Lumberton Middle School’s Brooke Brinkley Wins Grand Champion Swine at YMBL South Texas State Fair

LUMBERTON, TEXAS-  A dedicated routine, months of hard work, and a strong support system have led Brooke Brinkley, a 7th-grade student at Lumberton Middle School, to an impressive victory. She recently earned the title of Grand Champion Swine at the YMBL South Texas State Fair in Beaumont, Texas, a testament to her commitment to livestock showing.

For Brooke, success in the ring starts with dedication at home. Caring for her swine, “Dog,” was part of her daily routine. “For the pigs and steers, we go in the morning to feed and check on them, and in the evening, we walk and wash them,” she explained. “Then, we clean the pens and do it all over again the next day.” Keeping her animals at her own residence allowed her to provide hands-on care and close attention to their needs.

Brooke’s swine started as a 50-pound pig, born in July and acquired in November. By the time of the show, "Dog" (she had two pigs- Corn and Dog= corndog) had grown to an impressive 285 pounds, thanks to a carefully managed diet. Her breeder played a crucial role in helping her determine the right brand of feed, ensuring the pig received two pounds of feed per day to maintain optimal growth and health.

Selecting the right pig for competition is an important decision, and Brooke chose a crossbreed that stood out to her. However, the journey was not without its challenges. “My pig was stubborn and wouldn’t train to walk well,” she admitted. Despite the frustration, she remained patient and disciplined. “Even though you go through a lot of challenges, the outcome is worth it.”

Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and livestock training is no small feat, but Brooke has mastered the art of time management. In addition to showing pigs, she has also shown steers and heifers at competitions. At the YMBL show, 83 pigs competed, with only 40 making it to auction. Likewise, 53 steers participate, and 34 will go to auction. The money Brooke earns from these auctions goes toward her next livestock project, with the ultimate goal of saving for college in her senior year.

Beyond the competition, Brooke has gained valuable life lessons. “These competitions have taught me to be humble and never forget where I came from, no matter what I achieve,” she said. She credits her parents, breeders, best friend Jacie, and mentor Reid Tipton for their unwavering support. “Reid saw potential in me and never let me give up, no matter how hard it gets.”

To other students aspiring to compete in livestock shows, Brooke offers this advice: “Don’t stop pushing forward for your goal. Just d

on’t ever give up or stop trying. Just remember that there is a time for everything.”

Brooke’s journey is a shining example of perseverance, dedication, and the rewards of hard work. Her Grand Champion Swine victory is not just a title—it’s a reflection of her passion and determination to succeed in the world of livestock competitions. The future is bright for this young champion, and Lumberton Middle School is proud to celebrate her success.