Tribute To Greatness

Tribute To Greatness AG WORLD Ag World 8-1-20 Ed the pig is dead but his head still hangs on the wall of hog breeder Ron Lieske's office in Henderson, Minn. And, even though he's technically dead, Ed may still "live" to make a return engagement on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Ed made his first appearance on the show three years ago when, complete with his "star" glasses, he and Lieske helped bring the show's 17 million viewers up-to-date information on pork. Since that famous appearance, Ed appeared countless times on radio stations, in newspapers and at shopping malls across the Midwest. He lived a star's life which meant that he probably ate too well. Finally, his legs couldn't carry his 1,000-lb. torso anymore and Lieske sent him to a packing plant. Before doing so, however, Lieske made arrangements with a taxidermist to stuff Ed's head. Lieske plans to get as much mileage out of Ed's head as possible, both to promote pork ù Ed "co-authored" a cookbook before he died that is still available ù and his Land-race breeding stock business. He has contacted the Tonight Show, hoping to make a return visit with Ed's head. Once Ed is permanently retired to Lieske's office wall, he'll be replaced by Ed, Jr., an up and coming sunglass-toting youngster. In fact, Lieske is already making plans to take Ed, Jr., to the Super Bowl as mascot of the Washington Redskins, if that club makes it to the game. The Redskins offensive front line is called "The Hogs". "If we producers don't promote and sell our own product, who will?" asks Lieske. For information on Ed (or his cook-book), contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ron Lieske, Rt. 1, Box 167, Henderson, Minn. 56044 (ph 612 248-3394).

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