A Yorkshire boar raised by Western Illinois University School of Agriculture Associate Professor Mark Hoge and his family sold for a world-record price of $270,000 at a National Swine Registry conference and show in Louisville July 5. The Class 1 Yorkshire boar, according to a YouTube video posted by the National Swine Registry, was sold to Genetic Edge & Reynolds Farms (Ohio). 

According to the National Swine Registry's website, the next highest-selling boars in the Class 1, Yorkshire category, sold for $3,000 each. 

"It was a humbling experience for our family," Hoge said. "The boar was a result of years of mating decisions and selection experience. We were very surprised he sold for that price, but I knew people really liked him. We are very fortunate and very thankful for the showpig industry. It is a great way to raise a family."

To view the YouTube video of Hoge showing the boar in early July, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrEgshWDly4. The National Swine Registry's show and sale results (from the Summer Type Conference in Louisville) are available at http://nationalswine.com/shows/open_shows/stc/stc_results.php.