Toni Hopper
DUNCAN — Dale Renfro Jr. may be little, but his enthusiasm for showing hogs was big Tuesday. And when the show judge said “this little guy” would get the award for breed champion title for one of his four hogs at the Stephens County Junior Livestock Show, Renfro was jumping for joy.
And while he was jumping, there was plenty of clapping and cheering from the crowd watching the breed class showings. County Commissioner Dee Bowen seemed more than pleased to hand Dale his plaque and ribbon.
The hogs are bigger than Renfro, 11, but he’s not intimidated. He missed last year’s county show to go bear hunting with his dad, Dale Renfro Sr., making it a successful trip. He returned from that adventure and quickly shared his story about “bagging his first bear.”
Everything Renfro does means doing it because he loves to do it. Renfro has cerebral palsy, but he doesn’t appear to let it slow him down. Longtime Comanche residents, the Renfros were all right there by his side showing support for the littlest guy in the ring.
“In 1976, I won Grand Champion when I was in fifth grade,” his father said. Seeing his son in the show ring gave him great pride.
The young Renfro said he can remember going to shows when he was “little bitty” and now that he’s showing, it’s even more fun.
“Every year I showed, I got breed champion. My pigs are Cherry, Blueberry, Ruger, like the gun, and Ricky,” he said. “These pigs only have about 14 days to live, and then they’ll be good in my belly.”
His directness brings laughter from all of those around him, family, friends and adults who were there to show support for him.
His parents, Kim and Dale, grandparents Patsy and Sammy Renfro, and sisters, Kara Gibbon and Kayse Taylor, have all been active in raising hogs, he said. Even though he’s still in elementary school, he said his favorite subject would be ag and was quick to mention some role models — Josh Rochell and Jacey Fye.
“I like it (showing) because you work all winter and you get to know them. ” Dale said. “I got Reserve Grand at the District Show for Comanche and Empire.”
After the grand gilt show was judged, Dale was ready to go sit down and rest before showing his barrows.
Both mom and dad were pitching in to help get Dale’s hogs ready, but Kim was quick to point out that every day he does his chores.
“It’s just a joy to see him do something he can do and enjoys,” she said.
— Toni Hopper is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. She can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 132 or by e-mail at: toni.hopper@duncanbanner.com.
