Runde 1st place individual
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The Gallatin FFA Chapter received top honors in the slaughter hog team contest at the state’s annual Youth Livestock Grading and Judging Contest held March 12 at the Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia. John Rude, a member of the Gallatin FFA Chapter, won first place overall in the individual contest division.
One of the largest of its kind in the nation, this contest is designed to improve the state’s livestock industry by teaching both youth and adults how to evaluate livestock using USDA grade standards on feeder, slaughter cattle and slaughter hogs, and the proper practices for keeping or culling cattle, swine and sheep.
“This year’s event was a true success no matter where the participants placed in the competition,” says Loyd Wilson, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Division of Market Information and Outreach. “Students took advantage of a unique opportunity to learn valuable livestock evaluation skills, which will serve them well as they lead the agriculture industry in the coming years.”
In addition to this year’s grading and judging competition and workshop, an equine judging clinic was offered with more than 160 participants. “We included this clinic to offer youth involvement in all aspects of the equine industry and it was a valuable addition,” says Wilson. “This clinic highlighted and increased the value of horses to our state’s agriculture.”
The 16th annual Missouri Youth Livestock Grading and Judging Contest and Workshop was sponsored by MDA, University of Missouri-Columbia and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Equine Workshop was offered by MDA in partnership with the Missouri Equine Council.