I am Shelby Peters, a member of Mariposa FFA, and I will be taking my market hog to the Mariposa County Fair this year. I am 16-years-old, and this is my third year in FFA. I have been on my FFA chapter’s parliamentary procedure team for two years.

I have learned a lot through FFA with my projects. Some critical lessons I have learned are responsibility and time management. This is important since I am trying to balance school work and cheerleading for Mariposa County High School, in addition to raising my market hog and later participating in parliamentary procedure.

My yorkshire cross pig is a barrow, and his name is “Scrapper.” I have spent many hours feeding, walking, watering and grooming him to get him ready for show and sale. Scrapper is my first barrow, since all my other pigs have been gilts. He is one of the mellowest and gentlest pigs I have ever had, and I hope my pig next year is as great as him.

I would like to invite you to attend the Mariposa County this year. You can bring your whole family to enjoy seeing the FFA and 4-H animals. After you take in all of the great fair fun, I hope you attend the swine judging on Friday, Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the swine barn and the junior livestock auction on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. in the Strathearn Pavilion.

Your support of the 2010 Mariposa County Fair and livestock auction will be greatly appreciated by all 4-H and FFA members.

Shelby Peters