Mic’d Up – Austin Thompson
Austin Thompson
Ohio State Fair – Purebred Gilts
In your opinion, what is the most challenging thing when judging shows?
Today there’s such little room for error because shows have evolved from showmanship and pigs to the overall presentation of the animal. It makes for no easy sorts—it is as competitive as ever in the show ring.
What is a nonnegotiable for you when judging?
Balance—everything fitting together properly and operating accordingly, from freshness to soundness.
What is the most memorable show you’ve sorted?
Fortunately, I have been able to experience some really great moments judging. To list a couple, it would be the Summer Type Conference alongside my dad and Fort Worth in their new facility.
When someone says that’s an “Austin Thompson” pig, what qualities does it have?
Balanced, square, and stout.
Biggest pet peeve in the ring?
Overdoing it and not allowing the pig to present the quality it possesses.
Lemonade Shake Up or tea?
Tea
Elephant ear or funnel cake?
Funnel cake
Carnival rides or carnival games?
Carnival games
Big slide or Ferris wheel?
Big slide
Corn dog or hamburger?
Corn dog
Exhibitor Spotlight
Kipton Edie
Kipton Edie put together one of the most impressive runs of the summer, collecting banners at both The Exposition and the National Junior Summer Spectacular. After earning Champion Overall Team Purebred Gilt at The Exposition, he followed it up with Champion Overall Team Purebred Gilt, Reserve Overall Team Purebred Barrow, Fifth Overall NJSA Gilt, and Fourth Overall Team Purebred Barrow at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Following an unforgettable summer in the ring, Kipton shared a few of his favorite traditions, inspirations, and summer favorites.
What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?
Spending time with the people who helped me find success.
What’s your dream show to win?
Indiana State Fair.
Who is another exhibitor that you look up to?
Eli Keplinger.
What’s one thing you can’t go without during a show?
The yellow shirt.
Besides summer shows, what is something else you enjoy doing during the summer?
Racing my dirt bike.
Pool or Lake?
Lake
Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Iced Tea
Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Ice Cream
Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Cleaning Pens
Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Late Nights
Trivia
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Submit your answer to enter to win your own ThePigPlanet.com gear!
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Judging Contest
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Trivia
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Judging Contest
2026 JUDGING CONTEST
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Upcoming Judges
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Submit Your Results
We strive to report as many results as possible, however we can’t always be at every show. If you see that results from a show you recently attended aren’t posted or are only partially posted, feel free to submit your results to us and we will list on our results page!