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Meet the Showpig.com All-Star Team: Part 2

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Breeder Central Showpig News


Georgena Ratliff
Longmont, Colorado

Something not many people know about you:
I practically live of Mountain Dew.

Favorite Quote:
“What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” ­Henry David Thoreau

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from showing and raising pigs?
The biggest lesson that I’ve taken away from showing and raising pigs is to always listen to those older than you. The older generation has been raising hogs for years, and they are the ones who built the industry we enjoy today. It is crucial that we listen to them and the lessons that they have learned because we are the next generation; the future of the industry lies in our hands.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the livestock industry faces today?
I believe that the biggest challenge that the livestock industry faces today is the public’s misperceptions. It is so important that we begin to tell our side of the story and begin opening up to the public about what we do. Every person who raises livestock loves the animals and the industry, and that is why they do it. It is important that we share this love for our animals with the general public in order for them to see the reality of animal agriculture.

 


Hannah Seymore
Visalia, California

Something not many people know about you:
One thing not many people know about me is that growing up I was extremely shy. Often times I would hide behind people to avoid talking to others.

Favorite Quote:
“Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from showing and raising pigs?
The biggest lesson I have taken away from the swine industry is to never give up. Some show days don’t go as planned; however, one bad day doesn’t make for a bad season. The livestock industry has taught me to never give up and to follow my dreams, even if I had a bad day in the ring.

What tips would you give someone new to showing?
One tip I would give to someone new to showing is to make friends, and mentors. Showing livestock isn’t all about winning the buckles and banners, it’s about the memories you make and the people you meet along the way. At the end of the day, the people around you are the only thing you have left, because the buckles and banners will eventually fade.

 


Allison Price

Tiffin, Ohio

Something not many people know about you:
I am pretty much an open book but I have to say I love to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone. It’ll either be a huge lesson learned or it will be the type of memory you can look back on the rest of your life and tell your grand kids.

Favorite Quote:
“I don’t lose, I either win or learn.”

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from showing and raising pigs?
The biggest thing I have taken away from showing and raising pigs is that your family is the most important thing aside from loving what you do and having fun. Your family will always be there and stand right beside win or lose. I wouldn’t change a day I have spent in the barn or at a show with the entire family.

What is your favorite memory so far from showing and/or raising livestock?
One morning in the summer, my three brothers and I were goofing off after working pigs. I took a step back and realized that I was so happy and grateful to have what I do and that we have the ability to do what we do together as a family but also to be a part of something that has taught me so much about myself and life and the value it holds. It’s the type of memory that has a feeling you can’t forget.

 


Sage Wilbanks
Harper, TX

Something not many people know about you:
I’m the youngest person in my grade!

Favorite Quote:
“Jump high and hard with intention and heart.” -Cheryl Strayed

What do you believe is the most important obstacle you have had to overcome?
My largest obstacle I have had to overcome is managing time. My family of three is usually on three completely different schedules. My dad works at a youth ranch, specializing in troubled or underprivileged children. He often is kept at work for late hours due to behavioral issues or admission problems. My mother works nights at the Fredericksburg hospital emergency room, usually from seven p.m. to seven a.m., and sleeps during the day. I am not only a busy high school student, but due to my heavy involvement in school activities such as FFA, one act play, varsity and club volleyball, UIL academics, student government, and many others, I am constantly kept busy, and usually on the road. Because of all of these adversities, I have had to mature quickly and have had a rather large amount of responsibility on my shoulders. I must handle these and other issues well in order to give my show projects the attention they need.

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from showing and raising pigs?
Showmanship is the one thing you can absolutely control. The pigs can reject feed and water, the judge can dislike your pigs, and the adversities and possibilities are never ending, but only you control how you react to the situations placed before you. Performing well in the ring shows that you have pride in you animals and what you have done with them. One of the most important things I have taken away is the importance of being a good role model for the kids I am around. I am held responsible on another level for my actions. I have more than myself to think about. I work with children on a regular basis and help them present their hog in the best possible way. Judges and breeders alike respect a good showman who takes pride in what they do. Breeders want their pigs shown by the best people, and because of this, I have created many great relationships with breeders. Taking pride in what you have spent so much time, energy, and money on, along with taking responsibility for presenting yourself in the most positive way for other’s sake, as well as your own, are the two most important lessons of exhibiting livestock for me.

 


Jenna Siegel

Marion, Ohio

Something not many people know about you:
I am DEATHLY afraid of birds. All shapes, sizes, and kinds!

Favorite Quote:
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

What tips would you give someone new to showing?
1. No matter what, keep your head! Whether you’re training your show barrows for the first time, preparing for a show, or are disappointed from the show outcome, always keep your head straight! People are always watching you. You’re reaction to situations is how people will perceive you in the show industry for the rest of your career; you only get one shot at a first impression! Make it count!

2. Always be open minded and willing to learn. You learn something new everyday! Whether it’s a new showmanship technique, feeding program, or even treatment method, the lessons you learn everyday are valuable and important. We learn life lessons as well as increase our knowledge as a showman everyday in the swine industry; take advantage of it!

3. Always look to better yourself and your show stock. There is always room for improvement.

4. Set big goals. Be unrealistic! Expect more of yourself than others think you can handle. It pays off; trust me.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the livestock industry faces today?
I think the biggest challenge the livestock industry faces today is the perception we receive from consumers. With the social media aspect of today’s culture, incorrect accusations and labels can be placed on livestock producers as a whole. We as producers are the minority in the United States today, and communication with consumers isn’t always easy! Once they’re given a bad image of producers in their mind, it is difficult to remove it.

 


Gavin Hartley
Nyssa, Oregon

Something not many people know about you:
Something not many people know about me is probably that I am a music junky. I am always listening to music wherever I go. Whether I am on a trip, at home doing homework, or even at school, I am always listening to music or humming a song in my head. I love all types of music and my play lists would probably surprise you. It wasn’t until someone mentioned it to me that I realized how much I listen to music. I guess I have an appreciation for great music.

Favorite Quote:
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Francis of Assisi

What tips would you give someone new to showing?
Some tips that I would give to someone new to showing are to be grateful, be patient, and don’t be afraid to try something new. You need to make sure that the people who support you know that you appreciate all their help and support. Many times I have had people around me make great sacrifices to help me be successful. You have to be able to convey your gratitude so they don’t feel their support went unnoticed. A simple gesture of thanks can make all the difference in someone’s day. Be grateful.

Next, be patient when it comes down to training and showing your animals. If you aren’t patient when you are working with your animals then you won’t get very far with them. If you are patient and kind with your project they can become like a best friend. It is important to always respect your animals and treat them fairly. They get tired and hot just like we do. I try to remember that and maintain my calm despite what is happening. I know that getting worked up will not make the situation any better. Be patient and kind.

Last, but certainly not least, don’t be afraid to try something new. Throughout a show career, you usually have to adapt your show style to what the judge likes. Sometimes that may be a new style and that might be a daunting task, yet if you change your style a little each show to adapt to each judge you can find success. There are many areas in the livestock world that call for adapting and trying something new. I’ve learned from picking out your hogs to not just base which one you choose off of the previous years. It honestly took me a long time to break my pattern of choosing a certain type of hog. When I chose a new type of hog I was nervous, but I ended up excited with the new possibility. We can learn a lot about ourselves when we are willing to step outside of our comfort zones and be willing to try something new. Some of the best things that have happened in my life have been a result of setting aside my fear and doing something new.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment so far has definitely been the friendships that I have made over my years of showing. I have developed so many bonds with people that I know will continue to be my friends for many years to come. I hope in my future that I can keep all these friendships because they have been invaluable to me during my show career. It is so nice going to a show knowing you will have friends and people to talk to and help you if the need arises. Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts and I have been blessed with some awesome people in my life.

 


Clay Scott

Mineral City, Ohio

Something not many people know about you:
Many people don’t know about my passion for working on “old junk” as some people may call it, but I feel obligated to keeping old things nice.

Favorite Quote:
Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man.
-George Washington

What would you hope to learn or accomplish as a member of the Showpig.com All-Star Team?
I hope to make even more friends than I did last year. Some campers don’t realize it, myself included, but the amount of contacts and knowledge there is to be gained is incredible. For example, one of the biggest breeders in my area said that I have more contacts in different parts of America than he does, all because of camp. I think that’s pretty incredible.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the livestock industry faces today?
Animal agricultures biggest challenge is social media and the way the public receives what we’re doing. The push for us to raise livestock using the less is more theory is greater than ever. Consumers want a quality product raised with less of what they think of as bad things, like antibiotics. Now it’s up to us to make a change, and keep animal agriculture as healthy and growing as ever.

 


Shelby Veum
Stoughton, Wisconsin

Something Not Many People Know About You: 

I’m terrified of mice

Favorite Quote: 
“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from showing and raising pigs?
The biggest lesson I have taken away from showing and raising pigs would have to be sportsmanship. No matter the outcome of the show, I will always leave with a good laugh from my life-long stock show friends.

What tips would you give someone new to showing? 
A tip I would share to someone new to showing would be to stay calm. From personal experience, keeping your cool in any situation will always work over attitude. One last tip I would share is to go out of your comfort zone. Meet as many people as you can and try new things. Great things happen with experiences.


Turner Standlee
Quitaque, TX

Something Not Many People Know About You: 
I have a passion for the sports I play, and always want to get better

Favorite Quote: 
“Yesterday you said tomorrow, but tomorrow you didn’t exceed all the milestones you could have accomplished yesterday.” -Bo Jackson

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? 
Beating cancer.

What is your next big goal? 
My dream is to play college baseball, and potentially play in the Major Leagues.

What would you hope to accomplish as a member of the all-star team? 
I want to be somebody who is remembered. I want to do something that makes me special, like my uncle and granddad.


Delaney Schmidt

Defiance, MO

Something Not Many People Know About You: 
I am graduating from high school a year early, and going to Missouri Valley College to be on the rodeo team!

Favorite Quote: 
“I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one.” -Calamity Jane

What tips would you give someone new to showing?
Always work hard, but don’t be afraid to ask question! Finding a mentor to help you be your best is very important, so talk to anyone and everyone you meet. Never feel like you aren’t good enough to go to a certain show or event, because you will always learn something. Take every opportunity you are presented with!

What is something you would tell someone who isn’t associated with the livestock industry about what we do? 
Through showing livestock, young people have the opportunity to become extremely involved in the livestock industry and learn many life skills. Sportsmanship, responsibility, confidence, and professionalism are just a few things you can learn from showing livestock. Not only is showing great for the kids doing it, but many will grow up to have integral jobs in the agriculture industry, and be beneficial to consumers. From growing food to marketing careers, you in the livestock industry will help improve the world.



Christian Rodriguez

Live Oak, FL

Something Not Many People Know About You:
Ducks are one of my favorite animals; I have over 70 adult ducks from 9 different duck breeds. Raising birds is something handed down to me from my Grandfather; he bought me my first pair of ducks when I was 8 and from then on, I was hooked. I love to watch the ducks waddle around the yard because their entire bodies just shake side to side and it is adorable. The ducks provide my family with eggs and I also sell my extra ducks to other people as pets and pest control.

Favorite Quote:
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow, you are the leaders of today.” Adam Putnam, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment involved earning my Eagle Scout rank at 14; not for the title, but because it led me to showing. I showed my first hog in April 2011 and instantly loved it. I used my hog sale money to buy a gilt and received a boar as a gift. I began showing homegrown hogs and selling the remaining piglets as feeders. In 2012, when, completing my Eagle Scout project, I worked with scouting and 4-H groups to build hog watering towers. While building the towers, I spoke to the kids about the benefits of a livestock project and many kids told me their families couldn’t afford to raise a project animal. I’d learned so much through raising project animals and wanted other kids to have the same opportunity so I started a discounted show pig business. In January 2014, I went to a National Swine Registry Show and used my accumulated livestock money to purchase the 3 best gilts U could afford. I sell my pigs to kids at cost so that more families can afford them and every kid has a chance to show. I continue to invest in facilities and equipment and want to add more hogs. Running my own business with live animals means that there is never a day off. It has taught me about responsibility, animal care and money management, but more importantly, it has given opportunities to kids that wouldn’t otherwise have them.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the livestock industry faces today?
The biggest problem facing the swine industry, and to be honest, all of agriculture is misinformation. Uniformed, but often well-meaning, individuals promote misinformed and misdirected efforts such as “Meatless Mondays” and antibiotic-free meats. The key to correcting this trend is communicating the correct message. I, and youth like me, advocate for the livestock industry by presenting the positive and correct information. I speak at schools, scout and 4H meetings, county, district and state competitions and shows as well as national conventions about the contributions that agriculture makes to our communities because the only solution for misinformation is education.


Michelle Riker
Tucson, Arizona

Something not many people know about you:
 I hate showing sheep but I cry and miss them when they go to slaughter.

Favorite quote:
“Two things define you, your patients when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything” –Unknown

What do you believe is the most important obstacle you had to overcome?

I believe one of the most important obstacles that I have had to overcome was not being chosen as our FFA chapter President.  I thought that I was going to win and I let my pride get the best of me. I learned how to swallow my pride and congratulate our new president sincerely. I received a reality check and noticed that I can still lead from the middle of the pack and that “president” is just a title. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and that is why this was an important lessons that I have learned.

What tips would you give someone new to showing?
Some tips that I would give to someone new to showing would have to be to be yourself. You may get a lot of criticism for some ways that you do thing and that is okay. Listen to others and take their ideas and thoughts into consideration but do what you find most comfortable. Also do not give up on your animal if they do not cooperate. Sometimes the hardest most stubborn animals will teach you the deepest lessons in the end. Always have fun in the show ring, competition is good but it’s also okay to have fun with your family and friends as well.

What is your next big goal?
One of the goals that I am working toward is starting a breeding program with my current gilt. I am hoping to breed and sell not only show pigs but market pigs in my area. My small operation will prepare me for the future in which I would like to start a furrowing unit with crossbreed hogs. I am very excited to go to camp and learn from people in the industry and learn how to be successful.


Daniel Price
Tiffin, OH

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from showing and raising pigs?
The biggest lesson I have learned from raising pigs is that working hard and learning from every opportunity you have is very important. Also, your hard your and dedication pays off.

What is your favorite memory so far from showing and/or raising livestock?
My favorite memory from raising pigs and showing pigs is when our whole family is together processing pigs or doing chores and having fun as a family, joking and laughing but getting work done.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the livestock industry faces today?
The biggest challenge in the swine industry faces today is people not understanding the reality of REAL farming and how livestock is raised. Also the care and work involved.


Reagan Langemeier
Marion, TX

Something not many people know about you:
I’m an all-state basketball player and have an extremely strong passion for the game.

Favorite Quote:
“When you are going through something hard and you wonder where god is – just remember the teacher is always quiet during a test.”

What do you believe is the most important obstacle you have had to overcome?
My most important obstacle that I had to overcome was when my mom got diagnosed with cancer during my junior year, and in the middle of stock show season. My dad travels often so when my mom was diagnosed, all of the barn work, school work, and taking care of my mom was put into my hands. I was fortunate enough that my sister moved back home to help with doctor appointments and everyday chores, but it was defintely a tough that my family and I had to overcome.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment so far would be winning the Supreme Overall Title at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Breeding Gilt Show three times. It’s been absolutely breathtaking every time, and my family and I are so grateful. All the hard work and dedication defintely paid off.

What is your next big goal?
My next big goal is to graduate from Texas Tech University with a double major in Agribusiness and Communications while being a pre-law student. I hope to attend Texas Tech’s Law School after acquiring my bachelors degree.


Mckayla Howard
Beebe, Arkansas

Something Not Many People Know About You:

I did martial arts for 3 years and gymnastics for 6 years.

Favorite Quote:
“Let your smile change the world, don’t let the world change your smile.”

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from showing and raising pigs?
I think the lesson of responsibility. Showing and taking care of pigs has taught me that you have to stay consistent and that you are responsible for another living thing! You have to feed when and what you are supposed to and you can’t stray from the requirements. It has allowed me to gain and learn a lot of responsibility!

What tips would you give someone new to showing?
Don’t take a single moment for granted! Sometimes it is going to be tiring, and you will want to quit! But don’t give up and keep striving! Showing livestock is one of the best opportunities you will ever get so don’t take a single moment for granted!


Mason Creager
Wauseon, Ohio

Something not many people know about you:
I’m lactose intolerant

Favorite Quote:
“It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

What is your next big goal?
My next big goal would be to graduate with honors from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and a potential minor in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, and/or Agricultural Systems Management. I would then like to use that degree to land a secure job as a Livestock Feed Sales Representative. Eventually I would like to take over the family farm as my end goal.

What tips would you give someone new to showing?
Based off my experiences in the showing industry, I have been fortunate enough to have many people to look up to and to learn from. Since I am now older, I feel blessed to be able to provide my knowledge to the younger and newer generation of showmen. With that, I would tell them to be willing to put in the work and many hours that come with being successful in this industry. Also, I would tell them to always be a humble winner and a gracious loser because it doesn’t always go your way in the ring. Lastly, I would tell them to just have fun with it! The big point of showing livestock is being able to have a good time and make new friends and that’s more important than any trophy or banner that you could win!


Maddi Berry
Royse City, TX

Something not many people know about you:
I have a birthmark on my head, which causes a blonde streak of hair on the back of my head.

Favorite Quote:
“She believed she could so she did” by R.S. Grey

What do you believe is the most important obstacle you have had to overcome?
The most important obstacle I have had to overcome is realizing no matter how you place, as long as you know you did everything you possibly could to prepare, everything is perfect. Live and learn from your mistakes, because those mistakes could make you a better showman.

What is your next big goal?
My next big goal is to achieve my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Agriculture Education. I then plan to be able to teach other students about animals and get others involved in showing livestock/swine projects.