Pork Storks & Montana Colonies Partner to Launch State’s First Premium Boar Stud — A Major Step Toward Total In-State Genetic Independence

Montana’s pork industry is entering a new era.

After years of relying on out-of-state semen shipments, the Montana Colonies — operating as Treasure State Sires and owners of the new facility — have partnered with Pork Storks, who will lease and operate the stud, creating the first commercial boar stud in the state built for long-term in-state semen production, genetic control, and biosecurity stewardship.

With construction complete and the first boars scheduled to arrive in late  November, the project represents a landmark investment in herd health, disease security, and the future of Montana-based pork production.

“A few short years ago this was just an idea on paper. Today it’s a reality, and a major milestone for our colonies and the swine industry in Montana.”
— Joe Wipf, Treasure State Sires

Why Build a Stud in Montana? Control, Biosecurity, and Long-Term Sovereignty

For decades, Montana producers have depended on semen hauled across thousands of miles — with freight cost, timing pressure, and disease exposure tied to every shipment. That era is ending.

“The ability to have semen produced in-state instead of rolling doses across the U.S. is a huge advantage,” said Wipf.“The biggest advantage is keeping this state disease-free.”

Montana herds are known for exceptionally low disease pressure — a premium trait that adds value to every weaned pig and market hog. With PRRS variants, PEDV, ASF threats, and global health volatility rising, local semen control became essential, not optional.

Pork Storks was selected for its proven stud management experience and deep veterinary support.

“They have a team of veterinarians with a strong age spread — experience, youth, and fresh thinking. That balance matters. It’s like choosing the right insurance policy.”

Inside the Facility: Built Around Six Genetic Lines & Strict Biosecurity

This is not a standard stud. It is engineered for multi-line production, high-security entry, and long-term expansion.

🔹 Holds 412 boars
🔹 6 distinct genetic lines (terminal + maternal)
🔹 3 quarantine barns attached to main building
🔹 Staged 7 week  entry protocol per boar
🔹 On-site PCR lab + weekly 3rd-party validation
🔹 Expansion capacity for +25,000 additional sows

Biosecurity Workflow

100% Colony Participation — A Unified Statewide Decision

“We met several times before ground was broken, and again after completion. We will have 100% participation from the colonies. This is a united move to protect and control our future.”
— Joe Wipf

But the vision — and the pride — is shared across leadership.

“This stud is more than concrete and steel — it represents independence for every Montana producer.”
— Ken Kleinsasser

“Our goal was simple: protect herd health, protect our future, and keep value in our state. This project does all three.”
— Lawrence Wurtz

“We believed in the dream before the dirt was moved. Now we get to see it working for the next generation.”
— William Kleinasser

“Montana pigs are premium pigs because they’re disease-free — and this stud helps make sure it stays that way.”
— Shorty Hofer

Why This Matters Beyond Montana

This stud is a blueprint for how biosecure or geographically isolated regions can take control of genetics, reduce risk, and keep ROI local.

Montana now joins a short list of regions with full semen independence

Final Word

“This project is about more than genetics — it’s about stewardship, independence, and protecting what makes Montana pigs different. We’re grateful for the support from our communities. This is a dream turned reality.”

— Joe Wipf