Shawn Conner, 17, admits he had no idea what he was getting into when Franklin FFA Adviser Nick Adams encouraged him to join FFA.
Not only is Conner the first generation in his family to get involved in agriculture, he’s also the first to step into the show ring.
Conner gave us a little glimpse into his show season last winter, highlighting some of his favorite events and opportunities along the way.
Nov. 21, 2023
I am Shawn Conner, a junior at Franklin Senior High School in Louisiana. I’m super active in my chapter and basically part of everything FFA has to offer at my school. I started showing pigs my freshman year and am absolutely in love with it. I have been blessed enough to find success with my project inside as well as outside of the show ring because of my incredible support system. My parents, show team members, breeders, supporters and advisor have all played a huge part of our overall success, and I am very grateful for them. I am looking forward to keeping you posted on my show season as well as my project’s progression!
Dec. 26, 2023
Just got back from the Mississippi Youth Expo. The week was very fun and calm, unlike some shows. We were able to have a lot of free time to go bowling and do other interesting activities. During showmanship, I didn’t do as good as I wanted to, but it was still fun and very competitive. Going into the market show, my Hampshire gilt placed second in her class. I was very proud and excited that she did that well. Overall, this show had to be one of my favorite shows.
February 28, 2024
February was a very busy month for our entire show team as we prepared for the Louisiana State University AgCenter State Livestock Show. We traveled to the Lamar Dixon Exposition Center in Gonzales, La., for five days of competing with both our broilers and swine projects. During the broiler show, our chapter reached a goal of ours to enter into the championship judging round with our pen of cockerels. The remainder of the week we focused on our swine projects.
Our show team began the breeding gilt show with a bang! One of my fellow exhibitors, Orlando Verrett, exhibited the Champion AOB Breeding Gilt. The thrill of watching one of my teammates succeed was incredible.
The next event was showmanship—the event that I personally look forward to the most! I was able to exhibit my favorite pig that I have been working with relentlessly for the entire season. I placed first in my showmanship age division class and went back into the ring to compete for champion senior showman. I was able to accomplish something that had not been done in my FFA chapter by competing for champion senior showman.
In the market show, my Hampshire did an incredible job cooperating and presenting herself. My gilt was sent immediately to the scales—which was another milestone for our FFA chapter’s show team.
The entire show team participated in the Premier Exhibitor Program which consists of a daunting test of an exhibitor’s knowledge through a written exam, skill-a-thon performances, and an interview! All six of our exhibitors placed within the Top 11. Along with three of my teammates, I placed in the Top 5—meaning our FFA chapter represented four of the Top 5 individuals.
Overall, the LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show was very eventful and successful! I had a great time spending time with my show team members, advisor, friends, chaperones, and supporters of our program. During our rare ‘off-time’ we enjoyed ourselves by eating and doing fun things such as bowling. I couldn’t ask to be in a better environment. These people and life lessons will play a big part in my future.
Find out how show pigs are changing lives like Shawn Conner’s in Louisiana.
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