We Caught up with Miss, Holly Howard exhibitor of the 3rd Overall Purebred Gilt at The 2023 National Junior Summer Spectacular. Learn more about Holly below…
Age: 15
Grade: 10th Grade
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Tell us a little about your champion:
Monica has been captivating from day one. She’s just an incredibly unique creature that was so much fun to feed and drive. I’ve been very blessed because she was raised by family out of a sow that had success of her own. And I was lucky to spend my spring and summer weekends with family working towards a common goal.
Walking, working skin and hair, packing the trailer and making sure everything is ready to go.
It was emotional. We went to Louisville with big goals and as the day progressed and we realized we weren’t going to reach all of our goals, it was a roller coaster of emotions. But going into the Night of Champions and being selected third overall gilt, was really just an incredible ending to Monica’s story and the highlight of my show career.
Do you prefer summer or winter shows? Why?
Summer. We don’t have the setup to run a winter set and do it right.
Who’s been your biggest influence?
Mike Taylor has been a huge influence from the beginning. He helped me get my first pigs at 9 years old and has constantly guided and supported me. The whole Taylor family has really been a huge support system and great role models. There are so many other people that have influenced me along the way. Butch Oliver, Austin Joostberns, Ryan Driscoll and Micah Malcolm to name a few.
Do you and your family raise pigs?
We Don’t.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
Blare music on the speaker and walk pigs.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Show livestock and work in the barn.