Newton student enjoys state fair competition to end summer

Jenna Smith is just like any other Berg Middle School student — she’s excited to go back to school and enjoys spending time with her friends — but unlike many of her peers, Smith spent the weekend before school working at the Iowa State Fair, showing cattle and swine.

“It’s really fun to watch all the people come through and admire them (her swine),” Smith said. “People are kind of amazed by them. They get babied and the fair makes them more tame and relaxed.”

This is Smith’s fourth year showing animals at the state fair. She began showing when she joined 4-H in elementary school. Her family, friends and fellow Sherman Sunbeams 4-H club members gathered around a pin in the Swine Barn at the Iowa State Fair Saturday in preparation for the showing of animals.

Smith showed three swine in the Hawkeye Market show in the Swine Barn — one, a registered Yorkshire, who Smith said is “crazy,” and two which are cross breeds, who are more tame and have a better walk. She also had a mother and baby pair of black heifer calves showing in the Avenue of Breeds which is run by state FFA members.

“My dad said Pickles (the black swine) is really sound and has good muscle. You want to keep the pig in front of the judge and he will be the best one at the show,” Smith said.

Smith and other 4-H students spend time preparing for a show at any level, especially at the state fair. Before the show, she gives the swine a good clean bath and then rubs oil on each swine to show sleekness.

When showing the swine, Smith walks around a large ring and judges critique the animals one at a time based on their look, soundness, the way they carry themselves and their muscle, among other things. The swine are put in a pin and given a ranking. Judges will then give a descriptive critique to the student about the swine’s strengths and weaknesses.

After the show, the swine go to market where they will be sold at market price. The Smith’s hope for a good market price, they said.

“My favorite thing about the fair is being with my friends. It’s the last thing before school starts and it’s fun. It’s the official mark to the end of summer,” Smith said.

Pickles, the black swine received fourth place out of 11 with the first and second place swine in this class receiving overall Grand Champion and Reserve Champion in the Hawkeye Market swine Sunday. The mixed colored swine received fifth place out of 11 swine, and the Yorkie, the white pig, received fourth place out of five swine.

Next year, Smith hopes to show more heifer or steer. Cattle are her favorite animals to show, she said.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com