Did you read the Washington Post article “Swine for sale: How kids’ livestock shows became a cutthroat (and expensive” business)”, that focuses on the negative part of showing livestock? I don't recommend it. An article that mentions that the most expensive pig always wins is not an article that you should spend your time reading.
I have a problem with the article, mostly because it’s mostly focused on money. Let’s be honest, yes showing pigs is expensive. The truck, trailer, gas, clothes, food, hotels, animals, feed, time off work; everything adds up. But, if you can find a way to keep your kids grounded, to teach them how to win humbly and loose graciously, and to live with good morals and respect for others, to me it’s priceless.
The article hardly mentioned what those kids are getting out of showing pigs. Nothing compares to the feeling of walking your pig by a bunch of people and someone pats your back and says, “that one looks good.” That is satisfaction at its highest. Or the friends you see once a year that live across the nation, yet the memories you make with them are some of your fondest. How about the discipline it takes and the hours spent in the barn, summers that don’t include a swimming pool yet include a water fight with your family because the pigs’ need cared for on the hot day more than you do. Working in the barn not only comes with physically hard work, but mentally as well. Sometimes your favorite pig doesn’t do as well as you’d like, just like in life. Life doesn’t always go your way; farm kids know this first hand.
The article hardly mentioned what those kids are getting out of showing pigs. Nothing compares to the feeling of walking your pig by a bunch of people and someone pats your back and says, “that one looks good.” That is satisfaction at its highest. Or the friends you see once a year that live across the nation, yet the memories you make with them are some of your fondest. How about the discipline it takes and the hours spent in the barn, summers that don’t include a swimming pool yet include a water fight with your family because the pigs’ need cared for on the hot day more than you do. Working in the barn not only comes with physically hard work, but mentally as well. Sometimes your favorite pig doesn’t do as well as you’d like, just like in life. Life doesn’t always go your way; farm kids know this first hand.
Leah Marek walking her pigs during the summer
| 
Iowa Kids at the World Pork Expo in 2014
|
The most hurtful thing I read in the article from the Washington Post was the mention about kids buying pigs instead of raising them. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to raise the pigs I show. I have gotten to see these pigs from the day they were born to the day they leave. Unfortunately, not every kid can have this opportunity but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to show pigs.
I love farming, one reason why is because farmers don’t let many things get them down. They stay positive and always look to the future. America needs the mentality of a farmer, and kids who show livestock have this mentality.
To the writer of this article: visit another show. Don’t focus on money because in reality, money doesn’t mean much. Yes it’s important to live, but money does not define the person you are. Instead, focus on the kids and what they learn. Hardworking, dedicated, respectful, and responsible, are just a few words that can describe a livestock kids. I am proud to be one.
I love farming, one reason why is because farmers don’t let many things get them down. They stay positive and always look to the future. America needs the mentality of a farmer, and kids who show livestock have this mentality.
To the writer of this article: visit another show. Don’t focus on money because in reality, money doesn’t mean much. Yes it’s important to live, but money does not define the person you are. Instead, focus on the kids and what they learn. Hardworking, dedicated, respectful, and responsible, are just a few words that can describe a livestock kids. I am proud to be one.
RSS Feed
