In an industry filled with opportunity, possibly one of the greatest is to have the chance to create long-lasting memories with those that we hold close. For Jarrot and Dwight Foote, raising show pigs together created the foundation to find value in something far greater than they imagined.
“The biggest reason we started raising pigs is because it gave us something to do as a father and a son, where we get to work together and achieve our goals,” Jarrot and Dwight said.
The two have raised a handful of show pigs together for many years. However, in 2020, the father and son duo began a fresh start with JDF Farms in Seminole, Texas. Their operation has grown to between 40-60 sows, mostly consisting of Chesters, Durocs, Crossbreds, and recently Berkshires. The pair said their operation farrows all sows during the summer; however, they are in the early stages of breeding more in their off-season to expand their market.
Prior to starting their operation, both Jarrot and Dwight pursued degrees in agricultural education at Texas Tech University. With a recent career change, Jarrot moved back to the farm in Seminole. Although this has eased day-to-day management of their operation, Jarrot gives his father credit for all that he does to ensure their farm continues to move in the right direction.
“My father is without a doubt the greatest help on the farm,” Jarrot said. “My dad has lived on the farm since the beginning and never misses a day. He is the one who takes care of daily chores, no matter what, and never looks for recognition. There is no way we could do this without him.”
Over the past five years, JDF Farms has had a tremendous start within the Texas major show circuit. With an initial focus on the Chester and Duroc breeds, the duo has had much success. In 2025, they raised the Champion Landrace barrow at San Antonio and the Reserve Champion Chester gilt at Texas Elite, as well as several CTBR class champions. However, their win a the 2023 Texas’ Elite Showcase will always hold a special place in their hearts.
“In 2023, we raised a very special Berkshire gilt that we would say will be very hard to replicate,” the duo said. “This gilt ended up Champion Purebred and Reserve Overall Supreme at the Texas’ Elite Showcase. This is undoubtedly our highest achievement. For reasons other than the banners, we were able to accomplish that with a family that has been with us from the start, which made that much more special.”
In addition to this accomplishment, JDF Farms has also produced the Reserve Champion Duroc gilt at the 2023 Texas’ Elite Showcase, the Reserve Champion Chester barrow at San Angelo in 2022, as well as the Reserve Champion Chester barrow at San Antonio and Reserve Champion Poland barrow at Houston in 2021.
There have been several genetic lines that have had an impact on the Foote’s herd; however, there are two operations that have not only impacted this operation, but Jarrot and Dwight as well.
“Within our Chester herd, Beyers Farms, TX genetic line is in almost all of our Chester sows. The same can be said about the Wintex genetic line on our Berks and Durocs,” Jarrot said. Both of those firms have always been there for help and advice when needed. Without their impact, JDF Farms wouldn’t be where it is today.”
Speaking of influential people, Jarrot says his greatest role models have been his father and his uncle, Jason.
“Dad is and always has been my greatest role model because he is the most selfless person I know. He always says to trust the process and everything will work out,” Jarrot said. “My uncle, Jason, has also had a huge impact on the way I look at pigs. He started hauling me to shows at a very young age and exposed me to all aspects of this industry.”
Jarrot is a prime example of the impact that this industry can have on youth. From earning a CTBR Foundation Gilt Scholarship in 2017 to helping kids achieve their goals, he said this industry has molded him into who he is today.
“This industry has taught me that success only comes from hard work, being humble, and never giving up,” Jarrot said. “The value of this industry can’t be put into words. You are surrounded by people who truly would do anything for each other. That is something that’s hard to find.”
As with any successful operation, it is crucial to establish goals to help continue success in the future. The duo said that starting out, one of their goals was to earn a spot as a Supreme Breeder within the CTBR program. Since then, the firm has far surpassed their goal with earning a spot as a Supreme Breeder in 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as earning the Best of Breed award for the White OPB in 2025.
Moving forward, the pair hopes to continue to raise pigs that will help their customers conquer their goals. However, at the end of the day, the Foote’s find their biggest value in having a part of producing the future of agriculture.
“Seeing a kid achieve success is without a doubt our biggest motivation,” Jarrot said. “There are good days and bad days in this industry, but hearing kids say ‘I never thought I could do this’ motivates us to get up every day and work harder. We know that the kids we see in the barn are the future, and to know we will have played a role in their appreciation for agriculture is what helps dad and I continue to pursue our goals.”
JDF Farms will be donating the Foundation Female this year at Texas’ Elite Showcase. This female will sell as Lot 3 in the Gilts of Distinction sale beginning at 8:30 PM on Saturday, February 14. All proceeds will benefit the CTBR scholarship program. On behalf of the Texas Pork Producers Association, we would like to thank JDF Farms for their significant contribution to the youth of Texas.