Big Boar Breaks Record At 2008 Iowa State Fair Weighing In At 1259 lbs.

DES MOINES, IA (08/07/2008)(readMedia)-- Freight Train, a 4-year-old Yorkshire boar, won the Big Boar contest in a big way by setting a new Iowa State Fair record weighing in at 1259 pounds. The previous record was set in 1993 at 1246 pounds.

Freight Train was exhibited by the Cormaney Brothers, Jim, Mike, Jeff and John, of Webster City. They will take home $350 in prize money. Kay Christian of Woodard was the producer. Last year, this same team won the Big Boar contest with "Big Red" by hitting a weight of 1203 pounds.

Freight Train had a very specific schedule of eating at 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. each day and was fed a corn and soy mix. Mike Cormaney said that his magic touch in developing winners for the Big Boar contest is time and patience and a little air-conditioning on hot days. Kay Christian, the producer, attributes good genetics as a key to her success.

"Up Dog" a York/Duroc crossbred shown by G& S Farms, of Gladbrook, earned reserve honors weighing in at 1212 pounds. They will receive $150 in premiums.

"Freight Train" and "Up Dog," as well as the Big Ram and Super Bull, will be on display in their respective barns at the Iowa State Fair through August 17.

The Iowa State Fair runs through August 17 - "U Gotta Love It!" The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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