Columbia, Mo.,—On May 5, the Missouri Pork Association, National Pork Board and the University of Missouri held the first-of-its-kind FFA Swine Facility Management Contest in Columbia, Missouri. The Schuyler FFA Chapter received first place in this hands-on event that focused on real-world jobs in the pork industry. Schuyler FFA team members included Jarrett Groseclose, MaKinley Aeschliman, Ashlyn Laws and Kaycee Hart.

 

Second place in the contest went to North Shelby FFA, which included team members Landon Bender, Brayton Cook, Jade Daniel and Dylan McEwen. The California FFA Chapter received third place, with team members Collin Althoff, Gavin Porter, Chase Schlup and Dillon Wood.

 

The contest also recognized the top five individuals in the contest. First place went to Jarrett Groseclose with the Schuyler FFA. Dylan McEwan with the North Shelby FFA received second, and Chase Schlup with the California FFA received third. In fourth place was Dillon Wood with the California FFA. Fifth place went to Ashlyn Laws with the Schuyler FFA.

 

The FFA Swine Facility Management Contest tested the knowledge of youth in 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, go to www.mopork.com, or call the office at (573) 445-8375.

 

# # #