Articles & Content

Recap Interviews

THE RECAP – Cody Hayes – Rodeo Austin Market Barrow Judge

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.

Past Recap Interviews

National Show Exhibitor Spotlight

Amanda Miklaszewski

We caught up with Ms. Amanda Miklaszewski, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Hog and Supreme Champion Gilt at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. Learn more about Amanda below…

What’s your all-time favorite fair food?
Saz’s chicken tenders and fries with bbq and ranch!

What’s your biggest win or proudest moment so far?
In 2023, one of my proudest moments was winning the Crossbred Gilt Show at the Exposition with “Brandy.” Building on that, I was honored to win the Wisconsin State Fair Market Barrow Show back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. I’ve been extremely privileged to work with some incredible people who got me to these moments.

How do you stay motivated during the tough days in the barn?
On tough days, I remind myself how fortunate I am to work with these pigs and be surrounded by incredible people in this industry. That perspective keeps me grounded. And when the work gets long, nothing beats blasting my favorite music.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a first-year exhibitor?
Work harder than you think you need to, because there’s always someone out there pushing just as hard, if not harder.

What do you look forward to most about your state fair?
Every time I step onto the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, I get excited to reconnect with friends from across the state who show different species. It’s always great reconnecting after a long summer!

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