We Caught up with Ms. Emily Myers, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Crossbred Gilt at The 2023 Exposition. Learn more about Emily below…

Age: 18

Grade: 12

Hometown: Rensselaer, Indiana

Tell us a little about your champion:
Demi is a crossbred gilt from Newhouse showpigs. Honestly, she may be the crankiest pig in the barn but I think her favorite time of the day is at night when we brush her and she gets her marshmallow.

What do your days leading up to a show look like?
The days leading up to the show usually include feeding, washing, and cleaning out the dirty shavings in their pen in the morning. Then at night feeding, walking, and working on their skin and hair.

Describe the moment you were selected as a champion.
The moment we were selected as Reserve Champion Cross gilt was very exciting and unexpected. It was a dream come true and a great feeling to have our hard work pay off.

Do you prefer summer or winter shows? Why?
I prefer summer shows because I enjoy the warm weather and it means I am not in school.

Who’s been your biggest influence?
My biggest influence is definitely my brother. He has taught me everything I know about taking care of pigs. He not only supports me with the pigs but in everything I do.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
My favorite thing to do in the barn would be washing the pigs. I love watching how different they look before and after being washed.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing to do in the summer is walk the pigs at night with my entire family.