Ever since Adam Cook and Connor Ladd became cousins at age 5 working on the farm and raising animals, particularly pigs and calves, entering 4H and becoming showmen was an inevitable move.
Reminiscing of how the partnership was established Ladd recalled, “We became cousins at age five when my mom married his dad’s brother [pointing to Cook]” and adding,”My step-dad and his dad are brothers.” The young farmers’ career began with helping on the farm, doing chores and tending to animals.
“When we first get them [the pigs], they are little, about 75 pounds, and we feed them a simple feed, “ explained Ladd. He added that as the pigs grow, their feed changed to a more substantial oat mix. Ladd said, “We use Purina Mills Show Feed.”
“After we raise them we bring them to the fair and show them,” said Cook.
In their three year span as members of the Great Expectations 4H Club, the two boys are no stranger to receiving recognition for their hard work. “My first year I got Grand [Champion],” said Ladd. He later added his cousin Cook got sixth overall for calves in his first year.
This year, once again their hard work paid off as Cook introduced his Swine Champion ‘Roxy’ and Reserve Champion ‘Sadie’ was recognized by her proud owner Ladd.
If past and present are any indicators of the future success, the show arena is definitely a family affair for these young farmers.
