14-year-old Mason Janda is one of 10 finalists in this year’s pig Challenge Show. Janda said that qualification required more than just excellent care of his animal.
“You keep a record book such as all the feed and whatnot, that you are giving to your pig. You keep track of the costs. You also need to fill out different questions about some current events in the swine industry today.," said Janda.
Janda has worked with his pig, Zee, since May and said that she required a lot of attention to be at her best for the show.
“First you give her a haircut, make her look nice. You give her baths; I’ve been giving her baths twice a week since May. I’ve also been giving her different shampoos and conditioners, putting some different products on her, such as lotion, to make sure her hair is looking nice and also her skin," said Janda.
Janda hoped his hard work pays off and said he would feel accomplished if he won.
“It would be really exciting. It would be a really good accomplishment that I would feel very honored about," said Janda.
He is also paired with a sponsor for the contest. Larry Lampshire is Janda’s mentor and he said his background in pig showing made him right for the job.
“My family showed pigs. My grandkids show, my kids have shown. We go way back to showing for the last 30, 40 years, so we’ve done a lot of showing ourselves," said Lampshire.
Lampshire helped Janda buy his pig and spoke with him every month, if not more. He said he and Janda have created a close relationship.
“I’ve got a close relationship with him because we’re close enough that we can visit. I went to his 4-H county fair shows," said Lampshire.
He also said aside from caring for the animal, kids learn the importance of hard work.
“They’re learning a role of hard work, what hard work brings. To become a champion, it takes a lot of hard work," said Lampshire.
Lampshire said he was confident Janda had a great pig and hoped he won one of three scholarships.
The top three contenders received a scholarship prize of up to $2,500 to put towards school. Winners were announced earlier this afternoon.