Winners Announced in FFA Swine Facility Contest

Dec 30, 2024

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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Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.