Did you know that the Pork Checkoff has one of the most comprehensive swine quiz bowl and skillathon study tools available?
With most prospects purchased and summer show season right around the corner, some young people will also be studying for the many other competitions and events available at shows throughout the nation. One such event, the skillathon, gives young people the opportunity to test their chops in all things swine related, such as breeding, animal well-being, swine health and other key topics.
“Educational contests become more and more important each year as the number of exhibitors at National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) events that raise livestock and live on a farm continues to dwindle,” National Swine Registry’s Director of Junior Activities Kaley Bontrager says. “To me, taking the time to provide an opportunity for our junior members to learn about the different aspects of the swine industry, while doing so in a competitive setting, drives their need to study and do well.”
You can access a plethora of age-appropriate swine studies at Pork.org. These just aren’t for young people though. Pork Checkoff’s downloadable resources are great for swine leaders, Extension specialists and ag teachers who are planning lessons or interactive quiz bowl and skillathon contests of their own.
“Skillathon is important because it helps members connect on a deeper level with the technical processes and history of our industry, while providing a competitive opportunity for them to display their knowledge,” Team Purebred Director of Junior Activities Hope Coffey says. “I believe it is important for youth to know more about their animal than what breed it is. They should understand proper equipment needed in all types of swine operations, the commercial sector and how our actions affect the end consumer, and other similar issues that pork producers face daily. It is exciting to see our members dedicate themselves to studying and researching for the skillathon contest, and I encourage anyone not currently competing in this contest to do so in the future.”
If you’re interested in competing in an NJSA or Team Purebred skillathon contest here is a list of events where they are available.
This post was brought to you by the National Pork Board, a Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. For more industry news, visit pork.org.
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