The last day dawns today on the 2000 edition of the National Barrow Show in Austin.

Wednesday, September 13, 2000

The last day dawns today on the 2000 edition of the National Barrow Show in Austin.

For three days, the nation’s best pork producers have made Austin their home and the Mower County Fairgrounds the center of attention.

Larry Rasch, NBS superintendent, said this year’s show is another standout edition of the "World Series of swine shows."

In particular, Rasch said the National Swine Judging Contest and the NBS University were highlights.

"The swine judging contest was very successful," said Rasch. "We had more teams and more individuals competing than in recent years and over seven states sent FFA and 4-H teams to compete."

Rasch also thought Dr. Bernard Rollin’s message at Monday’s NBS University educational seminar was important.

"Considering he had an audience that not only included exhibitors from across the nation, but also college and university students, his examination of ethics was an appropriate message for them to hear."

So impressed with Rollin’s talk were the NBS sponsors that they invited 200 of the participants in the swine judging to attend a breakfast Tuesday morning at the 4-H building where once again the Colorado State University professor discussed ethics in livestock judging.

Rasch also saw this week’s NBS as an opportunity to tout the proposed new multipurpose building at the fairgrounds.

A display was erected near the historic Crane Pavilion, where the judging and sales took place.

Rasch, who is also a Fair Board director, supports the proposed new facility planned by the Mower County Board of Commissioners. Intended as both an ice arena and an exhibition hall, Rasch said the NBS needs such a new facility.

"We’ve outgrown Crane Pavilion," he said. "As nice a building as it has been, we need another facility; not just for the National Barrow Show, but also for the many other events that could be hosted there."

Today (Wednesday), Yorkshire, Spotted, Hampshire and Poland China breeds take center stage in both Premier Sire competition and the auction sales to follow.

Rasch said the NBS co-sponsors, Hormel Foods Corp. and National Association of Swine Records, appreciate the support given the premier swine show in the nation.

"The support of the Mower County Fair Board and all the volunteers makes it possible to put on a show like this," he said. "It’s really unique to bring so many people from over 20 different states to Austin each September."

"What makes this show so successful is the level of fellowship experienced by exhibitors who keep coming back each year," Rasch said. "It’s both the competition and the experience they enjoy."