Hometown: Durant, IA

Age: 20

School/Classification/Major: Iowa State University/Animal Science Major

Activities: Block and Bridle - Swine Interest Group

Future Plans: Help share responsibilities of finisher operations, show pig decisions, and help with crop production on the family farm.

When did you start showing pigs? As soon as I could my dad and grandpa started putting me in open shows when I was around 5 years of age and have continued showing through 4-H, FFA, and other open shows on a county, state, and national level.

What is your daily routine with your show pigs? In the morning I start by cleaning the pens and then feeding the pigs. Around mid afternoon I will either rinse off or wash the pigs and then walk them. In the evening I feed them again and condition them.

How did it feel when the judge selected you as Grand Champion? It was an awesome feeling knowing that all the hard work that our family has put into getting the pig ready for the show has paid off.

Tell us a little about your pig that won American Royal. He was a purebred Yorkshire barrow that we purchased from Jim Grimm who is located in Maynard, IA. His pedigree was Rondo on a Mack Attack. He weighed in at 273 pounds.

Do you have any superstitions or routines before a show? I normally don’t like to tell people this nor do many people know but the night before the show I like to take a little of the sawdust from the show ring and put it in my shoe for the next day.

Who has helped you the most with your show pig project? I honestly don’t know if I could pick one specific person, so many people have helped along the way but I definitely could not be where I am today if I didn’t have such a supportive family. From my dad instilling many skills such as determination and hard work while supporting me 110%. To my sister who has laid a solid foundation and set the bar high for me to follow, my mom who always has everything organized and lined up for shows from my shirt to taking pictures. And finally my grandpa for being a great supporter and teacher.

If you had 2 hogs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one? I would have asked my sister to help me show. She has put in a lot of time and effort into the show pig industry and has helped me a lot over the years.

Favorite Pig show: I really enjoy the national shows. Getting to meet and show against different people is a great opportunity.

Best Advice Ever Received: Smile, have fun and work hard -Grandpa

Advice to Someone Just Starting Showing Pigs: Presentation of your pig and yourself is very important so it helps to take time to work with your pig by washing them, conditioning them, and walking them so they are ready to show. Work hard and stay positive because eventually all that hard work will pay off. Have fun, meet people and enjoy it because before you know it your show career will come to an end.

Most Memorable Showing Moment: This past showing year has been one of my best memories after winning the American Royal, and having a tremendous Iowa State Fair.