MPW.69 / 2017 The Pig Business is Big Business by Amber Baesler
Photographer
Amber Baesler Omaha, Neb.

Team Lee

Story Summary

Carl Blake, 54, was a computer engineer for 35 years before he returned to the family business—pig farming. He successfully invented his own breed of pig, the Iowa Swabian Hall, and he hopes to revolutionize pork and pig roasting. Most of all he's a family man, with 8 children between he and his girlfriend of four years, Courtney, 36. They joined forces and at once became farmers, small business owners, part-time caterers and dedicated parents. They are also exposing the children to farm life at an early age because they hope to pass the business, as well as the lifestyle on to them.