On this week’s edition of The Inside Scoop, we caught up with Kyle Hicks, owner and operator of TKO Genetics. Kyle gives an inside look at his operation and even shares some fun facts that you may not know! Read his interview below. Describe your operation in terms of scope, size, breeds, etc. We run right around 50 sows, most of which are Crossbreds with a few Polands and Berks.   What, in your opinion, makes your operation unique? What makes us unique, is the fact that we aren’t willing to sacrifice our values when making livestock. Sometimes we might not get the first ticket on the hype train, but we put a strong emphasis on raising animals with muscle, toughness and vigor that can go on and perform for our customers.   What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?  Keep your head down, and let your work do your talking.   Describe your ideal customer. Anybody, any budget, anywhere that’s willing to listen and take to heart to what we have to say about the animals and then put in the time and effort.   Share a story of one pig that stands out amongst the rest of the ones you have raised. It was the spring of 2011 (I think) and Kade Hummel made an NSR herd visit with us, and he found a little belted boar pig that we had just weaned. It was the first crop of Super Monsters. He told me firmly, “Do not cut that pig”. Long story short, I had my scalpel out before he had probably left my zip code, and that pig was Grand Market Hog at the American Royal that Fall. We won 2 of 3 Crossbred divisions there that year.   One thing you can’t live without as a breeder Google calendar. I was a mess before it.   What is one chore that you hate to do but must be done? Fixing things.   If you could raise pigs anywhere in the world BESIDES the state you are in, where would it be and why? Is there a place that it’s never below 50 and never above 80 degrees?   What’s playing on your radio while working in the barn all day? I have pandora. Is that old school? Mainly listen to Koe Wetzel, Randy Rogers and 90s Country Stations.   A thing you can’t live without unrelated to pigs First and foremost family. After that, probably cooking. It’s how I decompress and clear my mind.   A fun fact that many people may not know about you. I’m kind of a what you see is what you get guy. Not too much stuff brag on, but I will brag on our 12 year old son Kalan. Fun fact, he is an outstanding bowler. Coached by my mother, who was a professional back in her day, he has won multiple state titles and qualified for Junior Gold Nationals this summer (update: broke his foot didn’t get to go ??) I guess talent skips a generation.   This or that: Picturing or Videoing? Both   Crossbreds or Purebreds? Hard to have one without the other, in my opinion.   Stay in a hotel or stay in a camper? Hotel. A nice one.   Stay home or go to a show? Depends on what needs done.   Frozen semen or fresh? Using a little of both.