Third annual occasion builds connections with Ohio’s pig farmers
For the third 12 months, a bipartisan group of a few of Ohio’s boldest and fun-loving state legislators got here collectively to point out off their pig-handling skills on the Ohio State Truthful’s Battle for the Bacon, a collaborative occasion produced by the Ohio Pork Council and the Ohio Division of Agriculture.
Serving because the occasion’s judges had been Rep. Bob Peterson and Rep. Roy Klopfenstein. As well as, Ohio Pork Council Govt Vice President Cheryl Day, together with Ohio Division of Agriculture Brian Baldridge, stored the capability crowd knowledgeable of the present ring occasions whereas recognizing those that volunteer to make all of it doable, particularly the youth mentors and their households who helped prep the legislator individuals.
This 12 months’s individuals (legislators and youth exhibitors) included:
Senator Kyle Koehler & Wade Smith, Senator Michele Reynolds & Megan Smith-McCarley, Senator Willis Blackshear & Allison Brink, Senator Kristina Roegner & Gilbert White, Consultant Christine Cockley & Alli Knecht, Consultant Dave Thomas & Taylor Ellsworth, Consultant Haraz Ghanbari & Clair Lampe, Consultant Kellie Deeter & Kinsley Swanson, Consultant Melanie Miller & Addilyn Bryant, Consultant Michele Grim & Tucker Schuffenecker, Consultant Kevin Miller & Colton Beckstedt, Consultant Erika White & Ava Genter, Consultant Johnathan Newman & Genevieve Davis.
“This continues to be a spotlight for us to have the ability to present our state legislators simply what it takes to not solely present a pig however to look after it around the clock day by day,” Day stated. “That’s why we’re so happy to have so many nice youth mentors and their households from our OH-PIGS present pig circuit who step as much as help these lawmakers annually in making ready for the present ring and explaining how they elevate these animals on the farm.”
After every legislator and mentor was launched to loud cheers, the lawmakers took their pigs to the ring as the group watched as every participant used their distinctive showmanship type to maintain their animal exhibiting at its finest.
In the long run, the judges awarded Rep. Haraz Ghanbari of Perrysburg the 2025 Grand Champion honors, with Reserve Champion honors going to Rep. Johnathan Newman of Troy. Nevertheless, every lawmaker went away with a specialised banner, recognizing their efforts and making certain future fond recollections.
“This occasion is a singular option to have interaction with our state’s key political leaders in a enjoyable and lighthearted means that connects them with our trade,” Day stated. “It’s at all times about bringing folks collectively to grasp that we’re all striving to do what’s finest for our state and past—doing what’s proper for our folks, our pigs, and the environment to make sure a greater future for everybody.”
