News : Benton Co. Pork Producers provide opportunity for some to show a pig at the Fair

Benton County Fairboard & Benton County Pork Producers introduce individuals with disabilities to animal agriculture with Bacon Buddies® program

The Benton County Pork Producers are working to give local individuals with disabilities the opportunity to show a pig at the Benton County Fair. The Bacon Buddies® program, developed by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), helps those Special Olympians experience acceptance by working with 4-H and FFA mentors. Participants also gain the opportunity to talk to a livestock judge in a public setting, and earn a blue ribbon for their efforts.

The Bacon Buddies event at the Benton County Fair will take place in Vinton on Friday June 27th, 2025 at 3 PM.

Bacon Buddies was launched by IPPA during the Iowa State Fair in 2019. The program has since expanded to dozens of county fairs.

"Benton County is thrilled to once again host this fun event for special needs youth and 4H & FFA members again this year. Each year we have grown to include a few more participants! Last year the showring was full of spectators cheering them on," Nichole McKenna, Fairboard Vice President stated.

"What happens in the show ring isn't the main event," says IPPA President Matt Gent. "Rather, it's the connections, friendships and memories built as participants prepare for the show. Those of us in the pork industry know that when you work pigs together, you develop relationships. Our effort here is to honor our We Care principles of caring for people and for our communities." To encourage local Bacon Buddies shows, IPPA established Bucks for Bacon Buddies, providing up to $500 for groups that plan and host these events. The money can be used for event signage, T-shirts, awards, and advertising. Additional details are available at iowapork.org/baconbuddies.

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