Fairs are known for fried food, rides, and animals being showcased. Many see the barn section of fairs such as the St. Louis County Fair as the chance to get close to a cow, pig, or other animal. For farmers and their children, it is the opportunity to educate the public.

“We’re so thankful that we have an opportunity to be here, that we get a chance to have the kids share about what they’re learning and the opportunity to show the public about what animal agriculture is and how much they care about the opportunity to feed people,” said farmer Jake Grass. 

The Grass family lives in Iron, Minnesota and has been showing pigs for generations. 

“My grandpa bought his first spotted gilt in 1947 and showed it at the Minnesota State Fair. My kids are now the fourth generation showing spotted hogs, which are the black and white ones, at the state fair. The kids also have other breeds as well,” said Grass. “It’s wonderful to see their excitement that they want to do it.”

The kids start showing at an early age and stay involved with the process. 

“I think as soon as you get them in the ring. So my daughter, this is her 13th year showing pigs at the state fair coming up. She started when she was 1 and and a half. I started showing when I was 3. But all of our kids have been in the ring at least by 3 years old or younger,” said Grass. “I think part of it is just having it be fun. When we’re training, just making it fun and enjoyable, and getting out an experience, and just that it’s a normal part of expectation that they get to kind of be in the ring and they get to participate.” 

At this year’s St. Louis County Fair, Madeline Grass is excited to show off her champion pig that is due to have piglets Friday.

“Her name is Pineapple. She’s a year and a half year old,” said Madeline. “I showed her last year at the State Fair and at Northeast Junior Livestock Show, which is a 4-H show. She won Grand Champion breeding gilt, and now she’s going to have piglets. And then I’m going to show these piglets maybe at a winter show this year.” 

Jake is proud of Madeline and his other children who all help take care of the animals. He says the fair is a chance to see them showcase what they have been working on all year. 

“There’s just under, I think, 37 pigs that they brought, about a half a dozen cattle, and about that for sheep that they have here,” said Jake. “ They enjoy the opportunity to raise livestock, to be able to care for them and feed people, but also see the process of, one that’s going to have babies. My son actually bought the sire or the male last year as well. He spent his money to buy the champion boar at a show, and so these piglets that are being born are the result of the two kids working together to find the genetics to have the best livestock possible.”