He stepped into the fenced area guiding his pig with his show stick, watching the judge as he and his pig traveled around the show pen.
As FFA members attended the Gaines County Livestock Show which began on Monday, members like senior Mason Sawatzky reaped the rewards of his investment in his pigs. He took Grand Champion Swine with his medium Hampshire pig on Thursday.
“I like showing pigs because they’re more complicated,” Sawatzky said. “It’s more fun when you have a challenge.”
Junior Dallas Turner has six animals to show at the county show which goes through Saturday.
“I have two steers and four lambs,” Turner said. “I like working with steers because they’re easier. They’re like big dogs and have personalities.”
Junior Jaylin Milloy said she doesn’t get too attached to her animals.
“My family and I raise pigs,” Milloy said. “We have over 40 of them.”
Senior McKinley Harris said she spends time with her cattle daily.
“I feed my animals every day around 5- 5:30 p.m.,” Harris said. “I used to keep them at my house, but now they’re on the egg farm. It’s close to where I live.”
Junior Jayce Bear goes to stock shows in the county, in majors, in jackpots and in Odessa to show her animals.
“I show heifers,” Bear said. “Most of the money goes into buying new animals, feed, supplies and gas.”
When the animals get sold, they are used for food. With the money he earns from selling, Sawatzky saves for schooling.
“I want to go to school to get a degree as a chiropractor for animals to help them,” Sawatzky said. “I want to go to Arizona State University.”
Turner is bittersweet over selling her animals.
“Yes and no,” Turner said, “I know it’s for a good cause,” Turner said, “but it’s sad.”
Since it’s a family business, Milloy saves the money she earns to invest in the next season.
“Animals are very expensive,” Milloy said. “Sometimes it’s over $5,000 for pigs.”
When an animal wins at a major show, however, the pay out can be substantial. Harris, for instance, received a Grand Champion for showing pigs her eighth grade year.
“It was the biggest price I’ve won,” Harris said. “I got a buckle and banners, and I’m able to brag about it.”
