September 4, 2009
For More Information, contact
Diane Slater(573) 445-8375
Winners Announced in 2009 Missouri State Fair
Growth & Quality Barrow Classic
Columbia, Mo.,—Over 90 hogs from across the state were entered in the Growth & Quality Barrow Classic at the 2009 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 Alyssa Reid of New Bloomfield for her Crossbred hog. Kevin Duncan of Centertown received second and third with his 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 $150 went to Kevin Duncan of Centertown. Duncan also received second place and $100. Kellie Primmer of Brashear was third, receiving $75.
Christopher Perry of Bethel received first place and $100 in the Hampshire category. He also received $50 for second place. Joel Martin of Bucklin was third, and received $25.
Christopher Perry of Bethel received first place and $100 in the Hampshire category. He also received $50 for second place. Joel Martin of Bucklin was third, and received $25.
Rounding out the final three breeds, Everett Forkner from Richards received first and second in the Berkshire category, receiving a total of $100. Forkner also received first and $50 in the Landrace category. In the Spot breed, Shan Caldwell received first and second, and a total of $100.
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 measured for 10th rib fat and loin muscle 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. This year, barrows were processed at the Tai Shinn plant in Pleasant Hope, Missouri.
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.
| 
