Brigitte is originally from Germany where she studied in Göttingen, Germany, with a degree in Animal Science. She came to the US in 1978 for an internship. During that time she developed a business plan for the farm’s hog operation as part of her master’s thesis. She returned to the U.S. in 1980, sponsored by the farmer, and started working full-time eventually established her own livestock farm in 1987. Challenges & Business Growth: Faced resistance from the farmer’s family regarding her business plan. the industry was male dominated. She gained a reputation as "the German woman with good hogs," growing her client base. She delivered breeding stock across several states, sometimes meeting clients halfway. Writing & The Book – "Half Pigs Will Travel" - Plans for the book to be available in German and potentially Swedish. A second book is in the works to continue her story. Books: The Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
Have Pigs, Will Travel is the real-life story of the rise and fall and rise again of a young woman
who came to the United States as an immigrant, by herself, with $20 in her pocket. After
growing up in Germany, she overcame numerous obstacles while pursuing her dream of owning
a farm. Pets and farm animals became an important part of her life, eventually passing on her
experience to other young women who worked as international interns on her farm.
Follow her journey and read a chapter of her book: https://brigittefranzen.com/