The Shadow
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (VR) – Sweetbrier Farm is making headlines as young Kaylee Baum continues to excel in the local showing of livestock, carrying on a strong family tradition of agricultural involvement. This year, Kaylee is showcasing five pigs, each a testament to her dedication and the farm’s commitment to quality livestock.
Kaylee’s impressive lineup of pigs includes two market hogs, Oreo and Snowplow, and three purebred pigs, Frostbite, Sidney, and Misty. Oreo, a Hampshire gilt, was born in January 2025. Snowplow, along with Frostbite, are Yorkshire brothers born in February 2025. Sidney, a Hampshire gilt, arrived in December 2024. Misty, a March 2025 baby Hampshire, was born via C-section from one of last year’s show pigs and has been bottle-fed, highlighting the hands-on care that she gives the animals. All of Kaylee’s pigs are purebred, with a mix of Yorkshire and Hampshire breeds.
For market hogs like Oreo and Snowplow, strict weight requirements are in place for shows and auctions. They must weigh between 225 and 295 pounds. Pigs falling outside this range will not be permitted to show or be sold in the auction. Purebred swine, however, do not have a specific weight requirement. The fair’s first week is dedicated to market hogs from across West Virginia, while the second week focuses on purebred pigs, open to local and out-of-state participants.
Kaylee’s achievements in the show ring are notable. She recently competed in the Greenbrier/Monroe County Livestock Show on June 28th, where she was awarded Reserve Champion for Junior Showmanship. Both of her market pigs also placed fourth in their respective classes, an impressive feat given that exhibitors are only allowed to bring two pigs to the county show. Her journey in livestock showing began in 2023 when she first exhibited two pigs in the open show at the State Fair. Kaylee also has prior experience, having shown a miniature horse at the State Fair in 2018.
Beyond the show ring, Kaylee’s dedication to her animals and her peers has been recognized. Last year, she was honored with the Herdsman award. This prestigious award is given to a few deserving youth each week who demonstrate exceptional traits outside of the show pen, including kindness, helpfulness, knowledge, and maintaining cleanliness at their stalls.
Participation in programs like 4-H and FFA is crucial for young agricultural enthusiasts. Kids involved in these programs are required to complete a skillathon, which tests their knowledge across various species of livestock and agriculture-related topics, such as breeds, tools, and feeds. These programs aim to develop well-rounded individuals with practical skills and a deep understanding of animal husbandry. Fair rules historically required children to be at least eight years old to show pigs, aligning with the minimum age for 4H participation.
The family’s roots in livestock run deep. While Kaylee’s father didn’t show pigs until he joined FFA in high school, her aunt, Rebecca, was a seasoned competitor, having shown horses at the fair for several years. This strong family history provides Kaylee with a rich legacy and invaluable support as she continues her journey in agriculture. Baum is the daughter of Heather and Matt of White Sulphur Springs, granddaughter of Teresa and Billy Gibson of Covington and Mary Alice and Bill Baum of White Sulphur Springs. Be sure to stop by and say hello, and catch her in competition.
