Youth Invited To Test Beef And Swine Knowledge At County Fair

Jun 21, 2023

Youth in grades 4-12 are invited to test their beef and swine knowledge in a quiz bowl at the local Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, and O’Brien County Fairs.

Participants will be challenged on their knowledge of animal breeds, meat cuts, feedstuffs, livestock equipment, and more.

“County fairs are all about showcasing the hard work and knowledge of our 4-H and FFA members,” said Cheryl Heronemus, regional director with ISU Extension and Outreach in Northwest Iowa. “This quiz bowl, or skill-a-thon if you will, is just one more way youth can learn and share their knowledge.”

Heronemus shared that the quiz bowl will cover beef and swine this year, with plans to focus on other species next year. The event is free and open to all youth that have completed 4^th through 12^th grade. 4-H or FFA membership is not required.

Source : iastate.edu

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.