We Caught up with Miss, Riley Rodibaugh exhibitor of the Grand Champion Purebred Barrow at The 2023 National Junior Summer Spectacular. Learn more about Riley below…
Age: 10
Grade: 5th Grade
Hometown: Rensselaer, IN
Tell us a little about your champion:
My champion was raised by Kilmer Swine Farm and was a pig that I always liked since he got to our barn. He was always attractive, with shape, and squareness. However he was quite stubborn to train at the beginning.
My days leading up to a show are very busy walking and rinsing pigs. We focus a lot on skin and hair as well as getting pigs clipped and show supplies ready/ packed.
The moment I got selected as Grand Champion Barrow felt so good. I have worked so hard towards this goal. It has been a dream of mine to win a National show and I could hardly believe it when it happened. I was super excited about accomplishing a huge goal of mine.
Do you prefer summer or winter shows? Why?
Summer shows! I prefer to show when it is warm in the summer, at the Exposition and the National Junior Summer Spectacular. I like to participate in all the events these shows offer to exhibitors. Some of my favorites are showmanship, judging, volleyball, and cornhole.
Who’s been your biggest influence?
First, my grandparents as both of them have Showpig operations that I enjoy spending time helping around the farm. Second, there are so many older exhibitors that I have competed with from across the country that have an elite skill set that I watch and they push me to do better.
Do you and your family raise pigs?
Yes, with the Tres Amigos crew !
What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
While I am not practicing my softball pitching in the barn. I enjoy walking and training my pigs and spending time with my brothers and sister. I also love to shoot hoops in the barn.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing to do in the summer is play cards with my friends at pig shows and play travel softball. I also enjoy fishing and kayaking at my great grandpa’s pond.