We Caught up with Mr. Elijah Keplinger, exhibitor of the 4th Overall Purebred Barrow at The 2023 Exposition. Learn more about Elijah below…

Age: 17

Grade: 11th

Hometown: Springfield, OH

Tell us a little about your champion:
He was one of three, I remember being up late that night farrowing the mother, because she is one of if not my very favorite sows I’ve ever raised, even my Dad loves her!!  He was successfully shown this summer along with his littermate sister who was 4th overall Duroc Gilt at the Exposition as well. 

What do your days leading up to a show look like?
Late nights, early mornings, pens spotless, healthy and eating right!!  Intense discussions with my Dad.

Describe the moment you were selected as a champion.
Feeling of accomplishment!!!

Do you prefer summer or winter shows? Why?
SUMMER!!  Dad won’t let me show in the winter, our bigger shows are in the summer.  No school!

Who’s been your biggest influence?
My Parents and Grandparents and my good buddy Evan Henry!!

Do you and your family raise pigs?
Yes we run around 130 sows and roughly 20 Duroc sows!!

What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
Look at pigs in the chip pens.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Show pigs and play football.