PCES student takes first for top hog

Rhett Jackson, a sixth grader at Phil Campbell, worked for months to grow his pigs and prepare for the 4-H Pig Squeal challenge. April 29, the young hog-raiser went through judging to find out how well he had done, with top results – he earned two first place ribbons.

Rhett took first place showmanship and first place market hog (Class 8 – lightweight) in his division.

With one year of participation already under his belt, Rhett said he didn’t get nervous. His experience gave him confidence to keep eye contact with judges and answer questions clearly and decisively during the showmanship assessment.

“I was pretty confident … I did better than I did last year,” Rhett said.

Last year, after taking fourth place market hog, Rhett put more focus on walking and training his pig. “I walked it every day,” Rhett said. “It had more muscle on it.”

It was a positive experience last year that drove him to sign up again. “It’s really fun to raise them and watch them grow up,” Rhett said. But although it’s fun, it’s also considerable work. Taking care of the pigs is a daily responsibility. “They can’t have too much food, and they’ve always got to have water because they don’t sweat,” Rhett explained. “And you need to keep their pen clean.”

Despite the challenge, it’s one Rhett enjoys. “I plan on doing it again next year.”

Rhett is the son of Steven and Chasity Jackson.

Logan Spencer, son of Charles and Misty Spencer, of Red Bay, also competed in Pig Squeal this year. In showmanship, he took second place behind Rhett. In market hog, he took fourth place in Class 11 – heavyweight.