Harrison and Taylor Parker have been raising pigs with their family for the last 8 years, after their parents, Tony and Mickie, became more conscientious about the food they were buying for their own table. From there, it was natural to begin selling to their community, and promoting education about the benefits of sourcing your food locally. 

4H and the county fair season offers an excellent opportunity for both Taylor and Harrison to practice their own animal husbandry, as well as hone practical business skills. Harrison is 14, and has been participating in 4H since he was 9 years old, the same age that Taylor, now 17, also began.

4H projects begin individually at the students’ homes, before participants come together at the annual Clark County Fair during its final 5 days. At the fair, students care for their own animals and help fellow students. They also spend time educating the public about the importance of local and responsible farming. This work is critical in a world where most people buy their meat from the supermarket, unaware of the conditions the animals may have lived in, what they've been fed, and how the meat was harvested. 

Taylor and Harrison are both passionate about ethical animal husbandry, as well as producing consistent and excellent pork, and they embrace these opportunities. "You never have to ask either of my kids twice," Mickie said proudly.

This year, Harrison was elected president of Hogs R Us, a club for students ages 9-19, where participants can get guidance and support as they raise and care for their animals. When asked how he felt about being nominated, and then elected, as president, Harrison said, "I really like helping the younger kids. It's not too much extra work." His sister added, "I think a lot of people trust you, and know they can come to you." 

Two years running, Harrison has also won the Superintendent Award, awarded by the swine barn's superintendent for exceeding expectations. Harrison stresses the importance of helping out fellow 4H students, and engaging with the pigs themselves. This year was extremely hot, and since pigs cannot sweat to cool themselves, this required extra time and attention from the students (with the help of a water hose) to make sure the pigs stayed comfortable and happy during the fair.

Raising animals is expensive, especially for two students, and involves a lot of time and labor. To aspiring and current 4H students, Harrison stresses the importance of confidence and connection when it comes to reaching out to your community for support with your projects. Harrison says, "When you visit different businesses…you have to be clear about what you need, and you have to form a connection, so they don't think you just want their money. And try to be confident, even if it's hard." Taylor says, "You have to hit the in-between of professional and casual," and adds that a lot of research and preparation are key, to best prepare students to care for their animals. She also emphasizes the importance of staying focused on your budget, and being ready to make adjustments.

Looking ahead, Taylor and Harrison each say they hope to go on raising animals as they get older and move beyond 4H. While they remain invested in local farming and animal agriculture, the siblings might be leaving hogs behind. Taylor adores birds and is currently raising geese, chickens, and ducks. Harrison would like to branch out into steers. He is also considering raising lambs for the Youth Effort Against Hunger, a nonprofit using agriculture to involve youth in civic activity and the fight to end food insecurity. In a world that needs more local farmers and more support for and education about sustainable animal agriculture, these kids are lighting the way.

 

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