We Caught up with Ms. Amanda Miklaszewski, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Crossbred Gilt at The 2023 Exposition. Learn more about Amanda below…

Age: 18

Grade: College Freshmen

Hometown: Franksville, Wisconsin

Tell us a little about your champion:
Brandy is a crossbred gilt bred by Herren Genetics. She was the smallest in the barn and we didn’t think she was going to be this special to us. Over the past few months of having her, she has grown to be my favorite. She’s always ready to perform her best and never gives up on me. I like to think we are a lot alike

What do your days leading up to a show look like?
My days leading up to a show is working pigs hard. That goes from tanning, walking, and skin and hair. Presenting your pig to the best ability you can really helps in the ring. I’ve learned that the hard way..

Describe the moment you were selected as a champion.
We walked into expo with a really open mind not knowing what was going to happen. So when we won that first class, we still didn’t give up our hopes.  After getting picked for division champion, that’s when I started getting really excited that we might have a chance of being top 5. But when Brandy was named champion crossbred gilt, I was in denial. I couldn’t believe it. My crew and I were so blessed.

Do you prefer summer or winter shows? Why?
I definitely prefer summer shows due to the fact I hate snow. It’s so much easier getting up in the morning and putting on a pair of shorts instead of 15 other layers. I also enjoy summer shows because of The Exposition and Louisville.

Who’s been your biggest influence?
My biggest influence has to be Ben Kronberg. He has been there for me since day 1 and has not let me down. In these past 2 years with him, he has taught me more than I have learned in my past 13 years of school. Ben drops everything for these kids. I will always look up to him.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
My favorite thing to do in the barn is skin and hair. It is one of the things you can control and make it the best you can. It really is an advantage for these pigs.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing to do in the summer is definitely go to national shows and spend lots of time outside. We have an in ground pool that we spend lots of time in.