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SEDALIA, Mo. — Nearly 30 Missouri 4-H and FFA members tested their knowledge of pig production and the pork industry during the 2026 Swine Skillathon at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
Sponsored by the Missouri Pork Association and University of Missouri Extension, the annual competition gave participants an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through identification exercises, a written quiz and an individual interview. Competitors were divided into youth, intermediate and senior age divisions.
Youth Division
Stella Liles of Richards earned first place in the youth division for participants 12 years old and younger. Maverick Bloss of Diamond placed second, while Andon Brown of Bolivar finished third.
Intermediate Division
Gideon Humphrey of Fulton received first place in the intermediate division for participants ages 13 to 15. Brody Griffith of Centralia earned second place, followed by Mesa Tiemann of Hallsville in third.
Senior Division
Keenan Kleiboeker of Stotts City captured first place in the senior division for participants ages 16 and older. Kenton Merrifield of Adrian placed second, and Crista Perry of Salisbury received third.
First-, second- and third-place participants in each division received cash prizes, while each division winner was also presented with a plaque.
Contest Tests Practical Pork Industry Knowledge
The Swine Skillathon included three scored sections. During the first section, participants identified pig breeds, wholesale and retail pork cuts, and tools commonly used in hog barns.
The second section featured a short quiz covering general pork industry knowledge and current events. Participants concluded the competition with a five-minute interview evaluating their industry knowledge, ability to respond to questions and organization of their thoughts.
The 2026 Swine Skillathon allowed Missouri’s young agricultural leaders to strengthen their communication skills while demonstrating what they have learned about pigs, pork production and the people who make up the pork industry.
