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Name: Khyleigh North

Hometown: Wolcottville, IN

Age: 21

Future Plans: Graduate from Purdue University with an Agriculture Communications Degree and pursue my passion in the livestock industry by helping the youth of tomorrow gain more knowledge! I hope to take my passion, livestock photography, to the next level and work for a larger business! 

How did you start showing pigs? I started showing pigs when I was just 5 years old! My first time in the ring was not exactly what I call magical! I cried and refused to finish! I watched my brothers from the sidelines after that and decided to give it a second chance and boy am I glad I did! When my brothers were old enough to drive, we traveled to shows together. They ignited my passion and have been the most influential people in and out of the show ring. If it wouldn’t have been for my brothers, I would not be half the showman I am today! They are constantly pushing me to be better than the last time I showed! I would like to thank them for always believing in me! 

What were your feelings when exhibiting in both the CPS and NJSS Grand Drives?
My feelings when exhibiting in both the Grand Drive at CPS and NJSS were like nothing I have ever felt before. I always enjoy my time in the show ring, but both experiences at CPS and NJSS were different. I can remember walking up to the ring both days with my brothers at my sides and my heart beating a million times a minute. I was so nervous and anxious for the outcome! We have always had a goal of making it to a grand drive at a national and ultimately trying to win! I never thought that I would be able to accomplish that goal not once but twice! My brother, Brennen, gave me some last words of advice before entering the ring and I will not ever forget them! He leaned over the fence and said, “Drive her like you stole her and drive with a desire to win. And know, Khy, that I am already so proud of you no matter the outcome!”

What advice would you give to other Jr. Exhibitors?
The best advice I can give to other junior exhibitors is to try and be better than the showman you were the time prior because there is always room to improve!
Set goals for yourself. I always tell my brothers at the beginning of the summer what my main goal is and if I don’t reach it by the end of the year, I try again the next year! It reminds me that there is always a reason to work that much harder.
Make the best memories possible! Traveling to the shows with Tanner, Brennen, and my mom have always been the best times of my life. We get to do something we love while also being with the best friends that have turned into family!

Name: Lukas James

Age: 12

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
Her name is Peppa. She is out of Jackpot and raised by Kelly Sheets of Vegas Showpigs.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
I don't like cleaning pens.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
When I’m in the holding pen.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Play football and make new friends

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
She knew when she was at home.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Look out the window and listen to music.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Goldfish and Gatorade

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Do the hardwork at home.

Name: Frankie  Smolkovich

Age: 16

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
A Hereford gilt, from Brian Beherends, who was champion Hereford gilt and 5th overall gilt at CPS. She is a very unique gilt for her breed and will hopefully make a positive change in the breed.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
Clipping pigs, never was a beautician.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
When I’m in the holding pen getting ready to go in the show ring, everyone is gathered around and the pressure is on.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Hanging out with my friends.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
She was the best walking pig I had and never squeals even when feeding time. She is super calm and doesn’t get worked up.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Listen to music and talk about the show we’re heading to.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
My grandma's chocolate chip squares

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Keep working hard, keep your head up, win or lose don’t give up. Set a goal and reach that goal. “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

Name: Olivia Caldwell

Age: 15

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
My champion Hamp barrow was raise by David Korb. His name was David not only because he came from David Korb but his theme song was “David” by Cody Jinks. He’s been my favorite pig since day 1.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
My least favorite barn chore would have to be cleaning pig pens.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
I’m most nervous the night before the show and right before I go into the ring.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
I love hanging out wih friends and family because if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be the person I am today.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
The most unique personality about my barrow is he has always been good natured. He would always be the first one up when you come into the barn and would always want you to pet him or give him marshmallows.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
My favorite thing would have to be singing. Even though I’m not very good at it I love singing with my family on the way to shows.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Fruit by the Foot is always a go to for me and my family.

What advice would you give to other showmen?
My advice for other showman would be never take your time in the show ring for granted and always thank the people that got you where you are today. If it wasn't for the people in my life that have guided me and helped me I wouldn’t be where I am today. Never give up, stay humble, and just remember the memories will last forever.

Name: Royston Pruet

Age: 6

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
Her name is Junie, she's a Chester that we raised. She's awesome but really hard to show.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
Cleaning pens

When are you the most nervous at a show?
When she's trying to get out of the gate in the showring.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Play with tractors

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
Junie likes me to tell her secrets before heading to the ring

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Talk

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Rice Krispy Treats

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Work hard, pay attention and stay out of the corner.

Name: Jess Hawk

Age: 16

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
He’s a Poland China raised by staton farms from Illinois. He has won all Poland rings in the ICPA circuit. He also was the 2018 reserve champion Poland barrow at WPX. He’s sired by Mall Cop at Purple Power.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
My least favorite barn chore probably cleaning pens.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
I’m probably the most nervous is when there is a weigh back at a show because I don’t want to weigh one out.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Hanging out with friends.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
He always stood up on the gates when he was hungry and loved to be rubbed.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
I listen to music to get me pumped for the show.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Goldfish crackers and chips

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Some advice I would give to another showmen especially if there nervous in the ring is to take a deep breath and sing a song in your head to get some of the pressure and stress off your back.

Name: Castin Rash

Age: 11

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
She was raised by Brett Beyers and has always had a bit of an attitude. She was a very aggressive eater and that makes us happy when they do that !

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
Cleaning pens but holding a snare is not fun either

When are you the most nervous at a show?
Right before getting ready to go into my class. You have to get past that first before you worry about the rest of the show so that’s the time when I get butterflies.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Play bags or football with my friends ... oh and I like to eat a lot

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
She always wanted to go real fast while walking and for some reason her nose smelled like butterscotch

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Sleep

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Salt & Vinegar Pringles

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Stay low so you can make quick changes and watch the tip of your whip so you are tapping them exactly where you want to. I look at the judge also and it’s important but not before I make sure I have my pig driving the way I want. I look for holes or areas I want to drive to ahead of time. That might be the biggest advice. Know where you want to go next

Name: Cole Caldwell

Age: 12

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
My spot gilt's name is Spotty. She is from Livermore G. Spotty was probobly my favorite pig not just because she did good but I loved her because of her personality.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
Cleaning pens.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
Right before going into the ring.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Hanging out with my friends.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
One of my gilt's spots looked like a music note.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Watching Netflix or looking at livestock magazines.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Fruit snacks

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Have fun, work hard, and never give up.

Name: Cagney Utterback

Age: 14

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
We purchased "Mia" from Hoge Livestock in the Spring. We have had so much fun showing her throughout the Spring and Summer. She has helped my family accomplish goals we didn't think were possible. We will miss her in the pig barn!!

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
I don't really have a least favorite I enjoy it all.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
In class

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Spend time with family and friends.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
She was always easy to show and had a great personality.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Listen to music

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Goldfish

What advice would you give to other showmen?
I would encourage young showman to keep working hard because some day it will pay off.  Enjoy every minute with your family and friends.

Name: Kaden Entwistle

Age: 9

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
"Ethan" the Champion Chester Barrow and Overall Champion Barrow at Team Purebred was from Stohlquist Showpigs! The minute I would walk in the barn, he would be one of the first pigs to let me know he was hungry!

"Rocket" was the Champion Duroc Barrow and 5th Overall Purebred Barrow at the World Pork Expo, he was purchased from Lance Ryan. As I finished barn chores for he night, he would stand at his gate and wait for his nightly marshmellow!

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
My least favorite barn chore is washing my pigs when they are little since they won't stand still!

When are you the most nervous at a show?
When I am in the ring with the older kids that are really good at showing their pigs.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Hanging out with my friends that I don't get to see very often throughout the year, since they live far away from me.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
Ethan, the Chester knew when it was time to behave! Sometimes at jackpot shows he wouldn't cooperate, but at the National Junior Show Summer Spectacular he knew it was a big show, and he did everything I wanted him to do!

Rocket, the Duroc, got his name because when he was little, as his gate opened to let him out, he would take off like a rocket!

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Watching Netflix and playing games on my iPad, and sometimes taking a nap!

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Oreos and Smarties

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Since I'm younger, I try to just stay focused on my pig and the judge, to not let the older kids make me nervous or distracted.

Name: Wyatt Willson

Age: 17

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
My York barrow was born and raised by us. We bought the mother last year at the 2017 NJSS through the auction the Taylor family. She was shown in the junior show and was Champion York Gilt and placed Reserve Grand Overall. As soon as we brought those pigs out of her into the show barn, I was stoked. This barrow looked phenomenal from that day on.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
My least favorite barn chore would have to be cleaning pens.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
Right before I walk in the ring.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Play cards with friends and family.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
He always seems to have a happy look on his face and always has been the first one up in the barn as soon as you walk in.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
My absolute favorite part of being on the road is to look out at the views and look at any of the farms from the highway. It’s interesting to see if you can notice any changes from year to year.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
The chocolate chip chewy granola bars.

What advice would you give to other showmen?
To those who are just starting in this lifestyle, enjoy every second you get and always try your hardest. You may not always win but it’s bigger than the banner, it’s about the experiences you have, the memories you make, and the friends you have at these shows.

Name: Cody Maxwell

Age: 17

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
My Supreme Champion gilt, Blaze, at the Summer Spectacular was raised by my family and I. She is out of the Reserve Supreme gilt at WPX 2017 that I showed last year that was bred my Knight Genetics. She has a litter mate boar, Focus, at Shipleys. The Grandam of my gilt won the Illinois State Fair in 2014. The Grandam is a litter mate to the 2014 Champion Duroc boar at the WPX. My Gilt is a I'm The One on an Attention sow (both boars owned by Upperhand Genetics).

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
My least favorite barn chore is cleaning pens.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
I am most nervous at a show the night before. I am this way because I am worried what will happen if they don't eat or drink the right amount in the morning.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
My favorite things to do at livestock shows is to hangout with friends and family. I also love watching the shows and paying attention to the genetic side of things during the show.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
My gilt was very confident, she held her head up high and trotted around the ring because she knows how mobile she was.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
I love to talk to my family and catch up with them on long car rides because sometimes at home we get too busy and never really have that precious talking time. If I go by myself to shows I usually just jam out.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
In all honesty when I go to shows alone I bank on my show moms to have great snacks and food. I love chips and salsa that Adrienne Platt makes, the cookies Daisy Logue makes, and the grilling done by Ray Utterback. When my family comes I love when my mom packs Twizzlers.

What advice would you give to other showmen?
To know your pig inside and out. Know the pros and cons of your hog and the hogs you are showing against and try your best to make the judge believe that your hog is the best one. I would also like to say never get your hopes up to high, it is always better to have your hopes in the middle. This way if the show doesn't go as planned you are not completely crushed about it.

Name: Vade Dishman

Age: 15

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
Our Champion berk gilt was out of drinking class and her mom actually raised the champion Berk Gilt at Team Purebred last year to

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
I don’t really have one but if I were to pick it’s definitely cleaning pens

When are you the most nervous at a show?
When I’m goin into the class to show.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Hanging out with my friends our goin around meeting new people.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
She had speckles of white on her face and her rear legs which made her look awesome in the ring.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Watching recent shows on Walton Webcasting.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Cheese sticks or cheese cubes.

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Always have the same attitude whether you win or lose.

Name: Jenna Wheeler

Age: 18

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
"Bruiser" is a York Barrow bred by Fecke. He is an absolute sweetheart, aside from when he is hungry. Originally, we weren't going to bring him to Louisville so it is pretty neat how it all turned out!

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
I would have to say that cleaning the wash rack has to be my least favorite barn chore. I never seem to be able to get it perfectly clean, I think my parents purposely make me do it because they know it frustrates me!

When are you the most nervous at a show?
Right before I walk into the ring. I don't usually get worked up, but the nerves never fail to hit me while I am in the holding pen. Once I start to show it all just disappears.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Hanging out with my friends. We don't get to see each other a lot due to our busy lives so it is always nice to catch up with people who you haven't seen for months. It is nice to know that regardless of the time that has passed the friendships always remain the same.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
When we are doing chores he will jump on his gate, sit there, and watch you until you feed him. Funny story - I posted a video of him doing it on Twitter and it got almost 350K views. Aside from being Reserve York Barrow he is also Twitter famous.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
I usually watch The Office. It is hilarious. My absolute favorite Netflix show is The Ranch but I never have been able to watch it on the way to a show because I finish all the new seasons in a day.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Cosmic Brownies. The world's greatest snack.

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Don't take it for granted. It is really hard not to get caught up in wanting to win and the competition that surrounds showing pigs. I am guilty of it. But sometimes it is important to give yourself a reality check and realize that this industry is bigger than that. It is about friendships, work ethic, life long skills that set livestock kids apart from the rest of the world. Your time in the show ring is limited so make sure you cherish every moment and always keep your eyes on the bigger picture.

Name: Macy Jacobsen

Age: 9

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
My Champion Overall Purebred NJSA Gilt was special once she came to the barn. My dad travels and picks out every pig that comes in our barns. I knew she was mine and very special within minutes to hit the barn. She was always so nice and easy going. I had the honor of winning WPX and NJSS Novice Showmanship with her this year. 

My Spot Gilt was 3rd Overall Team Purebred at WPX. What an honor to have two gilts showing for grand honors in two different rings at the same time. My brother Drew had to show my spot gilt because I was showing my york gilt "Olivia" and I wouldnt want anyone else showing my pigs. We may fight alot but we are best friends and best barn buddies.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
Cleaning pens. Mom and Dad make sure pens are cleaned morning and night everyday and we sure use a lot of wood chips.

When are you the most nervous at a show?
I normally am not nervous but this year was my first year of making the grand drive at a major show. This year driving "Olivia" in the Grand Overall NJSA ring at World Pork Expo I was so nervous. I had worked all summer and dreamed of this day.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
I love hanging out with my friends! Some of my friends I only get to see a few times of the year, so Expo and Summer Louisville are my favorite show because all my friends are there.

What was one unique peronality trait of your barrow or gilt?
She knows her name "Olivia", she was my york gilt that won WPX. She will forever be special at our house. My spot gilt that was 3rd overall Team Purebred didnt like any of my family this year except me.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Talking to my friends on the phone, via snap chat.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Goldfish and Pretzels

What advice would you give to other showmen?
I have only showed pigs for the last 5 years, because I am only 9 years old. I have experienced so much in the last year and I would tell anyone to honor the advice my mom told me as I was about to enter the ring to show for overall champion NJSA purebred gilt. My mom told me to enjoy every moment because it might never happen again. I tell kids to enjoy every minute and hand your head high no matter what.

Name: Owen Hege

Age: 7

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
Her name is Shadow and she's a Hamp from Kilmers.

What's your least favorite barn chore? 
Cleaning pens!

When are you the most nervous at a show?
Right before I walk in the ring.

Besides showing, what's your favorite thing to do at livestock shows?
Play football and cornhole with my friends.

What was one unique personality trait of your barrow or gilt?
She's really good walking for me, but she screams the whole time.

Livestock families spend a lot of time on the road. What’s your favorite thing to do during the drive to a show?
Listen to a Cincinnati Reds game.

What’s something that you always have to have in the snack tub at shows?
Any kind of candy.

What advice would you give to other showmen?
Do your best and have fun!

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