On Dec. 7, the Missouri Pork Association, National Pork Board and the University of Missouri held the second FFA Swine Facility Management Contest in Columbia, Missouri. The Centralia FFA Chapter received first place in this hands-on event that focused on real-world jobs in the pork industry. Centralia FFA team members included Shelby Lewis, Lauren Lafferty, Blair Schnarre and Tess Stephens.

Second place in the contest went to North Shelby FFA, which included team Ceairra Kirby, Riley Stoneburner, Clay Cook and Keaton Roan. The Steelville FFA Chapter received third place, with team members Dalton Hutson, Avery Wallis, Halana Hurd and Abigail Whitaker.

The contest also recognized the top five individuals in the contest. First place went to Charlie Lewis with the Ashland FFA. Keaton Roan with the North Shelby FFA received second, and Lauren Lafferty with the Centralia FFA received third. In fourth place was Isaac Francka with the Marion C. Early FFA. Fifth place went to Dillon Wood with the California 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.

Source: Missouri Pork 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.