Meet Olivia Shike—a trailblazer in the hog community. Olivia has been making waves this year with her Chesters at three national shows and then winning the Illinois State Fair market barrow show. In addition to pigs, she also shows horses, she’s involved with Queen contests and livestock judging. 

Joining us is Sam Schmillen. Sam was Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb at this year’s Iowa State Fair 4H Show; however, that was not his first time on the purple chips. In today’s conversation, we talk about the lamb industry, his career thus far and the stories and lessons that have shaped Sam's journey.

It's been quite a summer and it's time I fill you in. On this special edition podcast, the roles have been reversed and my mom, Katie, interviews me. I talk about my Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog at the Iowa State Fair, my Third Overall Market Hog at the Aksarben Stock Show and much more. This is one you won't want to miss! Let's go!

This episode was a treat as I got to interview the big winner of the summer, Mya Holderly. She recently won the Grand Champion Crossbred Gilt at the Exposition in Indianapolis AND the National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville. For those not involved with pigs, this is a really big deal and extremely hard to do. We’re talking beating out thousands of pigs! Mya is on the Danner Livestock team and had some fun facts to share. 

Kamlynn Mason of Montgomery, Texas, has had one of the best spring show seasons of all time. She had Reserve Grand Champion hog at Denver, Reserve at Houston, Grand Champion at San Angelo and Forth Worth. It’s incredible! So, I wanted to talk with Kamlynn about her recent hot streak and how she consistently does what she does.

The Oklahoma Youth Expo is an event like I’ve never seen! I went a few years ago to watch. Let alone is their grand drive the coolest thing ever, bringing kids in the arena with a limo, but the event itself is huge! OYE is the world’s largest Junior Livestock Show with more than 7,000 4-H and FFA members and more than 13,000 head of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and ag mechanics projects. It’s amazing to see all of the livestock shown by exhibitors just from Oklahoma. The show is so tough, so getting in the top in a big deal. That’s why I wanted to bring on the Grand Champion Barrow winner of this year’s OYE, Wade Richey, to learn what it takes and his tips to being the best.

We’re in the midst of spring which means it’s Texas Major time. I love hearing about who’s winning what and how high the auctions go with these shows. And when talking about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, this year has been nothing short of exciting. I was lucky enough to have winner of the Grand Champion Steer from Houston, Blaize Benson, join me on this episode. Blaize won with his Simmental steer named Woozy. So, join me as learn more about Blaize’s showing career and his crazy ride with his Simmental. 

Records were broken this year at the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior shows. I was excited when Shepard Silvers, who won the Grand Champion Lamb, agreed to talk with me. His lamb at the auction brought a record-setting price of $500,000! Shepard told me more about that lamb and more about him

There’s been a name continuously winning in the show ring. And the cool part, he’s actually from my home state of Iowa. Mason Shalla has been unstoppable recently. Last year, he won the steer show at the Iowa State Fair and recently got reserve at the National Western Stock Show in Denver! Learn more in this episode about his winning career is how it's just part of the family business.

The Arizona National Livestock Show is the largest livestock show in the Southwest and has been in existence since 1948. Exhibitors from more than 39 states come to show, bringing in over 4,000 head of cattle, sheep, goats, swine and horses. Today I get the pleasure to talk with the Grand Champion Barrow winner from the recent Arizona National Livestock Show, Alli Stromberger. She's no stranger to winning national banners. Hear from Alli about her career and her champion barrow.