PORKtober Feature: Jesse Heimer, Heimer Hampshires
A third-generation pig farmer, running coast-to-coast chasing dreams and supporting kids, Jesse Heimer of Heimer Hampshires, is proof that hard work, determination and passion can lead to great success.
Today, this show pig operation in Taylor, Mo. farrows more than 600 purebred and crossbred litters annually, serving show pig families across the nation. Yet, the family business comes from rather humble beginnings.
Started by Jesse’s grandfather, Bill Heimer, the operation raised purebred Hampshires in the late-1950s and 1960s, until Bill’s untimely passing in a farm accident in 1966.
Rodney Heimer, Jesse’s father, then had a commercial farrow-to-finish operation in the 1980s, introducing purebred Hampshires as a 4-H project to his children in 1989. This is often considered the officially beginning of “Heimer Hampshires.”
After a brief exit from the pig business in 2003, Jesse returned to the farm in 2006, starting with a group of gilts purchased at the Indiana State Fair.
Over the last 16 years, the business has grown to include multiple breeds and crosses farrowed year-round and marketed to a nationwide audience. Meanwhile, Heimer Hampshires’ focus remains on developing youth and promoting agriculture as a viable and sustainable career path.
Banners and trophies aside, Heimer says, “Pig farming is hard work! We face many of the same production challenges, such as labor and herd health, as our commercial counterparts. However, we have the best crew in the business and they take great pride in our collective effort to continually raise the bar in everything we do.”
In a competitive and fast paced industry, Heimer Hampshires has turned to social media as a large part of their brand for the past several years.
“Six years ago, we embarked on a mission to create video content to highlight the junior livestock program and share the good stuff we’ve witnessed and experienced over the years. The response on Facebook in particular was incredible,” Heimer says.
Then in 2021, Heimer teamed up with Adam Sanders, a singer/songwriter in Nashville, as co-writer of the song, “Do What We Do.”
“I wanted stockshow kids to have their own anthem, and by all accounts, we’ve achieved that goal. It’s been played at rodeos, grand drives at stock shows, and most importantly, blaring on the speaker in the barn for kids all over the country.” Heimer says.
Social media has also played a large role in the marketing of their pigs, Heimer adds.
As a former 4-H & FFA’er and livestock showman, Heimer notes, “I’m a huge advocate for the junior livestock program and the lessons learned from the experience. At a minimum, the junior livestock project provides ample education and experience for one to be a lifelong advocate for the meat animal industry, and best-case scenario, the experience provides a foundation for a career in agriculture and a desire to give back to the next generation.”
Heimer Hampshires’ videos, livestock and other updates can be found on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram profiles.
Thank you, Jesse, for your dedication to the industry’s young people and their families across the nation!
