Valley 4-H'er wins at livestock show

by Marshall McKown

Douglas County 4-H member

My name is Marshall McKown. I'm a member of the Douglas County 4-H Divine Swine Project. I am 13 years old and this is my first year showing pigs, it was a lot of hard work and a lot of fun. First I would like to thank my 4-H Swine Leader, Skyler Zulian, for all of her volunteer time and guidance towards my pig Mr. Bean and I. And also Skyler's mom, Nita Vick the sheep leader, for all of her time and help too! They taught me a lot!

I went to the Nevada Junior Livestock Show on April 30 to May 3 at the Reno Livestock Events Center. There were 4-H kids from all over Nevada and California there to show and sell pigs, sheep, goats and steers. I won Grand Champion in the Intermediate Showmanship Class that had about 50 other kids participating. It was so exciting!

I took fourth place in the market class with my buddy/pig Mr. Bean. When I bought him he only weighed 93 pounds and he finished out at 271 pounds. Mr. Bean was a great pig and he taught me a lot about how smart a pig can be. I learned a lot about swine care from regulating his feed, to swine psychology about how to "drive" a pig anywhere, especially in the show ring, and to prepare in the market and showmanship classes. He was a really smart pig, of course I'll miss him.

Secondly I'd like to give a big thank-you to my two buyers for their support. It was greatly appreciated! To my neighbors and local businesses, I thank you too for your generous support to help me with my swine project. Without your help it would not have been possible. 4-H has been a good experience and I would recommend it to any other kids. It has taught me a lot about myself, the care and cost of animals and management. I have made many new friends along the way. Thank you again.