Annual Swine Competition Bring Legislators and Youth Exhibitors Together for a Night of Agricultural Fun

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) hosted the annual Battle for the Bacon at the Ohio State Fair Wednesday evening, where legislators and cabinet members teamed up with skilled 4-H and FFA swine exhibitors in the show ring.

After an evening of friendly competition, State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) was named Grand Champion, while State Representative Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) earned Reserve Champion.

"Ohio farmers feed Ohioans and feed the world, and these young exhibitors are the next generation to lead that effort," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "This event is an incredible opportunity for legislators and leaders from across the state to learn about agriculture in a unique way and to better understand the hard work and dedication that these young exhibitors bring to the Ohio State Fair and to their communities."

The event highlighted Ohio's pork industry while giving participants an inside look at handling techniques, show-ring etiquette, and the commitment and care behind showing livestock. Together, each participant and exhibitor pair demonstrated teamwork and communication for a fun competitive experience.

"Battle for the Bacon is a fun and memorable way to bring our state leaders, young pig farmers and farm families together," said Cheryl Day, Executive Vice President of OPC. "The friendly competition draws people into the show ring, but the relationships built are what truly matter. It also gives us an opportunity to share the values that guide Ohio pig farmers every day, caring for their animals, protecting the land, producing safe food and supporting their communities."

Ohio continues to be a leading state in pork production with approximately 2.7 million hogs and pigs raised in the state. The Ohio Pork Council was established in 1968 and has grown to represent roughly 2,500 pig farmers across the state.

Awards & Superlatives

Best Showmanship Skills, State Rep. Elgin Rogers Jr. (D-Toledo)

Walks Like a Winner, State Senator Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield)

Crowd Favorite, Director Steve Dackin, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Blue Ribbon Bound, Director Edward Banks, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

Distinguished Porcine Performance, Director Kim Murnieks, Office Budget and Management

Showstopper, Chair Jenifer French, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio

Quiet Achiever, State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo)

Bipartisan Best in Show, State Representative Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland)

Best Bacon Swagger, State Representatives Ty Mathews (R-Findlay)

Piggest Personality, State Senator Beth Liston (D-Dublin)

Snoutstanding Style, Director Tia Moretti, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health

Studied all of the Rules, State Representative Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar)

Hammin' It Up, Director Lyndsay Nash, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland), Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), and Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) served as judges for the event.

Battle for the Bacon is part of ODA's efforts to highlight Ohio livestock, youth exhibitors, and the importance of agriculture through hands-on experiences at the Ohio State Fair. Visit the new Ohio Agriculture Center featuring the Ohio Proud Showcase during the Ohio State Fair, July 29 through Aug. 9.