Orlov reflected on his journey, saying that just over a year ago, he had attended his first FFA meeting mainly for the food, not realizing it would open doors to amazing opportunities. Raising and showing Puff at the Marion County Fair helped him realize how expensive show pigs could be, which led him to the idea of raising his own. Learning how to assist Puff was a hands-on challenge, and the lead-up to her piglets’ birth was intense, with sleepless nights spent checking on her. When the moment finally arrived, he learned firsthand how to assist in delivery, give shots, and care for newborn piglets. The experience changed his high school journey, pushing him beyond what he thought was possible.

McCargar described how they had been monitoring Puff for two weeks, and when labor started, she joined the team in the barn at 8:15 a.m. Orlov handled wiping off the piglets, suctioning their mouths, and cutting their umbilical cords while she and the others ensured the piglets stayed warm and latched onto their mother to nurse. When one piglet was born not breathing, she and Orlov quickly rubbed it with towels and cleared its mouth and lungs, successfully reviving it. Having grown up around pigs and shown them since she was nine, she thought she knew a lot—but this experience taught her even more about the farrowing process. She never expected something this hands-on in high school and was grateful for the opportunity.

Cam admitted that last year was his first time raising and showing a pig, and he was new to the process. When Orlov said he planned to raise his pig’s offspring, Cam offered to help but didn’t really know what to expect. As Puff’s due date approached, he helped check on her and ensure she was comfortable. When he got the call that labor had begun, he rushed to the school to help. While Orlov and McCargar focused on Puff, Cam and Garcia made sure the piglets were safe. The experience gave him a new appreciation for caring for animals, and he looked forward to showing one last time at the Marion County Fair—with a pig he helped bring into the world.

Garcia explained that since it was their first time assisting with piglet births at Gervais, they wanted to make sure Orlov had all the support he needed. The experience came with a lot of uncertainty, but both he and Cam stepped up as caretakers, keeping the piglets warm and making sure Puff stayed calm. He initially doubted his ability to help, but the team worked together seamlessly. Seeing how everyone contributed to the process taught him valuable lessons about teamwork and handling high-pressure situations.

Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Katelyn Metzger reflected on the significance of the event, explaining that when she started teaching at Gervais High School last year, she didn’t know what to expect. Their program strives to provide students with real-world learning opportunities, and helping a pig deliver her litter is one of many experiences they had embraced. “None of it would have been possible without the support of the administration and community,” Metzger said. “Seeing students take on this challenge and succeed was truly rewarding.” This hands-on experience gave Gervais FFA members a deep understanding of animal science, responsibility, and teamwork. As the piglets grow, these students will continue to care for them, taking pride in the unique opportunity they helped create.