September 18, 2008
For More Information, contact
Diane Slater, (573) 445-8375
Winners Announced in 2008 Missouri State Fair
Growth & Quality Barrow Classic
Columbia, Mo.,—Youths from across the state entered over 70 hogs in the Growth & Quality Barrow Classic at the 2008 Missouri State Fair. The Classic was sponsored by the Missouri Pork Association, University of Missouri Extension, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
The overall winner went to Betty Duncan of Centertown for her Crossbred hog. She also received second place for a second Crossbred hog. Kellie Primmer of Brashear received third with her Duroc hog. The Overall Grand Champion winner received $650 in prize money and the Reserve Campion received $350 in prize money. Additional prize money was awarded to the top ten carcass placings.
Prizes were also given for breed winners. In the Duroc category, first place and $100 went to Kellie Primmer of Brashear. In second place was Aric Laudwig of Kirksville, who received $50. Devin Duncan was third, and received $25.
Christopher Perry of Bethel received first place and $100 in the Hampshire category. In second and receiving $50 was Allison Bertz of Mayview. Daniel Nowland of Chillicothe was third, and received $25.
Christopher Perry of Bethel received first place and $100 in the Hampshire category. In second and receiving $50 was Allison Bertz of Mayview. Daniel Nowland of Chillicothe was third, and received $25.
Rounding out the final three breeds, Ben Radcliff of Chillicothe received first in the Berkshire category. In the Landrace breed, first went to Forkner Farms from Richards. And Jaryn Black, Chillicothe, received first in the Spot breed. Each received $50.
The purpose of the Growth & Quality Barrow Classic is to promote and recognize the pork industry in Missouri; supply quality carcass evaluation information to producers; recognize the carcass qualities which the industry desires and to promote the economical performance trait of lean gain per day.
Participants signed up for the contest back in March through an intent to participate form, and have an initial barrow weigh-in in April. Barrows are then weighed and tattooed at the Missouri State Fair. All barrows are evaluated on three main categories: 1) visual appraisal, 2) fat-free lean gain and 3) pork quality. They are scanned for 10th rib fat and loin muscle using ultrasound at the time of weigh-in by a certified technician. Immediately following the live show, barrows are loaded for processing and evaluated for carcass quality which includes color, pH, marbling and tenderness.
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.
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