In this captivating episode, we journey through Adam Walters’ life—from a bucolic childhood to becoming a key player in the hog business. Adam reflects on his upbringing, the influence of family farms, and the profound reasons that led him to choose a career in hog farming.
Delving into the intricacies of hog farming, Adam shares the secrets behind starting wean pigs on feed. With over 15 years of experience, he unravels the nuances of wean-finish strategies, shedding light on routines and the structured management team at Tosh Farms.
The podcast explores the art of training new managers, emphasizing the significance of the person over pig experience. Adam shares anecdotes that showcase the unique qualities that make an effective manager.
Culture takes center stage as Adam discusses the inception and sustenance of the Tosh culture. He provides insights into the time it takes to implement and how the positive atmosphere is maintained, even amidst the rapid rise and expansion at Tosh Farms.
The focus then shifts to the manager and contract grower buy-in to the Tosh quality standard. Adam unveils the non-negotiable standards deeply ingrained in the Tosh culture and offers a glimpse into his day-to-day routine, providing a snapshot of life at Tosh Farms.
Lastly, the podcast explores the intriguing dynamics of manager development, where Adam shares his thoughts on training people and draws parallels between managing people and managing pigs. He shares personal development experiences and strategies for cultivating stellar managers.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the hottest topics in the swine industry, uncovering the potential for the biggest concerns to transform into positive outcomes. Adam provides valuable insights that leave listeners eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the thriving world of hog farming.
About Our Guest:
Adam is the Finishing Manager at Tosh Pork. He grew up on a family hog farm in Seymour, Tennessee. In 2004, he graduated from Emory & Henry College with a BA in geography. He started at Tosh in February of 2007 as a service technician. Adam enjoys working at Tosh because of the family atmosphere and the high level of team work between all divisions. He lives in Paris, Tennessee with his wife Meredith and two children.
