Age: 19
Hometown: Delphi, Indiana (Purdue University)
With this being one of the major shows of the summer, explain how excited were you to take home a Top 5?
My family and I have been showing livestock at the county, state, and national level for as long as I can remember. Being successful and getting to a backdrop is always in the forefront of our minds and our everyday goals. It’s something we have worked so hard for. And to fulfill this dream of ours was an incomparable feeling. It was truly amazing. All of the hard work, sweat, and tears truly seemed to have all come together through that one handshake in the ring.
What was something new you tried this year since you were able to be home more often than normal?
Showing pigs throughout my childhood and through my teenage years has allowed me to develop certain routines and experiences that enable me to get the most out of the set we’re working on. Each year it seems as though we always try to improve our daily care or walking program. With this year especially I was able to get that extra drive in on the day, get a couple more hours of tanning time in the tanning pens, and work skin and hair just a little more often. And I truly think it made a huge difference in the ring.
What is your favorite show product to use?
It’s hard to pick just one product. Just from a daily care standpoint at home I love to use rejuvenate soap as well as champions choice and lusters for skin and hair care. These are products I use everyday as well as at the show. Out of everything myself and my family has ever used these seem to always deliver day in and day out. Keeps our skin and hair soft, moisturized, and healthy.
When I grow up I want to be....
I have not fully decided on what my path is quite yet at this point in my life. However, I do know that I would like to obtain my degree from Purdue University and put that degree to use in terms of acquiring an occupation that is directly linked to the agriculture/livestock industry. I grew up in this industry and it’s what I love to do. And I truly would like to live and grow here forever.
Showing animals has helped me to develop......
Showing livestock has allowed me to become the person I am today. Through everyday experiences and learning life lessons along the way, this journey has allowed me to mature at a young age and gain valuable life skills that I can utilize throughout the rest of my life. I truly believe it is one of the greatest ways that young kids can grow and develop into intelligent and hard working people.
What's your favorite Barn Chore:
I may be an outlier here but my favorite barn chore is cleaning. I like to clean 2-3 times a day. There’s nothing like walking into a fresh clean barn. I know the pigs like it and I sure do like it as well.
Who is the person you look to for advice right before you go in the ring for that last minute pep talk or pointer:
I have had a lot of truly amazing people by my side right before I go in the ring. And every single person deserves to be written inside this box. But I think the people that deserve it more than anyone else would be my mom and dad. They’ve been there for me since day one when this whole journey started. They’re with me every single step of the way and they’re always the last ones I talk to right before I go in. I know I can count on them for any last minute things like ring angles or walking speed. Anything. They’re always there.
Favorite Celebration Restaurant after a good day at the show:
It always seems like we find ourselves in some type of steak house or steak restaurant after a show.
Favorite Song or Singer:
I always find myself coming back to When I Get Where I’m Goin by Brad Paisley |
