The event saw a larger-than-usual turnout, thanks in part to the Southern Minnesota Youth Dairy Show and the Polka Town Hog Show drawing in families and competitors from across the region.

Justin Gode, event coordinator for the Hub Club, said that while they usually serve around 150 people, but this year’s attendance was boosted by the livestock shows.

“We definitely saw more people this year,” Gode said. “It’s great to see the community come together around these youth events.”

Preparation for the show is no small task. Competitors washed, brushed, and conditioned their hogs and cattle regularly to keep their coats clean and smooth. They also worked on training their pigs to walk calmly on a show stick, guiding them with light taps to move around the ring confidently.

Caleb Hacker sprays down his pig to get it show-ready before competing.

The Polka Town Hog Show brought competitors from all over southern Minnesota–and beyond.

Caleb Hacker of Esko made the five-hour trip to New Ulm, saying, “My family’s been doing hog shows for a while. It’s just fun to compete.”

Oliver Uhlenkamp of Green Isle said his dad was an ag teacher at Sibley East.

“My friends were doing it, and that’s how I got into it,” he said. “This is my fourth show in the series, I travel all over southern Minnesota.”

Owen Hundt of St. Charles added, “I saw my friends doing it, and it looked fun. That’s why I joined.”

Contestants guide their animals through the ring for the judges.

Spencer Wohlman of Woodbury laughed as he recalled how it all started

“I went to the county fair and joked with my dad, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if we got a pig?’ He took it seriously, we got a pig, and I raised her. Her name is Grace.”

On the dairy side, young exhibitors shared similar stories of family tradition and passion for animals.

Alex Schroeder of Courtland said, “My dad and grandpa had cows growing up. I’ve always enjoyed working with animals.”

Nikki Anderson of Buffalo said dairy is a family affair. “My mom grew up on a dairy farm, and my siblings and I decided to raise cattle. I’ve been doing it my whole life. Getting to know people from all over is my favorite thing.”

Alex Schroeder carefully grooms his cattle, making final preparations during the Southern Minnesota Youth Dairy Show hosted at Brown County Fairgrounds Saturday.

Layla Schroeder of St. Peter started showing cattle when she was just three and a half years old. “My dad showed when he was younger. This show has been a great experience ever since I started.”

Kamrie Bauer of Brownton echoed the sentiment. “Both of my parents grew up doing this. It’s very rewarding to see the hard work pay off.”

With pancakes, livestock, and a sense of community pride, Saturday’s events showcased the dedication and passion of southern Minnesota’s youth in agriculture and the families that support them.

Nikki Anderson waits with her cattle to hear the judges’ results at the show.

Youth cattle contestants line up as the judge evaluates their animals.

Kamrie Mauer smiles with her ribbons from the Southern Minnesota Youth Dairy Show.