“When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him, he will win.” – Ed Macauley
As a breeder in this business today, there is no greater joy than seeing the smile of a banner-holding youngster after a hard-earned win at a stock show. Wednesday, the 23rd of January, was a remarkable day for two kids who showed their way to the top and captured the Grand Champion banner at their respective shows.
Early in the day, Tanner Langemeier of Nebraska won the Sioux Empire Farm Show with a Swagger-sired barrow from our September Online Sale. Kudos to Tanner and his entire family on a job well done! Many texts and phone calls were received about this barrow and its always gratifying to hear positive comments about winners. I remember the phone video of Tanner exercising his barrow in the snow and his smile here says it was worth it!
Wednesday evening, the green carpet was rolled out at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO and Claire McCormick drove the Champion Hampshire in the Grand Drive. In this breeders mind, the drive was full of suspense until the judge said “This is the only barrow that’s ever made me forget the rest of his class.” And just like that, Mr Listen used the Hampshire to win the show and ‘Superman’ was Grand. At that moment, the embrace between Claire and her dad was the perfect ending to an unbelievable day.
The Hampshire at Denver was one of the most unique barrows I’ve ever seen. He was a Point Taken x Judge and basically a 3/4 brother to Revolution – the Reserve Hamp Boar we sold at the Fall Classic. For as long as I can remember, I don’t think I’ve ever received more positive comments about a Champion we’ve raised and for that, Thank you. As a Hampshire breeder, I’ve always hated the disclaimer “for a Hampshire” but I suppose in this case – for a Hampshire or otherwise – he was definitely one to be proud of.
Winning stock shows is tougher today than its ever been, and Wednesday was a good reminder that hard work and determination always prevail. These two families proved that practice does make perfect. It was a good reminder that regardless of a pigs age, weight, breed or anything else that sometimes matter – good kids and good pigs can win and they did. Above all, Wednesday was a good reminder of why I’m in this business…I love seeing kids like these hold banners!