On December 6, the Missouri Pork Association, National Pork Board and the University of Missouri held the third annual FFA Swine Facility Management Contest in Columbia, Missouri. The California FFA Chapter received first place in this hands-on event that focused on real-world jobs in the pork industry. California FFA team members included Derek Bolinger, Ayden Howard, Ellye Messerli and Paige Morris.
Second place in the contest went to the Van-Far FFA, which included team members Kayla Heaton, Makayla McCurdy, Katelyn McCurdy and Carmen Wilburn. The Fayette FFA Chapter received third place, with team members Audree Hagerman, Gracie Innes, Melissa Innes and Emmit Schachtele.
The contest also recognized the top five individuals in the contest. First place went to Ayden Howard with the California FFA. Jackson Skouby with the Ashland FFA received second, and Sam York with the Morrisville (Marion C. Early) FFA received third. In fourth place was Sydnie Sigert with the Willow Springs FFA. Fifth place went to Wyatt Troesser with the Mexico FFA.
The FFA Swine Facility Management Contest tested the knowledge of youth on issues pertaining to swine production—feed, water, air, facility management and recordkeeping. The event is based on the principles of We Care, PQA Plus and TQA to ensure producers are raising pigs in a safe environment and train youth in all skills that translate to careers in the swine industry.
Teams visited the University of Missouri’s Swine Research Farm to evaluate an operational swine facility. Students completed a written exam, then moved through six stages in and around the facility to evaluate procedures. Plans are already underway for next year’s contest.
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education, and public policy. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, visit www.mopork.com, or call (573) 445-8375.
