In December, the Missouri Pork Association, National Pork Board and the University of Missouri held the fourth annual FFA Swine Facility Management Contest in Columbia, Missouri. Eighteen teams competed in this hands-on event which focuses on real-world jobs in the pork industry. The top five teams and top four individuals will be recognized at the 2025 Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia, Missouri, next Spring.
This year’s first place team hailed from the North Shelby FFA Chapter. Team members included Sam Schwanke, Jared Johnston, Isaac Berry and Grady Gander. Second place in the contest went to the California FFA, which included team members Owen Pringer, Isaac Haile, Jose Martinez and Cody Schneider. The Pilot Grove FFA Chapter received third place, with team members Harlei Kammerich, Katie Fenical, Arleigh Watring and Britta Hoff. The fourth place Bowling Green FFA Team included members Abby Haas, Sophia Hartwig, Ava Gilbert and Reese Turner. In fifth place was the Macon FFA Chapter and members Tinley Schneider, Owen Young, Grayson Turnmire and Tobey Walker.
The contest also recognized the top four individuals in the contest. First place went to Jared Johnston with the North Shelby FFA. Owen Pringer with the California FFA received second, and Sam Schwanke with the North Shelby FFA placed third. In fourth place was Isaac Haile with the California FFA.
The FFA Swine Facility Management Contest tested the knowledge of youth on 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.
Additional teams included Pierce City FFA, Marshall FFA, St. James FFA, Northwest Technical School, Clinton FFA, Willow Springs FFA, Eldon FFA, Atlanta FFA, Washington FFA, Salem FFA, Steelville FFA, Knob Noster FFA, and Fayette FFA.
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.
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, visit www.mopork.com, or call (573) 445-8375.
