Many students recently participated in the Pittsylvania County livestock contest.

The Pittsylvania County Youth Livestock Association was at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex.

Exhibitors chose to show hogs, steers, heifers, goats, or lambs. Animals are shown for both market and breeding.

Students have been training for the show.

“I started working with my goat when he was just born,” said Madison Swanson, freshman. “He was born around last June, and I enjoyed working with him.”

“I started around February with my pig, so we practiced for about two months,” said Grace Stowe, freshman. “I would say it is key to form a bond with your animal. The more comfortable your animal is the better it’ll show.”

Some students have previous experiences with animals.

“I started showing animals around seven years ago,” said Swanson. “I plan on doing it next year as well, even though it takes a lot of time I definitely think it’s worth it.”

“This is my first year showing in the livestock show,” said Stowe. “I want to do it next year too, but this time with just one pig.”

“This was my first year doing the show; I would like to do it again,” said Mason Lawrence, freshman.

“This was my ninth year doing the livestock show; I love doing the every year,” said Allison Duffer, freshman.

Grace Stowe won second in showmanship and fourth in market hogs.

Gabby Bergeron won Grand Champion in hog showman, Reserve Champion in market hog showman, and Reserve Champion in carcass.

Allison Duffer won third in goat showmanship and sixth in goat market.

Rebecca Shields won overall Senior Showmanship; first in lamb class; competed in the championship for market; and won second in class in Breeding Championship.

Kaylee Bergeron won Grand Champion showman in lamb; Grand Champion in lamb for market, Reserve Champion in cow showman; Grand Champion in goat showman; and Grand Champion in home-raised steer.

Madison Swanson placed fifth in goat showmanship and seventh in market for goats.

Mason Lawrence won fourth in goat showmanship and fifth in market for goats.

Some students went to the show to show support for their fellow classmates.

“It was very entertaining seeing how everything worked,” said Tyler Calloway, junior. “The cows were my favorite part of it.”

“I enjoyed the show so much,” said Logan Perry, freshman. “My favorite part were the pigs; they were chubby and so cute!”