Big pigs, bigger contest 69th National Barrow Show kicks off
Published 10:25 am Monday, September 14, 2015
Lindsay Walker of Frankfurt, Indiana, helps corral a large hog Saturday morning at the Mower County Fairgrounds in preparation for the 69th annual National Barrow Show. — Trey Mewes/trey.mewes@austindailyherald.com
The biggest pig event of all is hogging the spotlight this week.
The 69th National Barrow Show began Saturday with a meat judging contest. The rest of the show, including various showmanship contests and agriculture skills demonstrations, started on Sunday and continues through Wednesday.
“We’re excited to be here,” said Brian Arnold, vice president of the National Swine Registry. “This event, particularly, has a lot of tradition and we always enjoy coming to Austin.”
Hundreds of farmers and agricultural students have come to Austin for the barrow show this week, which is put together by Hormel Foods Corp. Aside from demonstrating the latest in the barrow industry, Arnold said the event is a good way to pass along farming skills to younger agricultural enthusiasts.
“We’ve got a new generation of young farmers growing up and it’s always good to pass on that experience,” he said.
Barrow Show schedule
Tuesday
8 a.m. – Breeding Stock Shows, Crane Pavilion; two rings
9 a.m. – Presentation of Special Awards and Judging Contest results, Crane Pavilion
Wednesday
9 a.m. – Breeding Stock Sale begins, Crane Pavilion; two rings
