Family Affair

A classic American movie once told us that life is like a box of chocolates, but for Grace and Noah Palmer, life is more like a show ring.

Showing pigs is a long-time family tradition for siblings Grace and Noah. The third and fifth of Danny and Carie Palmer’s six children, respectively. It is safe to say they have been involved with the junior livestock program their entire lives. Both siblings recall showing pigs for as long as they can remember, and the same can be said for the other Palmer siblings.

“We have been involved with livestock for many years,” Grace said. “Most people have sports, but we have showing.

“It’s just our thing,” she said.

The Palmer family has its roots and show pig operation in Idabel, Oklahoma, where they proudly represent the McCurtain County 4-H. Noah and his family raise all of their own pigs, a challenge Grace finds extremely rewarding.

“My siblings and I raise all of our own pigs,” Grace said. “We do all of the work, the farrowing, the selection of the best litters, the grunt work.”

Grace and her siblings do their own training and show practice with help and encouragement from their parents, she said.

Noah and his family continue to make the annual drive from Idabel to Oklahoma City with a trailer full of pigs each year because to him, there is a sweetness to be found in catching up with friends across the state and simply being in each other’s presence.

Grace admires OYE for the endless opportunities The Greatest Show presents to her and Oklahoma agricultural youth everywhere.

“It’s really neat being a part of something that is impactful to our state and communities, especially my family,” Grace said. “It’s truly a chance to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I am grateful for that opportunity,” she added.

The most special part of his time spent at OYE is the time with family, Noah said. Showing is an activity the entire family does together, and that is what makes it such a good time, he added.

According to Noah, showing livestock is all about balance and adapting when necessary. “There is a way to be stubborn with a pig, but you can’t be too stubborn,” he said. “Pigs can beat you if you do that.”

Perhaps one of the most beloved aspects of OYE is the topnotch competition it offers without fail every year, Grace said. The friendly rivalries combined with the magical production make it the best of the best, she added.

“Some people enjoy being on a stage or running on a field, but this is my happy place,” Grace said. “I get to perform. I get to show everyone what I have been working on for the past six months, and it’s really fun. It is something I will never forget.”

Now that Grace has graduated high school and Noah has continued in his education, both siblings have noted the priceless skills and lessons the livestock industry has taught them.

Grace now works at Legacy Village, a senior living community in Stillwater, Okla., where she does hair for seniors three days a week.

“What I learned through showing livestock that I still use today, is that life is not always about doing what you want to do but more about what needs to be done and what you can do to serve others,” she said. “ This has helped me because I see what needs to be done and I do it because I love serving others.”

Noah says both showing and life are about utilizing problem solving skills, learning to work with other people, and communicating in ways people will understand – Noah’s “number one” thing.

“If someone doesn’t understand it one way, you have to learn to turn it around and make it to where they can understand it,” Noah said. “Something that may make sense to you may not make sense to someone else,” he added.

The lessons Noah has learned and quality time with friends keep him coming back to OYE every year, as well as the family opportunities the show presents. For Noah, the small moments like the annual “The Stomp” event and trips to the fairgrounds create special memories with his family and friends.

He credits OYE for teaching him that frustrations or annoyances with family are temporary – it is family the memories they make that last a lifetime.

Grace, too, believes that family is the most important aspect of showing livestock. “I love the family time that we have through showing pigs,” she said. “It’s taught me how to be dedicated and how to work hard with those you love.”

An unique aspect of the Palmer family that Grace believes contributes to their success inside and outside of the barn is their sibling dynamic.

SOME PEOPLE ENJOY BEING ON A STAGE OR RUNNING ON A FIELD, BUT [THE RING] IS MY HAPPY PLACE

– Grace Palmer

“In my family, I have people I look up to, and there are those who look up to me,” Grace said. “While it is sometimes challenging, it is a great experience because it pushes us to be the best we can be.”

Looking forward to the future, Grace plans to show at the 2021 OYE as her senior year got cut short.

“You will see me at OYE as I’m getting a second chance to show barrows for the last time,” Grace said.

Noah now has a new set of show gilts and barrows he is preparing for this year’s OYE. Though they are both in different stages of life, this brother and sister duo are confident in where they are headed, because they have the skills they have acquired through their experiences in the junior livestock program to guide them in their future endeavors. – Written by Emile Mittlestaedt