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Avery Throckmorton’s Reserve Crossbred Gilt at OYE didn’t come without a little attitude — but as she shared with us, that personality is exactly what made her so special.

Tell us a little bit about your champion:
“Baby Girl” and I definitely have a love–hate relationship, but that’s part of what makes her special to me. She is very headstrong and likes to do things her own way. There are days when she tests my patience, but even though she can be stubborn, she responds really well when I baby talk her and give her words of affirmation. I’m always telling her how pretty she is and reminding her that she’s the best girl. When she hears my voice, she perks up and seems to relax and work better with me. When I walk her, I sing worship music — she responds really well to it and stays calm, so it has kind of become our routine. Even though she can be stubborn and independent, she has a big personality that makes her unique.

Who is somebody that helped you achieve this win?
Many people helped me achieve this win this year. My parents have sacrificed a lot so my sister and I can show pigs and are my biggest supporters. My sister is always there to help, give advice, and work alongside me because we’ve been a team for so long. Cooper Phillips has also played a big role — he’s like a brother to me and never lets me settle for average. He pushes me to be my best, checks on my pigs, and truly cares about what’s best for my animals.

What was the most challenging homework you had to make up?
I’m in the middle of a research paper in English.

What was a challenge you had to overcome with your champion or at the show?
The main challenge was getting her to walk without throwing a fit. She is very strong-willed and likes to do things her own way, which made exercising her difficult at times. It took a lot of patience and consistency to work through that.

What’s your go-to snack in the snack tub?
Gushers.

Emily Beasley’s Reserve Gilt at Georgia National came with plenty of personality — and as she told us, “Flo Milli” has been running the barn since day one.

Tell us a little bit about your champion:
My gilt’s name is Flo Milli, and from day one she has been a diva. She has always ruled our barn and is definitely the one I feed first before taking care of the rest. She is out of Cold Blooded x Tricked Out and has been very consistent since day one.

Who is somebody that helped you achieve this win?
Without my parents and Nick Mauck, none of this would have been possible. They are my biggest supporters, and I’m so grateful for them!

What was the most challenging homework you had to make up?
Learning how to use a clinometer in my forestry class. We had a test on it the day I got back, and to be honest, I still don’t know how to use one.

What was a challenge you had to overcome with your champion or at the show?
Getting my gilt comfortable in the barns and show ring. When we first arrived, she was uptight and not wanting to cooperate with me.

What’s your go-to snack in the snack tub?
Extra toasty Cheez-Its.