Times Observer photo by Ann-Marie Gariepy Pennsylvania Senator Scott Hutchinson is pictured with hog owner/handler Laine Jackson while Elise welcomes brushing from a young fair goer.

Laine Jackson knows he is raising his hogs for a purpose.

“One for my family, one for grandma and pap and one for show and auction,” Jackson said of the three hogs he has been caring for and training for this year’s Warren County Fair.

Six month old Elise, a Herford Cross Gilt breed, is already tipping the scales at about 250 pounds and was shown by Laine at the Swine Show on Wednesday in the Livestock Pavilion where the team will be judged on its showmanship.

As a piglet Laine began training Elsie to follow commands by using his hands to get her to move in the direction he wanted her to go. “Pigs are very smart,” he said, explaining that hand training prepared Elise to take direction later on with the use of a crop being tapped just under her chin.

This year’s hogs will be auctioned off tonight starting at 6 p.m. during the Livestock Auction held at the Livestock Complex. Laine found it emotionally difficult to auction last year’s hog, but said this year is different.

“I know I’m doing it for a good reason. Food for my family,” Laine said.