From lucky traditions in the show ring to sushi celebrations after a banner, Hadley Hendrickson knows it’s the little things that make winning even more memorable. Fresh off a standout summer at The Exposition, we caught up with Hadley to talk about dream shows, favorite traditions, and the people who inspire her along the way.

What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?
I love coming home and going to Fuji to get sushi because sushi is my favorite food. I also love going to get a s’mores flurry from Bogies.

What’s your dream show to win?
I have had a lot of success in the pig ring, and I am forever thankful for the success and memories with family and friends. My dream show to win is the heifer show at the North American International Livestock Exposition.

Who is another exhibitor that you look up to?
I look up to Harlie Deschaine from California because she is not only one of my very good friends, but she is truly one of the nicest and most caring people I have ever met. Even though she is still an exhibitor, she was more than willing to step in and help me show my Duroc barrow in the show and in the grand drive, which shows the type of person she is.

What’s one thing you can’t go without during a show?
I can’t go without my lucky belt buckle when I show pigs. Anytime I wear a different belt buckle, I do not do well at the show. It may be a little rusty, but I can’t show my pigs without it.

Besides summer shows, what is something else you enjoy doing during the summer?
I enjoy going to Jerry’s to get a Jumbo Diet Marshmallow Coke in between working animals. Many people tell me that I have an addiction to them because I get one almost every day.

Pool or Lake?
Pool

Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Lemonade

Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Ice Cream

Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Washing

Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Early Mornings