Grand, reserve hog champions almost family

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 9, 2003

"Almost" cousins took the trophies at this year's market hog show.

The grand champion this year was John Ferguson, a 15-year old who said he was very excited about winning.

"I was very surprised," Ferguson said about winning.

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Ferguson plans to buy a car with his money from his hog, Kayla, whom he named after his ex-girlfriend.

The reserve champion was 10-year old Corey Brown.

"This is my second year and it is just great," he said.

Brown's hog, Roxy, will also earn him money.

"I am going to save the money for college, a corvette and a hummer," he answered when asked what he will do with his money.

Also, the two winners are soon to be cousins after a marriage coming up in their families.

"We are cousins, almost," said Ferguson about their relationship.

Many came to enjoy the 4-H and FFA Market Hog Show at this year's Lawrence County Fair.

Around 80 participants and 150 hogs competed in the show Tuesday.

"I am very proud of the kids.

They have shown a lot of responsibility with their animals this year," said Laura Jane Murphy, the Lawrence County OSU extension agent.

The participants must engage in Quality Assurance training before they can begin to train their animals.

"The training assures the consumer that they are buying a safe eating product," Murphy said.

Steve Angel was the acting judge of the competition.

On judging Angel said, " I look for good confirmation, which is the bone, muscle and fat on the hog."

The hogs were initially chosen to participate by weight.

This is Angel's third year judging at the Lawrence County Fair.

" I enjoy working with the people here," he said.

Angel is a resident of Lucas.

The Market Hog Showmanship will be at 9 a.m. on Thursday.