Written by Cash Martin, TPPA Intern
Breckyn and Bristol Slott are not your average sisters, they are hands-on hog breeders, stock show competitors, and future veterinarians all rolled into one. Breckyn (15) and Bristol (11) are the daughters of Joshua and Tracey Slott and reside on a generational family farm in New Waverly, Texas, along with their little brother Briggs (7).
The sisters have turned their deep agricultural background into a shared passion for breeding, farrowing, and showing pigs, as well as goats and steers. With dreams of becoming first-generation Texas A&M Aggies, these sisters are already making a name for themselves one pig at a time.
“None of this would have ever happened if my dad and Paw hadn’t traveled to Duncan, Oklahoma, to scout some pigs long ago,” Breckyn said. “There were so many instrumental teachers and breeders that helped them along the way.”
Gerald Slott, also known as “Paw,” runs a cow-calf operation and hay farm in his hometown. He’s usually either on a tractor or taking his grandchildren to Slott’s Grocery for some candy. Breckyn and Bristol
shared that their dad and Paw began learning the ropes of the pig world that same fall, and they credit both of them for helping kickstart their operation. The girls believe showmanship has been the foundation of their success.
“There are three of us siblings in the family, and we take turns operating the farm,” Breckyn and Bristol said. “We breed, farrow, and show pigs as well as steers and goats. We can’t always control the genetics, but we can control how we take care of them.”
All of this started during COVID-19 when the Slott’s decided to move their sow operation to their own farm, starting with a tiny gilt named Corona, who is now their foundation sow. Both of the girls learned how to artificially inseminate, farrow, and maintain a sow operation because of her.
“She is so special because not only did we help raise her, we learned from her,” Bristol said. “I will never forget seeing her for the first time in that school barn; she was so little and hungry. We knew from the
beginning that she would be the one.”
What started with one female has now turned into an over 20-head sow operation. The sisters said that being a part of the breeding and farrowing process, to watching the pigs at shows has been the most fulfilling part.
“So many times when we see our pigs competing at shows, we will get out our phones and check the first pictures we took from when they were farrowed,” Breckyn and Bristol said.
Although they love their time in the farrowing barn, the girls also acknowledge the difficulties that come with raising pigs. Even through moments of exhaustion or shedding tears over trying to retrieve stuck piglets, the girls say it is all worth it because they have grown so much as a family.
Outside of the barn, Breckyn and Bristol are involved and excel in a number of extracurricular activities. They both use 4-H and FFA as platforms to grow, not only as livestock exhibitors, but as leaders in their community.
Breckyn is currently serving as the New Waverly 4-H vice president, FFA chapter sentinel, and was recently named a Texas Youth Ambassador. Her 4-H involvement has stretched across roles such as reporter, recreation leader, and photographer. She has also earned recognition for being ranked in the top 10% her class, while holding the position of class secretary.
Bristol, following closely in her sister’s footsteps, currently serves as the New Waverly 4-H photographer after finishing her term as the chapter chaplain in 2024. Her efforts have earned her the high point individual in swine at the District 4-H livestock judging contest and the principal’s “Kind Heart Award.”
For Breckyn, the most rewarding thing she has gained from raising and showing livestock is a sense of community. She said she has created memories with peers and mentors that she will never forget.
“Through every win and every storm, the people I have met are the best reward,” Breckyn said. “They have changed me into a better, hard-working person and push me to grow our industry.”
Bristol finds the most rewarding aspect of this lifestyle to be her newfound confidence. She said she has always been a quiet, shy worker, but because of showing she is able to come out of her shell a little more each year.
Faith, family, and character are at the heart of everything these two do. Guided by their favorite Bible verses, Jeremiah 29:11 for Breckyn and Psalm 118 for Bristol, they find purpose in trusting God’s plan.
“Honesty and faithfulness to the Lord are the values we both feel are the most important you can portray,” Breckyn and Bristol said. “The lord shows us true love and commitment. These values guide how we act, how we compete, and how we treat people. We have learned that the people you surround yourself with are who you become.”
They have learned the importance of being with people who inspire and uplift them, with their biggest inspirations being close to home. The girls credit their dad, Joshua Slott, for being the backbone of their family’s production. Their mom, Tracey Slott, plays just as vital a role, running the operation, caring for each sow with unmatched dedication, and according to the girls, keeping their dad in check.
Breckyn also draws inspiration from Adrian Austin, whose leadership in livestock judging has shown her what is possible for young women in agriculture. For Bristol, her biggest role model is her sister. From the barn to the show ring, Breckyn has been a steady guide for her and their brother, always leading by example and helping them grow as showmen.
Breckyn and Bristol know firsthand that the road in production agriculture is not always easy, but they also know it is worth it. Their advice to younger generations reflects the wisdom and knowledge they have gained through years of hard work and dedication.
For Breckyn, the message is simple and clear: never give up. She believes persistence, even through the toughest moments, is what leads to success. Bristol says her advice for the younger generations about being involved in production agriculture is not to be afraid and to get uncomfortable. She believes livestock production is both challenging and rewarding, but if you put yourself out there, you will learn more than you ever thought possible.
“It is so hard to step outside your comfort zone, but when you do that, it usually works out for the best,” Bristol said.
With passion and grit, both sisters have bold visions for their futures. Determined to become a major show champion in livestock judging, compete at the collegiate and national levels, and eventually specialize in veterinary reproductive science, Breckyn is pushing innovation within the livestock industry. Bristol looks forward to learning all she can through 4-H and FFA, continuing her journey of breeding and showing, and ultimately making an impact in agriculture. She said she hopes to live a life that she is proud of and inspire others.