We caught up with Mr. Cody Hayes after he judged the Market Barrow Show at the 2025 Rodeo Austin. Check out his thoughts below…

What breed stood out as the toughest and deepest?
The light weight class of Yorkshires was the deepest class and the hamps were the toughest of the show.

What’s one thing you wish this generation of showmen needs to be more aware of?
The one thing I wish this generation was more aware of their surroundings and finding new families to keep this industry alive.  The younger generations are our advocates for animal agriculture.  

When judging do you ever wonder what the pedigrees are on some of the animals or think I bet that one is a ……. ?
YES!! I wonder it all the time and from time to time I say yep I bet this one is____.

Any funny encounters throughout the day?
I had two kids tell me that they loved my tie.

What has been the biggest change in the ring since you were an exhibitor?
I think the way hogs are presented is different from the time I showed.  We put pigs on a self feeder until about thirty days before the show.  The preparation from start to finish has been the biggest change.