Page 9 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - August, 2018

9

EVENTS

Family finds success showing pigs

Brother, sister work
hard to bring home the
bacon at county fair
By Frazier Myer
Chehalis tribal members
Kamryn Couillard, 17, and
Bella Couillard, 12, showed
their pigs earlier this month
at the Thurston County Fair,
demonstrating how hard work
pays off.
Kamryn has always loved
animals and liked learning
about agriculture. He found his
niche as a member of the FFA at
Rochester High School. Kamryn
started to become interested in
raising pigs a few years ago, but
originally, he had an interest in
cows. After a little convincing,
he decided to get a pig upon
realizing that raising a cow Bella Couillard
might be too much to start out trots out her
with. Yorkshire/
The first year Kamryn blue butt
showed, he started out with pig Blue
a $75 hog (piglet) and has (above) and
progressed since then. This year, her brother
he paid $175 for his piglet, which Kamryn
he raised for months. Weighing Couillard
in at 241 pounds, the 6-month- (left) shows
old gilt (female) sold at auction his 3½-year-
for $2.50 per pound. old sow at
Kamryn explained that a lot the Thurston
goes into raising a pig, or any depends on how much time one County Fair
livestock for that matter. One spends with the animal and the in Lacey on
key component to having a connection they make. Aug. 3.
quality pig ready for show is to What started with raising
ensure it makes weight. For this and showing one pig has now
pig to qualify for its division, it developed into so much more home, like all siblings, there are Fair. She sold her pig to the top
needed to be at least 225 pounds. for Kamryn. He started breeding times when they don’t get along. bidder for $2.50 per pound – the
Additionally, the pig needs to pigs and is building a name for But showing at the fair brings same price paid for her brother’s
exercise to have all the right himself at the local FFA and at them together by sharing a gilt.
features judges are looking for. the Thurston County Fair. This common interest. Bella has found it extremely
“This judge today, he liked year, all of the FFA students at Bella views showing pigs as beneficial to have support from
the long and tall ones (pigs),” Rochester bought piglets from something fun to do and a way friends and family. The most
Kamryn said. “They like the long Kamryn. to work with her brother. At age heartening part of showing pigs
ones for the bacon.” Kamryn has even inspired his 12, Bella has quickly learned might be the connections she’s
Judges look for several little sister to start showing pigs. that sometimes it’s more about made with her big brother.
different things when pigs are This year, he sold Bella a piglet responsibility and a sense of “We talk more often because
shown. They assess the animal’s at a discounted rate. He is happy accomplishment. we have to work together,” Bella
health and how well the pig to share his knowledge and a few As a member of the Rochester said. She explained that raising
is maintained, such as hair tricks he’s learned along the way. 4-H Club, Bella showed a pig and showing pigs with her
clipping and proper cleaning. When speaking about the for her second year. She said she brother is like having a job that
The presentation aspect is bond he’s created through felt calmer and more patient this you get to do with one of your
crucial. Part of the judging is teaching his sister about pigs, time around, which produced friends. She wants to continue
based on how well the person Kamryn said, “I love it. I love better results. She received a following in her brother’s
showing the pig can control and helping her.” championship ribbon for her pig footsteps and eventually start
guide it. A big part of success He said that when they’re at at the 2018 Thurston County breeding her own pigs.