Forbes Stud Pig Youth Show paves way for future champions of pig industry

More than 150 high school students from nine schools across the Central West travelled to the Bedgerabong Showground on September 24 to engage in the annual Forbes Stud Pig Youth Show.

The day was filled with educational activities and workshops with students given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with discussions and demonstrations lead by industry professionals.

Among the topics covered were auctioneering, biosecurity, reproduction, animal hygiene, feral animal management, butchery, and livestock transportation, parading and junior judging.

Forbes Stud Pig Youth Show committee member Anne Earney, Bedgerabong, said the event served as a unique opportunity for students to learn about the industry.

"It was a really good day and the kids have done an exceptional job," she said.

"There were a few late changes to the running order with Craig Beaumont stepping in to run the artificial insemination workshop, which worked out really well."

Ms Earney said the wide variety of educational activities allowed each student to find something to enjoy.

"All the schools had a go at learning how to use a board to control the pig and get them to go where you want them. They learn to work in teams and guide the pigs."

Ms Earney said the show is growing year-on-year and has become a significant event on the calendar for the local community.

"We source the pigs locally, and we invite as many locals to present as we can," she said.

"We're showcasing the pig industry to the future of agriculture, all in one day - it's become a really special event and the kids get so much out of it."

Young-based pig farmer Edwina Beveridge was among the line-up of presenters during the event.

"It's just a fabulous day, in my view, showing kids how it is for real and getting them out in the ring and handling the pigs," Ms Beveridge said.

"I was really impressed with them butchering a pig in front of the kids, and not everyone gets that opportunity.

"Anne and her team have organised the most amazing day, at the most beautiful showground - it's a lot of work to put this together.

"I'm just so impressed with the day."

In the junior judges competition, Forbes High year 9 student Lilly Eagles was awarded the champion broad ribbon and will now progress through to the young judges competition at the Sydney Royal Show in April 2026.

Although this was her first time judging pigs, Lilly is no stranger to the show ring with the young farmer recently named as a national finalist in the Agricultural Shows Australia dairy young paraders competition.

"Today was my first time ever judging a pig, and it was pretty fun," she said.

"When I got called up, I was a bit nervous about what I should say, but I just winged it.

"I'm already heading to the Sydney Show for dairy judging and beef parading, so this will be another thing I can go and do."