We caught up with Mr. Will Hilty before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the 2023 Iowa State Fair FFA Show. Learn more about Will below!

Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m from Mt. Pleasant PA where I grew up on a diversified livestock farm exhibiting cattle, and pigs throughout my 4h career. My wife Callie and I own and operate Hilty Showpigs which consists of 130 crossbred sows. We have two daughters, Kinley is 5 and Kenna is 2.

Who got you involved in the livestock industry and how?
My dad and grandfather both raised some purebred hogs, that exposure got me involved at an early age.

Favorite State Fair Memory:
Probably when we raised the barrow that won the 2022 Ohio State Fair. In a lot of ways we consider that our home state fair, and we had gotten close several times so it was nice to finally get over the hump.

First State Fair ever judged:
West Virginia

Favorite Fair Food:
Curly fries with extra cheese and extra vinegar

Favorite Carnival Game:
The goldfish game

Favorite Carnival Ride:
Ferris Wheel