Hometown: Paragould, AR

Age: 18

School/Classification/Major: Henderson State University
Biology Major/Physical Therapy

Activities: I am a member of the National Junior Swine Association, 4-H, and FFA.

Future Plans: After obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Biology, I plan to pursue a Doctorate’s Degree in Physical Therapy.  


When did you start showing pigs? I have 3 older brothers who also showed livestock so it was only natural for me to follow in behind them and start showing as soon as possible. I started showing pigs when I was 5 years old as a Clover Bud       4-H’er. We raised sheep for 14 years so pigs weren’t always my family’s main focus but they were always what I enjoyed the most. After selling our flock of sheep we began getting more serious about showing pigs and we’ve been hooked ever since.

How did it feel when the judge selected you as Grand Champion? It’s such an amazing feeling to be selected Grand Champion at any show but for me it’s really special being chosen for the Grand Champion Market Hog at the North American International Livestock Show.  I won Reserve Champion in 2004 at NAILE and to be able to come back years later and win Grand was a great feeling of accomplishment that I’ll never forget.

Tell us a little about your pig that won the NAILE. “Final Drive” was a 280 pound black belted crossbred barrow that I purchased from Steve and Aaron Cobb from Lake City, Arkansas.  He is sired by Super Monster and also won Grand Champion at the Arkansas State Fair 2 weeks before NAILE.

Do you have any superstitions or routines before a show? My brother and I have a lucky whip that we always fight over before we show. It is an old black whip that has no metal pieces left on it but whoever is showing with it has the luck.  If we have classes back to back than you will always notice us swapping out whips while one is leaving and the other is entering the show ring.

Who has helped you the most with your show pig project? If it wasn’t for my dad than all of the success I have had throughout my years of showing would not have been possible.  He has done so much for me and spent so much of his time helping me with my show pigs that I could not thank him enough for all that he has done.

If you had 2 hogs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one? I would definitely have my brother Blake show the other pig for me because we’ve always shared the work and it would be great to be able to share the excitement with him as well.

Favorite Pig show: I enjoy every show that I attend but the World Pork Expo is probably my favorite. Meeting new people from all over the country who also love showing pigs is only possible at the national shows and being able to also have tough competition is the perfect combination for me.

Favorite pig you’ve ever shown: The barrow I recently won NAILE with is very special to me. I do not usually name my animals but he was different. After winning the Arkansas State Fair he received the name “Final Drive” since it was my last year to show at my state fair. Final Drive had a great attitude and of course my favorite pigs are always the ones that I’m fortunate enough to win with.

Best Advice Ever Received: “Have fun and good luck!” My dad always tells me this right before I walk into the show ring, it reminds me that no matter how I do it is always about having fun.

Advice to Someone Just Starting Showing Pigs: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win your first time. It’s a learning process and your time will come if you don’t give up and you always try your hardest.

Most Memorable Showing Moment: 2011 has been a successful show year for me. After winning the Champion Senior Showmanship at the World Pork Expo, Grand Champion Market Hog my Senior year at the Arkansas State Fair and finishing off the year with Grand Champion at NAILE, I feel like all 3 of these wins have contributed to a memorable year.

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