Stephanie Carlson, Producer Outreach Director

Feb. 6, 2015

Contact:

Stephanie Carlson, Producer Outreach Director

(800) 372-7675,

For Immediate Release!

Grinnell FFA team wins 2015 IPPA Youth Swine Judging Contest

(CLIVE, Iowa) — The Iowa Pork Producers Association held its 7th annual Youth Swine Judging Contest at the 43rd annual Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines on Jan. 29.

Nearly 400 4-H and FFA students making up more than 100 teams from 40 schools around the state travelled to the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fairgrounds to participate in the contest and attend the Pork Congress tradeshow.

“We had a great turnout of kids from across the state and know it wouldn’t be possible without the great support of teachers, parents and our sponsors,” said IPPA Producer Outreach Director Stephanie Carlson. “I sincerely hope that everyone found the contest to be an enjoyable learning experience.”

Each team was required to judge four classes of hogs to sharpen their gilt selection and market hog evaluation skills. The students scored a keep/cull gilt class, did live carcass evaluation, and judged market hog and commercial gilt classes.

Grinnell FFA team 1 took top honors in the Senior Division and all four members of the team received a $750 scholarship from IPPA. Benton County 4-H team 1 placed second and each team member won a $500 scholarship. Third place honors and $250 individual scholarships went to a Dewitt FFA team. Mediapolis FFA team 3 was fourth and 5th place went to CAM 1. Those team members each received $125 scholarships. Overall, IPPA awarded $7,000.

Two Benton County 4-H teams placed first and second in the Junior Division and were awarded plaques by IPPA.

“It’s exciting to see so many young kids interested in pigs and livestock judging,” Carlson said. “Hopefully, someday they’ll be working in the pork industry!”

Waldo Genetics, Cargill, Producers Livestock, Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc., Swine Genetics International, Marting Manufacturing/Smidley and the Pork Checkoff all partnered with IPPA for this year’s contest.

The 2016 contest will be held on Jan. 28.

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