Young people showed off their pork industry knowledge during the ninth annual Swine Spectacular, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. 

The educational event took place in conjunction with the Iowa State University Block and Bridle Club's Spring Market Hog Show at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames last month. 

"Swine Spectacular is all about friendly competition and camaraderie, while promoting interest and involvement in the pork industry," says Hannah Spurr, IPPA's consumer outreach director. "Each year we offer a fresh lineup of workshops and challenges, so even repeat participants continue to learn and grow!"

Activities were tailored for three age groups: Junior (ages 8 to 10 years); Intermediate (ages 11 to 14); and Senior (ages 15 to 18).

Nearly 30 attendees from Iowa, Illinois and Missouri competed in several areas, accumulating points toward their efforts to win their division's Sweepstakes prizes. Points were earned for photo and essay entries; swine judging; a skills assessment; a written test; observing a carcass fabrication; and identifying retail pork cuts.

At various skills stations, students were quizzed on topics involving pig anatomy; pig handling; breeds; genetics; nutrition and feeds; housing; bedding; swine farming equipment; and pig processing and daily care.

All youth in the junior division then participated in personal interviews, while the top five scorers in the intermediate and senior divisions gave extemporaneous speeches. 

Top sweepstakes winners

Junior:
•    First — Danielle Drescher, 8, of Boone, daughter of Ben and Adrienne Drescher
•    Second — Charlie Shawley, 9, of Afton, son of Deron and Nicole Shawley
•    Third — McKinley White, 10, of Storm Lake, daughter of Doug and Allison White

Intermediate:
•    First — McKinley Kaysen, 11, of St. Charles, daughter of Brett and Tara Kaysen
•    Second — Cheyenne Obrecht, 13, of Harlan, daughter of Chuck and Renietta Obrecht
•    Third — Jocelyn Richard, 11, of Estherville, daughter of Keith and Erica Richard

Senior:
•    First — Tucker Rohrig, 16, of Orient, son of Matt and Heidi Rohrig
•    Second — Brady Allan, 15, of Le Mars, son of Mark and Alise Allan
•    Third — Katelyn Foglesong, 17, of Thayer, daughter of Tim and Jen Foglesong

Each first-place sweepstakes winner received a $50 Theisen's gift card and custom belt buckle; the second- and third-place winners each received a special Swine Spectacular blanket.

Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.