Missouri youth had the opportunity to show off their swine knowledge and evaluation skills on Aug. 10-11 during the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo.
Winners Named in Skillathon
On Aug. 10, FFA and 4-H members participated in the 2023 Youth Swine Skillathon. Participants competed in three age brackets during the contest, which is sponsored by the Missouri Pork Association and the University of Missouri Extension, according to a Missouri Pork release.
In the Age 12 and Under division, first place went to Clara Copenhaver from Higginsville. Charlot Thornton from Slater placed second, and Collin Risa from Camden Point received third.
In the Age 13-15 division, Khloe Merrifield from Adrian received first, Rhett Forkner from Richards received second, and third place went to Savanna Bramwell from Centerview.
In the Age 16 and Older division, Annie Robinson from Wellsville placed first, Mason Forkner from Richards received second, and third place went to Tucker Robnett from Laddonia.
The top three winners in each category received a cash award, and the top individual in each category also received a plaque.
The first part of the three-stage contest is a hands-on swine management test including breed identification, equipment identification, ear notching, calculating medication withdrawal times, figuring growth performance, identifying pork carcass wholesale and retail cuts, environmental issues and feed ingredient identification. The second section is a short quiz that covers current events and general information about the swine industry in Missouri, the United States and internationally. The final stage is a 5-minute personal interview about their swine project and the Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program.
Winners Named in Swine Judging Contest
On Aug. 11, 45 FFA and 4-H members participated in the 2023 Swine Judging Contest, Missouri Pork Association shared in a release. Winners were announced in the Novice, Junior, Senior and Pro Division. The top individual was recognized in each division, as team member and individual scores were evaluated. Teams were recognized for first, second and third overall. The contest, sponsored by the Missouri Pork Association, consisted of four swine judging classes and two sets of 5 questions. Prizes were sponsored by Judging Pro, Perry Genetics, Croy Farms, Sims Feed and Supply, Will Menne Family and M&R Genetics. The top three teams in each division received prizes for their ranking, and top individuals were awarded JBL speakers to recognize their accomplishment.
In the Pro Division, first overall went to Quincy Wiegand.
In the Senior Division, first overall was awarded to the Bates County Senior Team with team members Reagan O’Farrell, Kayde Colin, Kenton Merrifield and Callie Ferguson. Second overall went to the Cattle Guys Team – Rebecca Hunt, Paisley Nelson, Cass Kleeman and Cash Honeycutt. Third overall recognized the LMB Team that included Elliott Cooley, Harlee Beck, Gracelynn Bernett and Braden Stimpson. The top individual was awarded to Elliott Cooley.
In the Junior Division, first overall went to the Bates County Jr. Team that included Khloe Merrifield, Colton Hawkins and Kennedi Hettinger. Second overall was awarded to the Caldwell County Team – Owen Moss, Kayla Piatt, Gage Miller and Cash Walker. Third overall was the Smoke Show Team that included Carlie Kleeman, Aubree Sloan, Lilly Bowling and Cealy Bedwell. The top individual was presented to Khloe Merrifield.
In the Novice Division, first overall was awarded to the Blue Butts – Addy Sloan, Anniston Curtis and Chesney Brock. The top individual was awarded to Addy Sloan.
The first part of the three-stage contest is a hands-on swine management test including breed identification, equipment identification, ear notching, calculating medication withdrawal times, figuring growth performance, identifying pork carcass wholesale and retail cuts, environmental issues and feed ingredient identification. The second section is a short quiz that covers current events and general information about the swine industry in Missouri, the United States and internationally. The final stage is a 5-minute personal interview about their swine project and the Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program.
