ROME TOWNSHIP — It was the time for the veterans to win again in the market hog showmanship competitions Thursday morning at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.

Competitors were up bright and early, along with newly bathed and shaved hogs, to show their ability to control their animals.

Taking first place in the overall senior showmanship category for ages 17 through 12 was Luke Taylor, 16, of Symmes Valley High School, here for his second win in as many years. Taylor is a member of the Gingham and Denin 4-H Club.

“It feels good,” Taylor said after the competition.

The secret for his success? “Time and effort and responsibility,” Taylor said.

Taking first in the overall junior showmanship category was Markie Norris, 11, of Symmes Valley Elementary School, and member of the Starlite 4-H.

This was Markie’s third year in a row to win the showmanship award.

Other individual category winners were: 18-year-olds: Jesse Graybeal of the Arabia All-Stars; 17-year-olds: Jonathan Pinkerman of Gingham and Denin; 16-year-olds: Luke Taylor of Gingham and Denin; 14-15 year-olds: Jacob Graybeal of Arabia All-Stars; 12-13 year olds: Jonathan Kouns of Arabia All-Stars; 10-11 year olds: Markie Norris of Starlite; and 8-9 year olds: Hunter Humphrey of Kitts Hill Willing Workers.

Judge for the entire competition was Nate Warner of Washington Court House, who is a crop consultant and owner-operator of a 20-sow show pig operation.

“I’ve been highly impressed with their performance,” Warner said about all the contestants. “4-H in Lawrence County is a fine program.”