Duroc Hog farm in rural northeast Haxtun Colorado had the largest hog facility in the country!
......So when homesteaders began pouring out west in search of wealth and prosperity into small rural areas of the states, towns expanded quickly, and more employment opportunities were needed for the fast growing populations. Investors in already established cities ( Denver) needed to invest their wealth ....thus Duroc Livestock Company was planted in Haxtun Colorado in the northeast corner of the state. The hog business began in the early 1920's and by 1923, the town had the "biggest hog farm in the United States." Haxtun was on the map and their wealth emerged.
The above article from the Republican -Advocate Number 22, February 22, 1923, and continues as the following.
"There are today on this farm about 1,200 head but in the next few weeks there will be 5,000 head. Duroc Jersey Hogs are raised on the farm. The farm comprises of 65 acres, and not all is used for the hog lots, but it is possible that more ground will be used for this purpose. The average hog farm is not the cleanest in the world, but conditions are different on the big Haxtun ranch. All buildings are kept painted and nothing is thrown around. It is impossible to ascertain just how good this farm does for Haxtun. The fact that this hog ranch is the biggest of its kind in the country is certainly a big advertisement for the town and for the entire northeast portion of the state."
Today, hog facilities are so different and innovative compared to the 1900's hog farm companies. I am sure that we learned a few failures and growth opportunities about operating efficient businesses over the years. But the fact that this hog farm was the biggest in the country in a tiny rural town in 1923 makes for interesting conversations (our hog farm was bigger than your hog farm) among local historians!
Credit: Wilbur Kipp collection, Republican Advocate, Number 22, February, 1923.