The Pig Planet - Behind the Banner with Taylor Walker

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Thepigplanet.com is pleased to present a new series of interviews called “Behind the Banner". Our third "Behind the Banner" features Taylor Walker, Exhibitor of the 2012 National Western Stock Show Grand Champion Market Hog. We invite you to read our candid interview with Taylor below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of "Behind the Banner".

Hometown:Spring Branch, TX

Age: 18

School/Classification/Major: Smithson Valley High School: Planning on judging livestock at Blinn and/or Texas Tech and majoring in Ag Communications

Activities: Showing Pigs, Photography, Livestock Judging, FFA LDE&CDE Events and Offshore Fishing

Future Plans: Attend college and work for the livestock industry after graduating

When did you start showing pigs? My first show was pee wee showmanship at our chapter show when I was 5

Taylor Walker How did it feel when the judge selected you as Grand Champion? Time stood still. It was just me, my pig and the judge. I felt on top of the world and kept telling myself to remember that moment and those feelings. It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulder, reinforcing what I had always been told. “Don’t give up. Your hard work will pay off”

Tell us a little about your pig that won the NWSS. His name was ‘Freak’ after the song ‘Freak on a Leash’ from Korn. He was from Diamond V out of Super Monster.

Do you have any superstitions or routines before a show? Always have to have the lucky whip and a white shirt.

Who has helped you the most with your show pig project? Jason Lackey, I truly would not be where I am today in terms of showing if it wasn’t for him, and I am extremely grateful for that.

If you had 2 hogs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one? Reagan Langemeier: She is an incredible showman.

Favorite Pig show: The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

Taylor Walker Favorite pig you’ve ever shown: He is in my barn, I haven't shown him yet.

Best Advice Ever Received: That it takes so much more then just luck to win a show. Every hour put into finding a great one and keeping him great may not pay off the first time, but it eventually will, and it has for me.

Advice to Someone Just Starting Showing Pigs: It takes a lot to win one. But NEVER give up. Surround yourself with the right people, make connections, work hard and never stop believing that anything is possible.

Most Memorable Showing Moment: Definitely winning Denver. I had a great hog, at a great show, with great people there cheering me on. It was the first ‘big show‘ I had won, and it was incredible.

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