Ohio’s Breaking Boundaries Pig Show champions disabled youth

The third annual Breaking Boundaries Pig Show held at Ohio State Fair’s O’Neill Swine Barn on July 25 offered participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities a rare, but powerful, opportunity to shine in the center ring.

Participants ages 9 to 22 from across Ohio donned neon orange shirts and, under the guidance of experienced youth mentors from the OH‑PIGS program, cared for and showed their pigs before an enthusiastic audience. Mentors supplied the animals and shared hands‑on expertise, helping each youth learn how to handle, guide, and present their pig in front of cheering crowds and guest judges — emceed by Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Among the standout stories was 16‑year‑old Joel Buyer, who has participated since the show’s debut in 2023. Living with cerebral palsy, Joel shows his pigs using a communication board attached to his wheelchair and, with adaptive equipment and mentor support, navigated the ring with confidence.

His mother, Heather, told local radio station WYSO, “Joel loves to show animals. … Here he just gets an opportunity to show a pig. … He’s always very excited,” having been paired for three years with mentor Miley.

Kelly Morgan, the OH‑PIGS director, described the event as one of the year’s highlights: “These youth and their families … show how much the pig community cares.” The experience fosters meaningful bonds, inclusion, and growth for both participants and mentors, often peers themselves.

Ava Genter, an OH‑PIGS mentor, elaborated: “This program highlights how agriculture … and the pork industry in particular … has a strong sense of community. … We’re here to support them no matter the circumstances.”

Cheryl Day, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Pork Council, echoed the sentiment: “It’s just a true honor … to bring some true joy to people.” She emphasized that the event showcases how Ohio’s pig‑farming families give back year‑round to their communities.

This year’s show drew dozens of participants supported by dozens of mentors, continuing a growth trajectory from the inaugural 2023 event in which participation was smaller. The Breaking Boundaries Pig Show has become a platform for candidates who might otherwise not have access to livestock showing — offering them respect, skills, mentorship, and community pride.

The event also has highlighted the Ohio Pork Council’s “We Care” commitment, highlighting the inclusive spirit of agriculture and the power of mentoring across abilities.

As families filed out of the O’Neill Barn that evening, their smiles and applause spoke to the real bottom‑line: Inclusion isn’t just a concept here — it’s a community in action.