We Caught up with Ms. Olivia Shike exhibitor of the Fourth Overall Purebred Gilt at the 2024 Exposition, the Grand Champion Purebred Gilt at the 2024 Team Purebred and the Third Overall Purebred Gilt at the 2024 NJSS. Learn more about Olivia below..

Age: 18

Grade: Incoming College Freshman

Hometown: Sadorus, IL

What was the most special part about your win?
I had never been in the top five of a national show and with this gilt I made it in the top five of all three summer national shows! The other thing that made it so special was that at the Exposition I was second in class, reserve division, reserve Chester gilt, and fourth overall gilt behind my best friend Briggs Yantis. We will never forget that experience or our walk into the grand drive celebration!

What is your favorite thing about your animal?
I love her sleek and feminine front end! Her ability to maintain that attractiveness through her front end while still having so much power and body at the end of her show career is pretty impressive!

Does your animal have any quirks?
I’m pretty much the only one she likes! She isn’t a big fan of other people and especially other pigs, mostly because she likes to be the queen of the barn!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish by the end of your show career?
Winning the IL State Fair Land of Lincoln, Exposition, or NJSS are huge goals on my bucket list!

Who is your biggest role model?
My mom and dad are definitely my biggest role models! The example they have set for me in terms of the values they have demonstrated, the professional careers they have led, and the commitment they have made to me and my siblings is something I hope to live up to.

Favorite hobbies outside of showing livestock?
Judging livestock, running, and reading

What is your pre-show routine?
On the morning of a show we are typically one of the first people in the barn because our pigs don’t like when they’re not the ones being fed! We get that first Sunglo feed in at least two hours before the first pig shows. Then we wash all the pigs while someone cleans all the pens. After that I condition the skin with KoatShine (for darks) or Preshow (for whites). We get another feed and hydration of Sunglo’s 4sure, Game On, and milk within an hour or 30 minutes of showtime. When we get ready to show, my brother works the leg hair, my Dad paints the white pigs, and I spray on the Jimmy Shine and clean up the pig. Then we show!

What are some of your showbox essentials?
The balance whip of Sullivan’s, some stiff brushes, KoatShine, Pre Show, Wintex White, Powderful, Jimmy Shine, Corona Ointment, Hoof Flex, and baby wipes! We like to stick to the same skin and hair care plan so those products are a must. I really like showing with the balance whip and a stiff pop brush. I won’t leave the barn without Corona ointment for a cut or hoof flex for a cracked pad. And baby wipes are a new must have because it’s the easiest way to keep a white one clean!

Gilts or Barrows?
A big gilt to show at the national shows and jackpots and a little barrow for the end of the summer and state fair!

Tennis Shoes or Boots?
Tennis shoes or twisted x.

Cats or Dogs?
Dogs, even though cats were nice for mice control I love my dog!

Summer shows or winter shows?
Summer shows!

Favorite Breed?
Chester white!