We Caught up with Mr. Weston Lackey exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Barrow at the 2024 Houston Livestock Show. Learn more about Weston below…
What was one difficult challenge you faced to get this win?
A difficult challenge I faced this year to get this win was when I injured my knee at the end of December. That was the biggest challenge because of how long I wasn’t able to take care of my livestock. When the injury first occurred, I was out for a week preparing for surgery. After surgery, I was out another 3 to 4 weeks before I was able to walk comfortably without crutches. I tried to walk my barrows with the crutches but it was difficult. I did what I could and am super grateful for my family and those willing to step in and help. Luckily, everything went well and I was able to show cattle and pigs by Fort Worth.
What is one thing you dislike the most about showing pigs?
The thing I dislike the most about showing pigs is missing school. Don’t get me wrong, raising livestock is what I’ll do for the rest of my life and the lessons learned outside of the classroom are invaluable, so missing school is so worth it. However, the stacks of work that has to be made up when I get home or while traveling is stressful. Luckily, my teachers understand and are flexible which is something I’m grateful for and know not everyone has. However, school work is definitely my least favorite part of showing pigs.
One thing you enjoy the most:
The thing I enjoy the most about showing and exhibiting livestock is not only spending time with my family but also my stock show family. I don’t know what I would do without them, all of them have taught me so much and shaped me into the person I am today. The people that I show with are not just my friends now, but they’re also friends that I’ll have forever and that’s something to cherish. They are all a big inspiration to me and will always be family to me.
Something new you tried:
Something new that we tried this year that I grew very fond of was using a roto brush to promote hair growth at home. The roto brush helps get all of the dirt out that gets stuck in their pores while also helping their hair grow and stand up off their legs and body. It made a big difference this year.
Besides being named Grand Champion, what was another memorable moment for you?
The most memorable moment I had all year was when my dad came up and hugged me right after I won. Houston has always been his favorite show and being able to live that experience with him just felt incredible. He’s always told me that one day we would hold that gold trophy and big banner and we did!
Somebody you look up to:
I would say the person I look up to the most in the show ring is Cole Phillips. From a showmanship standpoint, he made things look so effortless when he was still showing. It was one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen. To be able to have him by my side coaching me and rooting for me helped greatly and I hope one day I can show just as good as he did. More importantly, he’s been a best friend and a mentor to me. He’s more like a brother to me and just an amazing person. To be able to spend time with a person as well-respected as he is, is second to none.
Favorite show product:
My favorite show product this year was by far the pink Swine Conditioner & Shine from Weaver. We used that product all year and man, did that make the difference. The conditioner helped to strengthen their hair so that when I got in the show ring they just had that extra shine and stuck out.
What playlist do you have blaring in the barn?
We don’t have a specific playlist that we listen to. However, we do listen to a multitude of artists: AC/DC, Eric Church, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Aldean, Koe Wetzel and more. We always have those artists on shuffle to get us ready for whatever we’re doing.