On Dec. 6, the Missouri Pork Association, National Pork Board and the University of Missouri held the third annual FFA Swine Facility Management Contest in Columbia.
Among the top five individuals competing in the contest was Sydnie Sigert of the Willow Springs FFA, who placed fourth. Other students placing the in the top five hailed from California in Moniteau County, Ashland in Boone County, Morrisville in Polk County and Mexico in Audrain County.
The California FFA team took first place in the hands-on event focusing on real-world jobs in the pork industry.
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.
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.
