Scenes from the Butler County Fair swine show
The Butler County Fair 4-H/FFA swine show was held Friday, July 17, 2026.
Kaleigh Ruth shows off her pig as she wins the Senior Showmanship Grand Champion during the Butler County Fair swine show on July 17, 2026.
“Coming into senior showmanship I was honestly really nervous,” Ruth said. “I’ve had a streak going for seven years, and I didn’t want to break it. But once I got in the ring, everything clicked. With a white pig you’re constantly fighting flies, washing every day, keeping them in shape so they don’t quit on you. Today she presented herself perfectly, lifted her head, and worked with me. When you can show your animal right, you can win anything.”
An exhibitor shows off his pig in the showmanship competition during the Butler County Fair swine show on July 17, 2026.
Two exhibitors show off their pigs in Junior Showmanship during the Butler County Fair swine show on July 17, 2026.
Kaleigh Ruth shows off her Breeding Gilt Supreme Grand Champion pig during the Butler County Fair on July 17, 2026.
“I was actually surprised by the second win. That pig wasn’t the one I expected to do well, but she showed up today," Ruth said. "In my opinion, you can have the worst pig in the barn, but if you show them correctly, you can still come out on top. I wasn’t expecting to win a single class, and then she went out there and proved me wrong."
Riah Hlavac shows off her Market Gilt Grand Grand Champion during the Butler County Fair swine show on July 17, 2026.
“All the early morning feeding before school, all the walking, rinsing, and blowing, all the jackpots with friends, every bit of work was worth it,” Hlavac said. “Being here today feels incredible.”
Riah Hlavac’s winning pigs show off her length and size for the judge during the Butler County Fair swine show on July 17, 2026.
Kayla Kresha shows off her Market Barrow Grand Champion during the Butler County Fair swine show on July 17, 2026.
“I’m honestly really surprised. I didn’t expect to win the Grand Championship at all,” Kresha said. “Wilbur used to be stubborn when he walked, but every week he got better and started putting on more weight. Raising him with my sister Kara has been one of my favorite parts of 4‑H. She waters the pigs, I feed them, and it’s just been really fun doing it together. I’ve had some pretty funny moments, too. One time my gilt didn’t want to walk, turned around, went right under me, and I basically had a rodeo in the show ring. But getting to know my pigs, earning new banners, seeing my friends, and even winning a championship.”
Kara Kresha brushes her pig at the Butler County Fair on July 17, 2026.
A young future showman shows his pig during Clover Showmanship at the Butler County Fair swine show on July 17, 2026.
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