Ohio pig show breaks barriers and builds bonds
Annual event at the Ohio State Fair highlights show-ring mentoring
28 July 2025
3 minute read
By: It’s become a true highlight of the Ohio State Fair for the last three years—the “Breaking Boundaries” Pig Show presented by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC). This inclusive event offers participants between the ages of 9 and 22 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to shine inside the show arena.
Thanks to the eager and overwhelming response by dozens of youths from across the state who are part of OPC’s OH-PIGS swine exhibition program, each Breaking Boundaries participant was paired with one or more onsite mentors. These mentors then offered individualized and appropriate instructions on how to care for, handle, and show a pig in front of a live audience of supporters and the event’s guest judges, along with the show’s emcee, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge.
“We’re so thrilled to have these special youth and their families come out and be a part of this program each year,” said Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS director. “We are also so proud of youth mentors who truly want to serve in this role to be able to bond with these youth who can often be the same age. It just shows how much the pig community cares.”
Echoing this sentiment is Ava Genter, an OH-PIGS mentor who summed up her feelings on behalf of her peers.
“This program highlights how agriculture, and the pork industry in particular, has a strong sense of community. It’s comforting to know that we all look out for each other, including new friends. Breaking Boundaries allows us to demonstrate this and show others that we’re here to support them no matter the circumstances. We’re here to cheer them on and give them the resources they need to succeed,” said Genter.
Mentors and their families from the OH-PIGS program also provided the event’s show pigs in addition to their knowledge and expertise that they shared during their time with the youth participants.
“For us, it showcases the giving back that our Ohio pig-farming families do in their communities year-round,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice president of OPC. “It’s just a true honor to be in the show arena with these special young people and everyone who is giving of their time and talents to make a difference to these families. We’re incredibly pleased to bring this to the state fair each year and bring some true joy to people.”
Group photo caption: Youth from across Ohio participated in the third-annual Breaking Boundaries show at the Ohio State Fair, presented by the Ohio Pork Council. Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President (in blue shirt center), was surrounded by the excited youth mentors and participants along with key supporters, such as Nathan Shroeder, OPC President, and Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS Director (both back right).
