Ohio Legislators "Battle for the Bacon" at State Fair
Third annual event builds connections with Ohio’s pig farmers
For the third year, a bipartisan group of some of Ohio’s boldest and fun-loving state legislators came together to show off their pig-handling talents at the Ohio State Fair’s Battle for the Bacon, a collaborative event produced by the Ohio Pork Council and the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Serving as the event’s judges were Rep. Bob Peterson and Rep. Roy Klopfenstein. In addition, Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President Cheryl Day, along with Ohio Department of Agriculture Brian Baldridge, kept the capacity crowd informed of the show ring events while recognizing those who volunteer to make it all possible, especially the youth mentors and their families who helped prep the legislator participants.
This year’s participants (legislators and youth exhibitors) included:
Senator Kyle Koehler & Wade Smith, Senator Michele Reynolds & Megan Smith-McCarley, Senator Willis Blackshear & Allison Brink, Senator Kristina Roegner & Gilbert White, Representative Christine Cockley & Alli Knecht, Representative Dave Thomas & Taylor Ellsworth, Representative Haraz Ghanbari & Clair Lampe, Representative Kellie Deeter & Kinsley Swanson, Representative Melanie Miller & Addilyn Bryant, Representative Michele Grim & Tucker Schuffenecker, Representative Kevin Miller & Colton Beckstedt, Representative Erika White & Ava Genter, Representative Johnathan Newman & Genevieve Davis.
“This continues to be a highlight for us to be able to show our state legislators just what it takes to not only show a pig but to care for it round the clock every day,” Day said. “That’s why we’re so pleased to have so many great youth mentors and their families from our OH-PIGS show pig circuit who step up to assist these lawmakers each year in preparing for the show ring and explaining how they raise these animals on the farm.”
After each legislator and mentor was introduced to loud cheers, the lawmakers took their pigs to the ring as the crowd watched as each participant used their unique showmanship style to keep their animal showing at its best.
In the end, the judges awarded Rep. Haraz Ghanbari of Perrysburg the 2025 Grand Champion honors, with Reserve Champion honors going to Rep. Johnathan Newman of Troy. However, each lawmaker went away with a specialized banner, recognizing their efforts and ensuring future fond memories.
“This event is a unique way to engage with our state’s key political leaders in a fun and lighthearted way that connects them with our industry,” Day said. “It’s always about bringing people together to understand that we’re all striving to do what’s best for our state and beyond—doing what’s right for our people, our pigs, and our environment to ensure a better future for everyone.”