There’s just something about the way love sparks in a pig barn. For the Archers and the Sidwells, “love on the lagoon” accurately describes how their romances blossomed while on the job in the pork industry.
Jack and Jan Archer of Goldsboro, N.C., met while working for DeKalb Swine Breeders in Plains, Kan. Although it may not be the end of the world, Jan jokes you can see the end of the world from there. Quiet and reserved Jack was working in the breeding department while spunky and spirited Jan was stationed in a nursery.
“I was carpooling with another friend to get to and from the farm every day, and they had to stay late one night so they asked Jack if he would drive me home,” Jan recalls. “He did not want to do that at all because his plan was to leave the farm and go scout duck hunting locations and check out the lagoons for all the ducks.”
From Kansas to Singapore
But the plan worked. The couple hit it off and began spending more and more time together after work.
“Our idea of a hot date was to go check out prairie dog towns,” Jan says. “Keep in mind there’s nothing in Plains, so you really had to find your own fun. The people were the best part it.”
Those friends from Plains drove all the way to Marquette, Mich., to see Jack and Jan marry in her home church. The newlyweds continued working in Plains for a couple more years before transferring to Lancaster County, Penn., where they raised hogs for four years. From there they ventured across the world to the island of Singapore to work for several more years.
“We raised pigs on elevated floors. Below the floors, we raised ducks. Below the ducks, we raised fish,” Jan says. “If you think market day for pigs is a challenge, imagine market day for ducks, chasing them out from under the floors. It was entertaining, but it was great.”
Jack says Singapore was his favorite place to live before the pigs they were caring for were sent off to Malaysia and China and they had to make a move.
“At that time, we had a 1-year-old who had just had open heart surgery, and I couldn’t be an iffy ferry-boat-ride away from good medical care or we would have gone with the pigs,” Jan says. “That’s when we looked at the world. We were basically homeless. We could go anywhere. There was real innovation happening in the pork industry in North Carolina, and that’s why we moved here.”
Now, 37 years later, they couldn’t imagine their life anywhere else. When traveling all over the world, they learned one of the most valuable lessons in their marriage: You have to rely on each other. When issues arise, you have to figure it out, Jan says.
“Marriage has also taught me patience,” Jack adds. “There’s a lot of give and take.”
Working in the hog barns together, Jack quickly realized one of his favorite things about Jan.
“I love how fiercely she loves her people,” Jack says. “The passion she puts into everything she does is incredible.”
Hogs and Honesty
Although meeting in a hog barn may not be unique (the Archers know many couples with similar stories), they both agree there’s no better way to get to know each other than working on a farm.
“There’s no artifice. You know exactly who that person is. There’s no makeup. You shower in every day,” she explains. “I would dry my hair in front of a nursery heater. The person who you get to know is the real person, and I think that’s one of the reasons the people I know who met in these circumstances have marriages that have lasted.”
Maybe that’s what’s helped Ethan and Emily Sidwell of Pearl, Ill., have a strong start in their married life. Ethan and Emily met one summer while she was interning for The Maschhoffs. She randomly was assigned to work in a barn with Ethan. They became good friends and love sparked.
When she went back to Black Hawk College East Campus after her internship was over, the young couple decided to try a long-distance relationship. Although Ethan had little knowledge of the show pig industry, he was grateful the show pig industry brought Emily all the way from central Florida to college in Illinois and ultimately an internship with The Maschhoffs.
Due to biosecurity protocols, they spent a lot of their dating life on screens.
“Because she was going to shows and contests, we talked on FaceTime a lot,” Ethan says.
Those long conversations paid off and the couple’s love for each other grew. On Dec. 31, 2021, they got married.
“I believe being a part of both the commercial and show side of the swine sector make our story unique,” Emily says. “I randomly took an internship with a company that prides itself in raising quality pork and creating opportunities for youth, and it just so happened I met someone who has an unbelievable work ethic and cares about pigs just as much as I do — just from a different background!”
When Someone Believes in You
Ethan says one of the first things he admired about Emily was her drive and passion for the swine industry and her belief in his abilities.
“I was comfortable being a section leader and maintenance guy, and I never really thought of being a barn manager or moving up too much,” Ethan says. “Emily encouraged me that my work ethic was good, and she thought I was very knowledgeable and could do it.”
With Emily’s encouragement, Ethan applied for and moved into a barn manager position for The Maschhoffs. He says it can be stressful, but Emily is always there for him no matter what.
She’s still engaged in the pork industry in her role as a 4-H program coordinator.
“Our joint passion for the industry not only brought us together but it also gave us an opportunity to go out in the community, meet new people and network with like-minded individuals,” Emily adds.
Now, with two young kids, Easton and Emmagene, life is busy for the Sidwells. That’s why they prioritize communication and spending time together.
“We’re very open with what is on our mind because our jobs are stressful in different ways, yet alike in certain aspects,” Emily says. “We let the other know what’s going on, where our mind’s at and share goals with one another — personally, for our marriage and for our family. We have to be open with each other, knowing we have to be realistic but also push ourselves.”
Watch the entire conversation on YouTube with Ethan and Emily Sidwell and Jack and Jan Archer or go listen anywhere podcasts are found.
Keep reading our #porklovestories series: Steve and Barb Determan: Hogs and Kisses
