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