Youth t h g i l t Spo
Kaitlyn Brooke Robinson
Going out with a
BANG!
T
hirteen years ago, a five-year-old girl was nervously waiting to show her first hog at the Baird local show. Her father gave his only daughter words of wisdom and encouragement; knowing that once she got in the show ring she would relax and have fun. He was certainly right because today that young lady is not only a seasoned veteran to the ring, but also a passionate show pig producer; raising many of her own show projects. Kaitlyn Robinson and her parents, Burke and Cami, live on their farm in Baird, Texas where they raise commercial cattle and club pigs. Originally showing hogs was a hobby that Kaitlyn enjoyed, but quickly evolved into a family business that the Robinson’s work hard to grow. Kaitlyn began her show career exhibiting hogs that she purchased at sales, but after a few years the family decided to test their luck in raising show pigs. “We found it to be way more interesting and competitive when you have one of your own pigs out there in the ring,” said Kaitlyn. “It also helped us learn how pigs grow from start to finish, which in turn helped us become more successful with our showing and feeding programs.” The foundation of their operation consisted of a small rundown shed, two gilts and one sow. Over the course of the past five years, Kaitlyn and her family have expanded their facilities adding a farrowing house and a nursery; and developed their sow herd, now consisting of 10 Hampshire, Yorkshire and Crossbred sows.
If you look at Kaitlyn’s track record in the ring, it is apparent she has a knack for raising good hogs. Since her debut at the Baird local show, Kaitlyn has won Grand Champion barrow eight years in a row, taking home a new belt buckle each time. Additionally, Kaitlyn has racked up banners at the Callahan County show, winning both Grand and Reserve Grand Champion twice, as well as winning Grand Champion barrow four out of past six years. Kaitlyn continued her success into her senior year, ending her junior show career on a high note. She drove the Reserve Crossbred barrow and the Reserve Grand Champion gilt at the Dinosaur Valley Jackpot, beating 210 gilts. Kaitlyn once again showed the Grand Champion market hog at the Baird local show, as well as the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion hog at the 2015 Callahan County livestock show. Kaitlyn kicked off the majors at Fort Worth, where she exhibited the second place heavyweight Hampshire barrow; who was also the class champion for the CTBR program. At the Stars of Texas Gilt Show, she exhibited a class-winning Crossbred, along with a fifth place female. During the barrow show at San Angelo, she drove a ninth place middleweight Crossbred barrow. When asked what her favorite stock show is, Kaitlyn is quick to state that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is her top pick, for a few reasons. The first reason being it is where she achieved her proudest accomplishment; exhibiting a class winning barrow. Kaitlyn vividly remembers winning her middleweight Hampshire class at the 2011 HLSR and what a once in a lifetime experience it was to walk across the stage at the sale. She also enjoys the Houston stock show because of the activities that take place and the number of hogs that compete there. Another accomplishment that Kaitlyn holds dear to her heart is earning the title of Reserve Division Champion barrow at the 2012 San Antonio barrow show. Kaitlyn takes great pride in the progress she has made as a showman and as a producer, but knows she did not get where she is today without the guidance of some very important people. “We have been given numerous opinions and helpful hints along the way,” explained Kaitlyn. “The Windham family, Randy and Craig Bessent, David Arnold, Marty Smith and Danny Vestal have helped steer me and our operation in the right direction.”
Get to know Kaitlyn
Age: 18 years old School: Senior, Baird High School 4-H/FFA Chapter: Baird FFA Accomplishment: Showing a class-winning barrow at Houston. Favorite hog: Rock Star Likes: Hunting, traveling, competitive cheerleading, painting and crafting Nicknames: Kait, Kaitebug and Hollywood Future plans: Tarleton State University, occupational therapy
With her support system behind her, Kaitlyn has grown into a very knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate swine enthusiast. In fact, she is so immersed in the show pig industry that picking her favorite part of raising hogs is tough because Kaitlyn loves being a part of the whole process. After contemplating the question, Kaitlyn decided that for her the most exciting part of raising hogs is spending all night in the barn waiting for her sows to farrow. “I really enjoy waiting for the first signs of the babies coming,” said Kaitlyn. “I also like helping the babies learn how to nurse and stay safe while the rest of the litter is being born.” From production to the show ring, Kaitlyn is there to witness and learn from it all. She loves to raise and show hogs because it gives her opportunities to travel to new places and meet new people, that otherwise she would never get to. Additionally, Kaitlyn’s competitive nature only adds to her drive to succeed in the show ring, stating that she loves to do well with hogs that she raised. “I love my pigs and I enjoy seeing and experiencing the different personalities that each hog has.” Kaitlyn is also a force to be reckoned with outside of the show ring. She has been named to the Honor Roll all four years of her high school education and is ranked in the top 10 percent of her graduating class. Kaitlyn has also mastered the balancing act of juggling school, showing and extra curricular activities. During her four years at Baird High School Kaitlyn was a member of Student Council, BETA Club, FCA and the FFA Quiz Bowl team, as well as an athlete on the varsity basketball, track, and cheer teams. Most kids view summer as a time to relax and take a breather from school and responsibilities. While Kaitlyn spends her summers working at Camp Rehab which focuses on helping special needs kids, and also volunteers with a Down Syndrome Buddy Walk program. The 2015 Texas stock show season has now come to an end, but Kaitlyn has no intention of letting her passion for the hog industry end just because she stepped off Houston’s green shavings for the last time. This young and hardworking pig farmer is going to continue raising show hogs to sell to local 4-H and FFA exhibitors, and potentially exhibit boars at various open shows and sales. This fall Kaitlyn will begin her freshmen year at Tarleton State University where she will major in Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy, with the goal of ultimately becoming an Occupational Therapist. Upon finishing her college education, Kaitlyn wants to work close to home and eventually take over the hog operation. Kaitlyn’s dream is to blend her two passions: working with special needs children and showing hogs, and incorporate pigs in the therapy she provides. From talking with Kaitlyn it is clear to see that above raising and showing hogs, is her devout faith in God and her love and appreciation for her parents. “My mom and dad play a huge part in the success of my hog operation,” explained Kaitlyn. “They have always led me down the right path and taught me the value of hard work, dedication and responsibility. But more than anything, I am grateful that they raised me in a loving Christian home where God comes first. Without them I would not be the person I am today.”
What is your funniest or most embarrassing show ring moment?
I have two embarrassing and funny moments. One was this year in San Angelo; I was showing my first place blue-butt gilt for breed champion and saw some dirt on her, I bent down to brush her off and she peed on my jeans and all in my boot before I could move out of her way. The other embarrassing moment happened when I was in San Antonio walking my pig to the ring for the show. My pig and I were taking our sweet time when another pig came running from behind me and went in between my legs and threw me in the air.
Do you have any show day superstitions?
Some superstitions I have are wearing my basketball necklace and other jewelry every time I show. I also like to wear the same purple t-shirt on show day before I put on my show clothes.
What has being involved in production agriculture taught you?
Being involved in production agriculture has taught me many things, but the main thing is responsibility. Responsibility is a major key in your life and it is good to learn responsibility at a young age.
What event or activity have you enjoyed the most or learned the most through participating?
The most enjoyable part of my showing career has been learning how to show. I am always getting helpful tips and doing better each time. I have gone from one of those kids who didn’t have any idea what was going on, to one who is alert at all times. I have really enjoyed learning this aspect of showing.
What advice would you give to younger showmen?
Advice I would give to younger showman is to not take anything for granted. You will blink and your show career will be over. Always make eye contact with the judge, smile, and always make sure to shake their hand no matter what. Most importantly, just stay with it. We started out being happy just to make weight and finished our showing career with a lot of success at all levels.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6
Is there a funny or interesting story involving you and pigs?
The funniest moment that I can remember was at San Antonio. They had just called my class and we were walking the pig to the ring and all of a sudden a group of tourists that had never seen pigs before crowded in and gathered around my pig and wanted to touch it and ask a bunch of questions. We finally had to run them off and take the pig on to the ring. We ended up being Reserve Light-weight Champion. So now every time we head to the ring we look for a group of tourists to rub on my pig.