Rep. Ghanbari named Grand Champion in Battle for the Bacon at Ohio State Fair

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) earned Grand Champion honors in the third annual Battle for the Bacon showmanship contest at the Ohio State Fair.

The event, held at the O’Neill Swine Barn, was hosted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Pork Council as a way to connect lawmakers with Ohio’s agricultural community through a hands-on pig showing experience.

Ghanbari, who was paired with youth exhibitor Clair Lampe, stood out among a dozen state legislators who participated. The event partners lawmakers with 4-H and FFA students, who serve as mentors and help guide them through the process of preparing and showing a pig.

Judges, including state Reps. Bob Peterson and Roy Klopfenstein, evaluated the lawmakers on presentation, posture, eye contact and overall composure in the ring.

Here are all of the legislators and youth exhibitors who participated this year:

• Sen. Kyle Koehler and Wade Smith
• Sen. Michele Reynolds and Megan Smith-McCarley
• Sen. Willis Blackshear and Allison Brink
• Sen. Kristina Roegner and Gilbert White
• Rep. Christine Cockley and Alli Knecht
• Rep. Dave Thomas and Taylor Ellsworth
• Rep. Haraz Ghanbari and Clair Lampe
• Rep. Kellie Deeter and Kinsley Swanson
• Rep. Melanie Miller and Addilyn Bryant
• Rep. Michele Grim and Tucker Schuffenecker
• Rep. Kevin Miller and Colton Beckstedt
• Rep. Erika White and Ava Genter
• Rep. Johnathan Newman and Genevieve Davis

“This unique event continues to serve as a fun and effective way to build long-lasting relationships with our state’s key political leaders that they will remember for years to come,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice President for the Ohio Pork Council. “It’s about connecting with people on a different level so they can truly see the hard work of our state’s great show pig families who are a key part of Ohio’s dynamic pork industry.”

The Department of Agriculture said the Battle for the Bacon showcases the daily commitment of young livestock exhibitors while offering lawmakers a firsthand look at the skills and dedication it takes to raise and present healthy animals.

ODA said Ohio is home to approximately 2.7 million hogs and pigs and ranks among the nation’s leading pork-producing states. The Ohio Pork Council, founded in 1968, represents about 2,500 producers across the state.