Fred Thomas Middle School student competes in FFA show finals

Students from the Cape Henlopen High School Future Farmers of America chapter recently represented the district at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.  The group traveled Nov. 5 to 10, bringing pigs and dairy goats to compete in one of the nation’s premier livestock shows.

The trip included five Cape Henlopen High School FFA members, two recent graduates who continue to show with the program and two younger exhibitors, including Jayce Ellis, a sixth-grader at Frederick D. Thomas Middle School. Students and staff made the 12.5-hour journey with two trucks and two trailers, and even endured a mid-trip tire change, reflecting the dedication and teamwork behind the program’s success.

This year marked Jayce’s second appearance at NAILE and his eighth year showing pigs. He brought four of his own gilts (young female pigs) to compete. Jayce delivered an outstanding performance in showmanship, earning the distinction of being the only exhibitor in his age division called back for the finals, a significant achievement in a highly competitive field. Showmanship judges exhibitors on how well they handle their animals and maneuver in the ring.

Jayce’s pigs excelled in their breed classes as well: Bubbles, his Yorkshire gilt, was named Open Grand Champion Yorkshire. Bunny, his Poland China gilt, earned Open Reserve Grand Champion. His Berkshire gilt, Betty, and Crossbred gilt, Iris, also placed well in their respective classes.

All four pigs entered the open sale at the show; however, Jayce purchased Iris back to bring home for breeding, hoping to raise her future piglets for next summer’s show season. The remaining gilts went to new homes, where they will be bred to produce litters for next year.

Earlier this fall, Jayce traveled to New York for a regional swine show where Bunny earned Reserve Grand Champion.

Jayce’s journey in livestock exhibition began when he started helping FFA students care for pigs at the school barn. His passion quickly grew, and he has since become an experienced showman and breeder. His younger brother, a second-grader at Lewes Elementary, has also entered the show ring and is following in his footsteps.

With a busy schedule balancing school, sports and hobbies, Jayce may reduce the number of pigs he raises next year, but he is already expanding into new territory, having recently acquired his first steer. His teachers said they wouldn’t be surprised to one day see him showing cattle on the Green Shavings, the name for the iconic floor of NAILE’s championship drives.

“Experiences like this help our students grow far beyond the classroom,” said Elyse Baerga, Fred Thomas Middle school principal. “From responsibility and leadership to resilience and teamwork, these are lessons that last a lifetime. We are immensely proud of Jayce’s accomplishments.”