Austin Steele, a student with the Miller FFA program, impressed the judges with his speech, “Strategies for Pork Producers in Challenging Times,” to win the FFA Pork Speaking Contest state finals held on Feb. 10 at the 2010 Missouri Pork Expo.
Steele was one of six speakers to reach the state finals. Students qualified for the finals by winning their area, then district contest.
With the victory, he earned a plaque and a check for $200.
Jaelyn Bergmann, a member of the Paris FFA chapter, placed second, earning $150. Aren Dameron, from the Crest Ridge FFA, finished third, earning $100. Also competing in the state finals were Logan McGhee, Couch FFA; Mareta Sherman, Belle FFA; and Lauren Dietzschold, Chillicothe FFA—each receive $50.
MFA, Incorporated sponsored the FFA Pork Speaking Contest, which took place during the 2010 Missouri Pork Expo held Feb. 10-11 in Columbia. Pork producers from across the state enjoyed a trade show, producer education seminars and guest speakers.
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.