We Caught up with Mr, Adam Gillis exhibitor of the Reserve Champion Overall Crossbred Gilt at The 2023 Team Purebred National Jr Show. Learn more about Adam below…

Age: 16

Grade: Junior

Hometown: Dunkirk, Indiana

Tell us a little about your champion:
Her name is Elsa. She’s sired by Tricked Out. Bred by Roy Showpigs and Grant Colvin. We picked out the name Elsa because my family is a big fan of the show 1883. She’s been really fun to show, it’s been cool to watch her grow and change as much as she has. She’s been a really fun one to feed this summer.

What do your days leading up to a show look like?
Usually before we show tensions are a little higher. Just making sure that we’ve got the pigs looking the best that we can have them looking. I make sure that they’re hydrated and fed to their full potential at that time. The last couple days before the show usually end up being long nights as well.

Describe the moment you were selected as a champion.It was a flood of emotions. It was pretty much a stress relief. It showed that the hard work and long nights in the barn had paid off. And seeing my family just being just as excited as I was makes me push myself more to do better.

Do you prefer summer or winter shows? Why?
I prefer summer shows. I think that the competition is higher. And more of my friends show in the summer so it makes the shows more fun as well.

Who’s been your biggest influence?
Mitchell Concannon has been a big influence for me. He’s helped me become a better showman along with teaching me more about how to feed and what I need to feed the pigs.

Do you and your family raise pigs?
No we don’t.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
I really enjoy listening to music while I work on skin and hair in the evenings.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing is going to pig shows.