Jenna Abbott and Arlo
Jenna Abbott, a member of Tioga FFA in Groveland, Calif., has been raising and showing pigs at the Mother Lode Fair in Sonora, Calif., for 10 years. This continuous Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) was started when Abbott was 9 years old as a member of the Groveland Highlanders 4-H Club. Abbott and her father built her first pen with nothing but hog panels and a passion for swine. Little did they know that this would become one of Abbott’s favorite annual projects, leaving her with memories and experiences that would last her a lifetime.
Abbott has raised a variety of pig breeds, from Hampshires to Durocs to Chester Whites. However, her favorite breed is light crosses. She loves “the way they look as well as their personalities.” When asked if she has a favorite pig out of the ten she’s raised, she said, “I honestly can’t choose a favorite pig. I have enjoyed some more than others, but I’ve loved them all so much.” Abbott’s passion for this project has taught her so much about the livestock industry and animal welfare, and she is very thankful that she had the opportunity to explore this area of agriculture growing up.
Jenna Abbott
With an annual profit of $1,400 to $4,000, Abbott will typically spend an average of around $1,000 each year for a pig, feed, and excess supplies and materials. The Mother Lode Fair is based in a community always willing to support the youth. The annual Junior Livestock Auction will typically generate anywhere from $400,000-$900,000. Abbott mentioned, “I think there is a bigger sense of community and familiarity to having a smaller county fair. The Mother Lode Fair is a tradition, and it is such an important time of year for so many local families.” This fair is so different compared to bigger counties. Abbott thinks that this may play a role in her annual profit because the buyers know the exhibitors personally.
When asked to reflect on her years in the swine industry and tell how she thinks these past 10 years have affected her and the person she is today, Abbott said, “4-H and FFA have played a massive role in shaping me, and raising swine is a large part of my life. It has taught me responsibility, respect, and leadership skills. I have learned so much about the project that I am so proud to teach anyone who’s new to our community. I’ve learned to be timely and accountable, and I have met so many incredible people along the way.”
Abbott will show one last pig her year out of high school, and then finally, this decade-long project will come to an end. But the skills and memories she’s gained will carry her into the future.
