Sunday, February 22, 1998

Hampshire breeders from 14 states arrive in Sweetwater today

By J.T. SMITH / Abilene Reporter-News

SWEETWATER -- The operators of some of the nation's top swine businesses will be arriving Sweetwater this afternoon to check in for the three-day National Southwestern Hampshire Meat Hog Conference.

Exhibitors will compete with their hogs tomorrow and the big sale will cap the annual event on Tuesday -- all in the Nolan County Coliseum.

Last year, the top-selling boar hog sold for $43,000 at the conference here -- a world record for any breed at the time.

"We have a record number of exhibitors this year," reports Bill Scott of Abilene. "More than 200 boars to choose from -- and 160 gilts."

A nationally repected leader in the swine industry, Scott has been instrumental in the conference since its origin. He is former longtime agriscience instructor at Abilene High.

"The Texas breeders are pleased to sponsor the National Southwestern Confernce," said Jimmy D. Smith, president of the Texas Hampshire Breeders, from Roscoe.

The swine breeders will arrive today from 14 states, including Texas.

Judging of gilts is 9 a.m. Monday, starting with the youngest animals. The boar show is 1 p.m., also beginning with the younger boars. The Conference Pork Feed follows 7:30 p.m.

A judging contest will test the pork knowledge of ladies, men, juniors, FFA members, 4-H'ers and collegiate competitors on Tuesday. Registration for the contest is 7:15 a.m. until 7:45 a.m., with the judging contest and discussion to begin at 8 a.m.

Winners of the judging contest will be announced at 10:50 a.m. Tuesday -- just 10 minutes before the 11 a.m. sale of animals.

Bidding is expected to be fierce at the Tuesday auction.

Those bringing Hampshire hogs to Sweetwater for the national event are swine breeders from throughout Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, California, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Tennessee, Nebraska and Wisconsin.