Hogs & Heroes

06/26/2026

As we settle into county fair and soon state fair season, we wish all exhibitors good luck with their hogs!

We have big announcements to come, but while we work on those, let’s give one more big shoutout to our incredible sponsors, volunteers, and set up/tear down crews who made our first annual Hogs & Heroes possible!!

There are several businesses and families who remained anonymous from this list. It’s never lost on us, that folks are literally taking their hard earned money- and giving it back to a mission bigger than themselves and for that we are eternally grateful!

Stay tuned folks, we’re just getting started! 🇺🇸

Brandi Trupe-Hemesath Katelyn Johnson Paul Johnson Conner Hemesath Elizabeth Hemesath

05/17/2026

I’m PLEASED to announce we raised $32,000.00 at our first Hogs & Heroes Jackpot show! This was done through generous sponsors, a raffle, and free will donation meals last Sunday - we are so grateful for everyone’s support! The funds will go to Swingin' Fore Soldiers to directly support our military families across Iowa.

I give glory to our father above- over and over- for his goodness, his love, his grace, and if you haven’t felt the greatness of serving those around you, join us- our story is just being written!

“A snippet from my speech:
For some, that battle is fought overseas in defense of freedom. For others, it’s fought here at home — against drought, hardship, uncertainty, and the struggle to keep traditions alive for the next generation. But make no mistake: both require courage.

And courage isn’t the absence of fear.

Courage is standing firm anyway.

It’s choosing responsibility over excuses.

It’s carrying burdens quietly.

It’s doing the hard thing because it’s the right thing.

Livestock teaches patience. The military teaches discipline. But both teach character.

Both teach you that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about SERVICE.

A good rancher protects what’s under their care. A good soldier protects those beside them. Neither quits when things get hard. Neither abandons responsibility when conditions change.

And in today’s world, where convenience is worshipped and commitment is rare, people like us stand apart.

Because we still believe in hard work.

We still believe in honor.

We still believe a handshake means something.

We still believe freedom and legacy are worth fighting for.”

Thank you to ALL who helped make this possible and thank you to our troops for protecting the best nation in the world!

We will be back next year- and the planning has already begun!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Brandi Trupe-Hemesath Paul Johnson Conner Hemesath Elizabeth Hemesath

05/12/2026

Attention exhibitors and families- the photos are up, thank you LG Photography for being a part of this special day!

We will make an announcement soon regarding the day, total funds raised, and just how special it was for our family to host this amazing day!

God Bless!

05/09/2026

The show arena is set and prizes are ready to be handed out!

Join us tomorrow Sunday May 10th for our big day here in Decorah, IA at the Winneshiek Co. Fairgrounds. Check ins start at 0700.

Buckles, banners, showman prizes, and SO much more will be awarded to our exhibitors!

A free-will donation breakfast and lunch will be available, and any current service members and veterans coming in will receive a gift from us!

Come one- Come all- share and tag your show families to join us for a great day celebrating some amazing American traditions!

Brandi Trupe-Hemesath Katelyn Johnson Paul JohnsonConner Hemesath Elizabeth Hemesath

05/08/2026

A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME TO OUR JUDGE:

Dr. Thomas Crome is from Marshall, Illinois. He completed undergraduate degrees at Lincoln Land Community College and Iowa State University where he was a contributing member of the livestock judging team at both institutions. After receiving his bachelors degree, Thomas completed a Masters in Swine Nutrition and Physiology at Texas Tech University researching fiber and enzymes in gestating sows.

Recently, Thomas completed his PhD in Swine Nutrition and Physiology at Iowa State University researching feed intake and behavior mechanisms involved with mycotoxins. Thomas’s family, in partnership with the Rothemel family, own and operate Jackpot Genetics. A 20 head sow herd consisting of Berkshires, Spots, Yorkshires, and Crossbreds located in Winterset, IA and Marshall, IL.

We are so thankful to have him a part of our special day coming up this Sunday May 10th at the Winneshiek Co. Fairgrounds. Check-ins at 0700, show starting at 0930! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Brandi Trupe-Hemesath Katelyn Johnson Paul Johnson Conner Hemesath Elizabeth Hemesath

05/05/2026

The countdown is on…. We are just 6 days away from our 1st Annual Hogs & Heroes Jackpot Show.

As a reminder to everyone, this event is OPEN to the PUBLIC!

Showman, please follow the showman app to register, and check ins will begin promptly at 0700-0915.

Colorguard, National Anthem, and 21-gun salute will begin at 0930.

Lunch will be a free will donation, and served from 1100-1400 and all service members including IANG, active duty, reserves, veterans, and gold star families will receive a gift from Swingin’ Fore Soldiers to show our appreciation and gratitude to those who serve.

We will have over 7 vendors for everyone to shop, military static displays from the Iowa National Guard, buckles- banners- prizes-tanning lights to raffle-you name it, it’s happening at the Winneshiek Co Fair Grounds this Sunday May 10th, 2026!

Tag your friends and family, share this with the public, and let’s make this day - a day to remember in Northeast Iowa Folks!

“Where America stands strong in every showman’s stride and every soldier’s march!”

Brandi Trupe-HemesathKatelyn JohnsonPaul JohnsonConner HemesathElizabeth Hemesath

04/30/2026

🚨 Attention Exhibitors 🚨

For those coming to our Hogs & Heroes show on Sunday May 10th in Decorah, IA, we want to be sure everyone reflects to the showman app for guidelines, especially anyone coming across state lines.

We have attached them here:

https://iowaswinejackpotseries.com/guidelines/

We are SO excited to y’all in 10 days! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Show RegistrationsAll show registrations can be found on Showman. Click Here 2026 Guidelines New Rules for 2026 1. Breed Characteristics & Color All purebred breeding and market hogs must align with their respective breed association characteristics as outlined in the links below: https://nationa....

04/22/2026

With Hogs & Heroes we are a go big or go home kinda family!

That’s why this year we are bringing you a show that is JAM packed and you aren’t going to want to miss this one!

•Buckles will be awarded to all class Champions donated by Conner Hemesath and Ryan Rose
•One of a kind banners for all class Champions and Reservists
•Prizes for Grand and Reserve showmen each class
•Top 5 overall Grand Champion Market and Breeding Gilt one of a kind di-cuts
•Overall Grand Champions and Reservists will receive a one of a kind prize for their barns
•Lastly, our Grand Champion Breeding Gilt and Market Hog overall will receive a ONCE in a lifetime gift from our deployed soldiers overseas
•Cash Payouts
•A raffle for a chance to win 2 insta-tan pig tanning lights! Donated by Jason Woodruff

I can’t tell you EVERY surprise but this is just a small start of what we will have Sunday May 10th in Decorah Iowa at our show!

A full colorguard and 21 gun will start our day at 0930am and we encourage all service men and women from the community to come out!

Additionally, we will have a free will donation breakfast & lunch, over 7 unique vendors to shop from, and the IANG will be present with military static displays including humvees and medic vehicles where families can talk to our soldiers, take pictures, and see what serving is all about!

Share, tag, and invite all your friends and family to share a day with us! “Where America Stands Strong in every Showmen’s Stride and Every Soldier’s March!”

Brandi Trupe-Hemesath Paul JohnsonKatelyn JohnsonElizabeth Hemesath

04/17/2026

🛍️ Vendor Alert 🛍️

We welcome Kipp Wood Shed to Hogs & Heroes on May 10th in Decorah. The public will be able to shop one of a kind Hand crafted bowls made by this father and son duo!

We cannot wait to shop all of your incredible work!