We Caught up with Mr. Brayden Lancaster exhibitor of the Grand Champion NJSA Purebred Barrow and the 4th Overall NJSA Purebred Barrow at The 2023 Team Purebred National Jr Show and the 5th Overall Purebred Barrow at the National Junior Summer Spectacular Learn more about Brayden below…

Age: 16

Grade: Senior

Hometown: Battletown, Kentucky

Tell us a little about your champion:
The champion barrow in Springfield was from Stohlquist Showpigs in Illinois, he was always a very neat looking barrow and when he reached his prime at CPS I knew he was very special and had many hard to make pieces.

The fourth overall barrow in Springfield was from Heimer Hampshires in Missouri, he came from a very deep litter as a baby and we knew he had a lot of potential. He was definitely a barn favorite from the moment we unloaded him this spring!

My fifth overall barrow at NJSS was also from Heimer Hampshires in Missouri, much like my other hamp he came from a deep litter and had a very high ceiling as a baby. He was more difficult to get fed right in order to keep balance and proportion, outside of that he was a special barrow with outlier pieces.

What do your days leading up to a show look like?
The days leading up to a show are definitely crunch time for us, we all have to push through the hard  process of getting everything dialed in and ready to go in order to insure that we are well prepared.

Describe the moment you were selected as a champion.

It was a rush of emotion and adrenaline, along with the feeling of accomplishment after completing goals we have set for ourselves.

Do you prefer summer or winter shows? Why?
I prefer summer shows! Taking nothing away from the green carpet in Perry, showing at summer/fall shows have such a unique feeling of nerves and excitement that are unmatched by the winter shows.

Who’s been your biggest influence?
My parents have definitely influenced and pushed me the most to compete on the level that I do today. I also have to credit Blake Danner for pushing me to succeed and accomplish many goals that I have set for myself.

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

What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
My favorite thing would be feeding. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a barn full of pigs eat.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing besides show would be golfing with friends!