Kevin Triggs, Mount Ayr

Kevin Triggs is the third generation to raise show pigs in southwest Iowa. What’s known today as Triggs Show Pigs was started by his grandfather.

In 1918, John William “J.W.” Triggs went to a sale to buy his first Durocs. He instead fell in love with the Spotted breed. Spots remain a primary focus for Triggs Show Pigs. However, over the past four years, the business has developed a sizeable Chester White herd, and offers Durocs and crossbreds.

Triggs, 59, who helped build the business with his grandfather and father, now operates alongside his sons Johnathan, 26, and Tyler, 25. They have about 70 sows for producing high-quality show pigs, to compete across the country; some are kept for breeding stock. They also run The Boar Battery, which markets semen from seven to nine Spotted and Chester White sires.

Kevin Triggs of Mount Ayr, Iowa, center, is named a Master Seedstock Producer during Iowa Pork Congress on Jan. 26, 2022. Helping to present the award are Dr. Chris Rademacher, Iowa State University, left, and Dennis Liljedahl, 2021 president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Kevin’s sister, Diana Triggs of Des Moines, still assists around the farm when she’s in town.

The Triggs together maintain the farrowing house, sows, and boars. Kevin Triggs is considered a master at grinding feed, processing litters, managing open and bred sows, and directing semen handling and shipping. Last year, the operation farrowed 100 litters, weaning eight pigs per litter. In addition, they sold 15 boars, 300 show prospects, 30 gilts, and 300 feeder pigs.

Most hogs are sold via online auctions, live sales, and on-farm visits. Triggs Show Pigs has flourished in recent years, and Triggs credits his sons for keeping up with evolving technology, including online sales and videos. The business has a website and Facebook page.

Johnathan and Tyler Triggs also work for The Maschhoffs, and Kevin Triggs has a small row crop and forage operation, as well as a 150-head cow-calf herd.

Triggs is a member and past president of the Iowa Spotted Association, and served on the board for several years. He belongs to the Certified Pedigreed Swine and National Swine Registry organizations, and was active with the Ringgold County Pork Producers for at least 30 years before the group dissolved.

Outside of pigs, Triggs is a longtime 4-H Club leader; Masonic Lodge member; Farm Bureau board member; and Mount Ayr FFA alumni president. He recently retired as longtime vice president of the Ringgold County Fair Board.

Triggs is engaged to Joan Lienemann.