Mastering Hog Shows - Rachel Grimes' Story

Rachel Grimes, a small-town girl from Archie, Missouri, transformed her interest in hog shows into a successful career. Her journey was marked by the continuous excitement of the dynamic show ring environment and the demanding nature of the hogs. 

Grimes was fortunate to have her parents support her initial venture into hog showing, including building a hog barn and funding travel for shows. However, it was her bond with the McAlexander family, especially Eric McAlexander, that shaped her journey significantly. 

While the financial aspects of maintaining her operations were challenging, Grimes turned it into a lesson on self-sustainability. Earnings from selling her fair-winning pigs financed her subsequent operations. 

With time, determination, and effective selection and feeding processes, Grimes saw her breakthrough in 2015 when she earned the top two awards at her county fair. This victory spurred her to compete in national shows and even raise her hogs. 

Her proudest moment came when a pig she raised won the Grand Champion Chester White Gilt award at the 2022 National Junior Swine Show Summer Type Conference. The victory was a validation of her hard work, dedication, and the support she received from her mentors and family. 

However, Grimes believes that success isn't solely about winning trophies. It is the process of striving for it and the satisfaction derived from the work. This sentiment has guided her efforts, including networking with breeders, studying feed rations, and learning from observing others. 

Ever grateful for the mentorship she received, Grimes is determined to pass on her wisdom to aspiring showmen. She remembers assisting a friend at the Missouri State Fair and the joy she felt when her friend won reserve champion. 

Grimes is now preparing to transition from being a junior exhibitor to a mentor for the next generation. She believes that the knowledge she has gained should be shared with others, and the essence of livestock showing lies in this exchange of knowledge.