Cooper Buck’s Reserve Overall Barrow at OYE was the result of sticking with one that battled health issues for months — but as Cooper shared, “Smash” kept getting better every single day.

Tell us a little bit about your champion:
His name is Smash. He came from Goss Livestock and was the very last pig in our barn. He only showed one time before OYE, but he was one of those pigs that got better every day of his life. When we bought him in the Last Get Together Sale, Ty told my dad he had a weird feeling about him.

Who is somebody that helped you achieve this win?
Definitely my dad. It wouldn’t have been possible without him. He was always there to help me no matter what.

What was the most challenging homework you had to make up?
Math for sure — and missing baseball.

What was a challenge you had to overcome with your champion or at the show?
He got staph in December and battled it off and on until two weeks before OYE. He was a constant battle his whole life.

What’s your go-to snack in the snack tub?
For me, Rice Krispy Treats. For Smash, vanilla wafers.