After earning Reserve NJSA Purebred Barrow honors at The Exposition, Kyle Odell took a break from the summer show season to share some of the traditions, goals, and superstitions that have become part of his showring journey.

What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?
My favorite way to celebrate is definitely hanging out with the people that made it all possible for me to get into the position of success. We usually hang back at the fairgrounds or find a local pizza restaurant and celebrate!!

What’s your dream show to win?
I’d say for where I am at in my career with not a lot of time left, I have already won my dream show with that being the American Royal. I think The Exposition Crossbred Barrow or Gilt Show would be the next on that list.

Who is another exhibitor that you look up to?
I don’t think there is an exhibitor I look up to just because I am older and at the end of my show career, but my goal is to have people look up to me. When I was younger there were always those exhibitors that my mom, dad, and even helpers would make me watch every time they stepped into the ring. Being that kind of role model for younger exhibitors is a goal of mine.

What’s one thing you can’t go without during a show?
I wear a certain necklace every time I go into the ring that I actually won at a Walmart claw machine at a pig show years ago. That same weekend I won both shows I was exhibiting in. I’m very superstitious about that necklace! If you know, you know!!!!!

Besides summer shows, what’s something else you enjoy doing during the summer?
My brother and I are really into bow fishing on our local lake and being outdoors in general, whether that’s barbecuing or late-night pickleball.

Pool or Lake?
Lake

Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Lemonade

Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Popsicles

Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Washing

Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Late Nights