Gerlemann Show Pigs, success was not measured solely by banners or sale prices, but by the experiences they helped create for young exhibitors.
“The main value that guides our operation is how we can make this a positive experience for kids,” Jake said.
Over time, the pair has built a strong customer base that spans local, regional and national markets. While many of their pigs are sold close to home, others have traveled as far as California, giving exhibitors across the country the opportunity to compete with their genetics.
Finding the right marketing approach, however, has not come without challenges. Like many livestock producers, Jake and Jordan worked through trial and error to determine what methods best suited their operation and their customers.
“One of our biggest challenges has been figuring out the best way to sell our livestock,” Jordan said. “Between online sales, live auctions and private treaty, it took some time to find a system that works well.”
Through that process, they developed a balanced approach that allows them to reach a wide range of buyers while maintaining a positive and accessible experience.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. One of the accomplishments was seeing the continued success of their customers in the show ring. From county fairs to jackpot shows and state-level competitions, exhibitors using their pigs had consistently found success.
“Every year, we see more and more of our customers doing well, and that’s something we’re really proud of,” Jake said.
Looking ahead, the future remains bright for Butyenek & Gerlemann Show Pigs. With recent breedings aimed at spring shows, the operation prepares to expand its reach even further and tap into new markets of exhibitors.
“We want to keep growing,” Jordan said. “We’re excited about what’s ahead and the opportunities to offer our pigs to even more kids.”
Despite their growth and success, both Jake and Jordan remain grounded in their love for the industry and the people within it.
“The best part about raising livestock is the people you meet and the chance to keep learning,” Jake said.
That mindset also shapes the advice they offer to others looking to get started in the swine industry.
“You don’t have to know everything at the start,” Jordan said. “Progress takes time, and it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to learn.”
