Ryker Chris Johnke was raised just outside of Madison on a farm with his parents and two younger brothers. He enjoys spending his time raising show pigs and selling them. Competing with show pigs is a passion of Ryker’s; it has been a long-time goal for him to win Grand Champion Market Hog at the South Dakota State Fair. He has competed at the state fair since he was 9 and has yet to win first place. Ryker’s job is helping his dad with farming and livestock. Working with livestock, especially pigs, comes easily to him and he hopes to pursue it as a future career.
Ryker has enjoyed many classes throughout high school, his favorite being Ag Power with Mr. Kesteloot in his sophomore year. It was the first class that incorporated his interests. Since his senior year began, his internship has been his favorite class. Ryker would recommend eating at the Hartford Steakhouse and ordering a prime rib; “It’s either prime rib or prime rib!” His favorite food is etouffee, a Cajun cuisine of crayfish and shrimp served over rice. He even named a show pig after his favorite food.
After graduation, Ryker plans to move to West Texas where he hopes to buy land, build a house, and work with show pigs. One person Ryker sees as a role model would be his dad, Corey. He looks up to how amazing of a stockman, father, and person he is. Ryker also hopes to have an operation in Texas just as successful as his dad’s business. His advice to underclassmen is to “Go to school, do your work, and do what you gotta do.”