Generations Shine at the Thomas County Fair Swine Show

The Thomas County Fairgrounds were alive with the sounds of excited chatter and livestock on Tuesday morning as families, friends, and 4-H supporters filled the swine barn to capacity. It was standing-room-only by the time the 2025 Swine Show began, a testament to the strong agricultural roots and community pride that run deep through Thomas County. Youth representing four local 4-H clubs—Abilene Hustlers, Solomon Valley, Gem, and Brewster—took to the ring to showcase the results of months of preparation, raising and training their pigs for one of the fair’s most beloved traditions.

Judging the day’s events was Kyle Despain, a native of Laramie, Wyoming, and current livestock judging coordinator at Texas A&M University. With a background in raising show sheep and years of experience on competitive judging teams, Despain brought both expertise and encouragement to the ring. As he evaluated dozens of entries, it became clear that the legacy of 4-H was not only alive but thriving, often represented by multiple siblings from the same families, all taking part in this long-standing tradition of showmanship.

The competition began with Swine Showmanship, divided into senior, intermediate, and junior divisions. Each participant was evaluated on their ability to present and control their animals in the ring—a true test of poise, preparation, and confidence. In the senior division, Brynlee Reid of Brewster impressed the judge to earn the Grand Champion title, while fellow club member Leigha Fellhoelter was named Reserve Champion. The intermediate showmanship category saw Solomon Valley’s Sophia Stramel rise to the top with a polished performance, while Bryer Reid, another standout from Brewster, earned Reserve honors. In the junior division, Brooklyn Reid kept the family’s momentum going with a Grand Champion finish, joined by her clubmate Owen Baird as Reserve Champion.

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After the showmanship rounds concluded, attention shifted to the highly anticipated Market Swine Show. Divided into ten weight-based classes, the top pig from each group advanced to a final selection round. Among the standout entries was Brody Reid, whose 257-pound pig not only won Class 3 but went on to claim the overall Grand Champion Market Swine title. The Reserve Champion honor went to Bear Stramel, whose 274-pound entry emerged from Class 5. The competition was tight, with several familiar names appearing in the top slots of other classes, including Harper Vaughn, Brinley Reid, Laken Fellhoelter, Court Stramel, Hunter Moser, Hunter Standage, Quaid Frantz, and Kruze Denny.

In the separate Prospect Class, Avery Hrnicek took first place with her 195-pound pig, while Colt Carpenter followed in second at 190 pounds.

The Breeding Swine Show may have featured just three contestants, but the effort and pride were as evident as ever. Brynlee Reid added another feather to her cap by taking Grand Champion, followed by Macklyn Carpenter as Reserve Champion. Lily Barnett rounded out the trio with a third-place finish.

Wrapping up the morning’s festivities was the Pee Wee Swine Show—a fan favorite and gateway for the youngest future showmen. This year’s event grew to 21 participants, surpassing the count listed in the official fair brochure. Though no official placings were awarded, every young exhibitor received a trophy and plenty of cheers, leaving the ring with beaming smiles and the promise of future fairground triumphs.

Throughout the event, the Thomas County Extension Office staff—Laurel Despain, Helen Geifer, Tracy Fagan, and Mallory Jackson—kept things running smoothly. Thanks to their efforts and the generous support of numerous local sponsors, the Swine Show once again proved to be more than a contest. It was a celebration of tradition, family, and the enduring spirit of agriculture in northwest Kansas.