Photo submitted to Times Observer Isaac Smith and his reserve champion class winner “Big” with an assist from his sister Katharine Smith.

Two Warren County youth participated in the 2018 Pennsylvania Farm Show this month.

Caleb Ace, son of Todd and Jodie Ace of Sheffield, showed his purebred Hampshire Barrow, “Big,” placing 7th in his class.

Isaac Smith, son of Brian and Stephanie Smith of Youngsville, showed his purebred Chester White in the all other purebreds class, placing as Reserve Champion. Paul was also invited to participate in the showmanship division earning a 10th place finish, demonstrating his skills related to driving and exhibiting his pig in the show arena.

Isaac is a member of several local 4-H clubs, including the Multi-Species Club, Ham Handlers, and Teen Council. Caleb is a member of the Multi-Species Club. Several club members and friends were on hand during the show to help them get ready and show their best. It was an example of the bonds developed in local 4-H clubs. Chloe Labowski, Sara Spicer, Madison and Kaitlin Sleeman, and Katharine Smith were all on hand to help push and cheer the boys to success in the show ring.

“This was a great year for us at the farm show,” said Isaac of the experience. “I really enjoyed showing a pig that I bred and raised and having it place so well. It meant a lot to me to have the support of so many of my 4-H friends and parents.” Isaac went on to say that the cheers from the crowd when he went out to show in the Supreme Championship drive was “an experience I will not soon forget. It’s really cool to have your hard work pay off at our state’s biggest pig show.”

This was Caliber’s first PA Farm Show experience. “I think it is a very cool place, cool facility. I had lots of fun being able to show there and see what they had to offer for me.” The size of the show, said Caleb, was staggering. “It was sometimes a struggle to get form one place to another with all of the people, but that just helped me to learn to better control my pig.” Caleb said he wishes “every kid could get the chance” to experience the farm show.

This year’s cold weather stunted the growth of pigs for this year’s farm show, said parent Stephanie Smith. Kaitlin Smith, Sara Spicer, Katharine Sleeman, and Tyler Lauffenburger all had pigs that did not reach the minimum size to show this year, said Smith. “Despite the disappointment the lesson was not lost on this group of young farmers, and they will learn and grow from this experience also.”

Isaac’s market placing allowed him to sell his pig in the Farm Show Youth Livestock Auction on Tuesday, which was a new experience for him. “I was not sure what to expect and the bidding went very fast. I was glad that Seneca Resources was there to support me and purchase my pig,” said Isaac.

“The opportunities available to our local youth through the 4-H programs and clubs is vast, and as a volunteer with 4-H, I encourage any interested youth to inquire about the programs, clubs and experiences that are available by contacting the local 4-H extension office and asking for Jennifer Grooms at 563-9388,” said Smith. “The 4-H motto is ‘to make the best better,’ and the opportunity to show livestock at the state level is just another example of our local youth learning, growing, and representing their home county, home clubs and themselves in a positive way.”