I have been raising and showing 4-H market hogs for six years now! That's a long time and a lot of hogs. My market hogs have gotten better and better with the more knowledge I have learned from my wonderful 4-H leaders. I have had all kinds of breeds and colors of market hogs, from a light cross, to a Hampshire-appearing pig, and all the way to a dark cross.

It has been an amazing experience and I've had so many wonderful memories, but I've also had some tough times. Those tough times have helped me overcome and learn more as I care for my future market hogs. Some wonderful memories that have made my experiences grow every year are learning how to walk my market pig, getting to feed lots of treats, reading books together, naming my pig, and most importantly, just enjoying myself with my project. I have had all kinds of names for my market animals: Lucky, Michelangelo, Romeo, Blake and a few others!

My amazing memories also come with some discomforting memories that show us 4-Hers how much we care for our animals. When my market hog got sick, I was super upset, but when I got to nurse my animal to better health it made me so happy that I could help an animal in need. I have learned so many life skills as I learn how to care for my animals. Some people may think taking care of a market hog is as easy as taking care of a cat or dog but it comes with a lot of responsibility and hard work that many might think is a burden. Raising a market hog involves making sure your animal is washed, making sure the pen is clean, taking time to train your pig and so much more. Yes, all of these things are hard but doing those things shows how dedicated you are to your project, and as a pig shower I understand how much work goes into the project. I have been truly blessed being able to show market hogs for as long as I have and am excited to keep showing. I hold my experience raising hogs in high regard because it has given me skills for a life in agriculture when I am older.

 4-H has given me so many great chances to do so many things. Showing market hogs is just one of the many things 4-H has to offer. Thank you to my 4-H leaders who have taught me so much, and thank you to my teen leaders who helped me learn and get better every year!