Pioneer Farm Show Pig Team ends 2025 season with historic success

The Show Pig Team at UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm ended the 2025 showing season on an exceptionally high note at the historic National Barrow Show in Austin, Minnesota, this September. Pioneer Farm has exhibited pigs regionally and nationally for over a decade with great success; however, this year proved to be the most successful yet.

At the Wisconsin State Fair, the home-raised boar, Ripper, was named Reserve Champion Berkshire Boar, and Pioneer Farm was recognized as Premier Exhibitor of the Berkshire breed. At the Iowa State Fair, the team exhibited the Champion Tamworth Gilt, along with several class winners in the Berkshire breed.

Wrapping up the year at the National Barrow Show, the team exhibited the Champion Berkshire Boar, Reserve Champion Berkshire Gilt, and earned several additional class wins. A truckload of six Berkshire market hogs was also exhibited in the Truckload Competition, placing 2nd on the rail for meat quality-an achievement that speaks to the true goal of all producers. Interest and sales of both boars and gilts also reflected how well the breeding stock was received.

"Alicia Prill Adams, assistant farm director and Swine Enterprise manager at Pioneer Farm, does an outstanding job providing students with valuable opportunities to learn about swine production," said Chuck "Working with these pigs and participating in shows offers students meaningful experiences and lifelong skills. Their success reflects the hard work of everyone involved, as well as the support behind our swine enterprise."

Pioneer Farm has long benefited from strong community support. The program began its Berkshire herd with a generous donation of five gilts and one boar from Pork Chop Ridge, the Gill family of rural Platteville. Most recently, the family of Dr. Charles Heidenreich contributed long-term support through a generous endowment.

Students are involved in all aspects of the Pioneer Farm Swine Enterprise-from daily chores to sow and piglet care, show pig sales and farm tours. The students are responsible for every stage of the show pig process, from selection to training to exhibition. It is truly a team effort.

Special thanks go to Sophia Daugherty, Brayden Peter, and Justin Daugherty for transporting and exhibiting the animals at the shows. Additional thanks to the Gill family for their continued support, and to alumni Jon and Tim Clothier for their purchase of the Champion Berkshire Boar and several gilts.