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Winners Announced in FFA Swine Facility Contest

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.

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Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild

Video: Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild



In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.