Columbia, Mo.,—Leah Thompson, a student with the Fredericktown FFA program, impressed the judges with her speech to win the FFA Pork Speaking Contest state finals, held on February 8 at the 2022 Missouri Pork Expo.

 

Leah was one of six speakers to reach the state finals. Students qualified for the finals by winning their area, then district contest.

 

With the victory, she earned a plaque and a check for $200.

 

Anastassia Crouch from the Mount Vernon FFA chapter, placed second, earning $150. Kate Rogers with the South Harrison FFA chapter finished third, earning $100. Also competing in the state finals were Annika Riekhof with the Higginsville FFA Chapter, Clayton Jennings with the Community R-6 FFA Chapter, and Cheyenne Watson with the St. James FFA Chapter—each received $50.

 

BarnTools sponsored the FFA Pork Speaking Contest, which took place during the Missouri Pork Expo held in Osage Beach at Margaritaville Lake Resort. Pork producers from across the state enjoyed a trade show, producer education seminars and guest speakers.

 

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, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.

 

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