39th Annual Wheeler County 4-H & FFA Market Hog Show

Courtesy of Wheeler County Schools

On Saturday, February 17, the Wheeler County Show Team hosted their local show. There were 15 students and 35 pigs at the show. These students get their show pig projects in October or November and raise them through the show season at the end of February.

During this time, students learn about record keeping, hard work, and responsibility while raising their show pig projects. They complete record books that include immunization records, a narrative about their show pig projects, feeding records, pictures, and a written response explaining what medicine withdrawal times are and why they’re important.

These record books were judged, and the placings were as follows: 1st place, Anna Beth Ethredge; 2nd place, Molly Bridges; 3rd place, Jaxson Derriso; 4th place, Keaton Pickle; 5th place, Layton Spires; and 6th place, Zoey Vann.

The show began at 10:00 a.m. with Senior Recognition. This year, we had two seniors, Molly Bridges and Briley Rowland. Both have been active in FFA and members of our show team. Molly has served as an FFA officer and has been a member of the show team for 5 years. Briley has been a member of the Wheeler County Show Team for 3 years. Both plan to further their education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College beginning in the fall.

In the Pee Wee Showmanship class, Remi Bateson was the champion showman. Layla Vann won the Novice Showmanship class. In the Junior class, Katie Rose Hammock placed first. Anna Beth Ethredge won the Intermediate Showmanship class, and Molly Bridges placed first in the Senior Showmanship class.

The weight classes followed showmanship beginning with the purebred pigs. In class 1, Clay Ryals placed first with his 230 lb. Yorkshire barrow. Layla Vann won class 2 with her 297 lb. Yorkshire barrow. In class 3 crossbred barrows, Jaxson Derriso placed first with his 223 lb. pig. Bobby Rowland and his 237 lb. barrow won class 4. In class 5, Zoey Vann took first place with her 278 lb. barrow. Class 6 started the gilt show with Briley Rowland and her 218 lb. pig taking the win. Keaton Pickle and his 228 lb. gilt won class 7. Anna Beth Ethredge won classes 7 and 8 with her gilts weighing 235 and 293 lbs.

In the championship drive, Anna Beth Ethredge won Grand Champion with her gilt from class 9. Reserve Champion was Layla Vann from class 2. 3rd Overall was Anna Beth Ethredge with her gilt from class 8. Zoey Vann placed 4th Overall with her class 5 winner. Jaxson Derriso rounded out the top 5 with his first-place pig from class 3.

This year, we had over 90 sponsors that supported our students and their show pig projects. The Boss Hog Award is given to the student that raises the most money for the show. Jaxson Derriso won, with Molly Bridges coming in second place. The Wheeler County Show Team also receives support from the Wheeler County FFA and 4-H. Thank you to Bryant Oliver, Les Bateson, Hannah Henry, Nicole Thornton, and Darby Connell for all you do for our students. Reggie Beasley, former agriculture teacher and current young farmer teacher in Wayne County, was the judge for the show. Neal Clark was the master of ceremonies.

Hammock, Layla Vann, Cassie Selph, Clay Ryals, Zoey Vann, Anna Beth Ethredge, Eliza Bateson, and Remi Bateson.

4th Overall Zoey Vann

Seniors Briley Rowland & Molly Bridges

SHOWMANSHIP WINNERS — Katie Rose Hammock, Layla Vann, Molly Bridges, Remi Bateson, and Anna Beth Ethredge.

BOSS HOG WINNERS — Jaxson Derriso and Molly Bridges.

Grand Champion Anna Beth Ethredge

Reserve Champion Layla Vann

3rd Overall Anna Beth Ethredge

5th Overall Jaxson Derriso