This week is the start of the Iowa Livestock Shows from the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

Due to the Iowa State Fair being cancelled this year because of COVID-19, the State Fair Board is allowing 4-H and FFA members to show their livestock at the state level. One Greene County 4-H’er will be showing his hogs this week. Kyle Hughes is entering his sophomore year of high school and is a part of the Washington Winners 4-H Club. Hughes tells Raccoon Valley Radio he will be taking two gilts to compete in FFA on August 12th and three market barrows for 4-H on August 15th. He explains why he wanted to compete at the state livestock shows.

“Just get them broke. Just get them used to the show rings so they can know how it feels. Because if you don’t usually take them down the first year and you just go down to the county fair, (at) state fair they won’t really attract to it and they won’t do good down there. So that’s why we take them to jackpot shows or even Aksarben in Nebraska, Kansas City, or Minnesota that’s why we do it just to have fun, and show pigs, and get them more attracted to the show rings.”

Hughes was awarded Grand Champion Market Barrow at this year’s Greene County Fair. He hopes to do well and have fun at the livestock shows.