Youth experience swine production
The Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort is designed to enhance the traditional 4-H swine project and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the swine industry by providing opportunities focusing on swine production as a goal of the 4-H member's project, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and engagement by the 4-H member. In order to participate, youth must be 4-H age 9-18, complete YQCA, and farrowed their project animals.
Youth involved in the cohort, participated in learning opportunities hosted by Extension Swine Specialist Benny Mote about nutrition, feeding, genetics, and more. They also maintained records related to swine management and basic care, which resulted in turning in a record book this weekend. Finally, they exhibited their Farrowed and Owned project animals at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair with the opportunity for special recognition for participating in the cohort.
The 2023 Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned division at the Nebraska State Fair was sponsored by Parks of Nebraska LLC.
The following youth met the requirements of participating in 75% of the educational meetings from February - June and participating in the interview portion of the cohort at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair.
- Olivia Beel, Brown County
- Kade Goedeken, Platte County
- Kambryn Vaughn, Phelps County
- Keely Vaughn, Phelps County
- Kyper Vaughn, Phelps County
- Cullan Schmidt, Fillmore County
- Alli Ritter, Cuming County
- Eli Ritter, Cuming County
- Trevin Steuk, Saline County
Results from the live show:
- Grand Champion Farrowed and Owned Breeding Gilt: Cullan Schmidt, Fillmore County
- Reserve Champion Farrowed and Owned Breeding Gilt: Trevin Steuk, Saline County
- Grand Champion Farrowed and Owned Market Hog: Kade Goedeken, Platte County
- Reserve Champion Farrowed and Owned Market Hog: Eli Ritter, Cuming County
Cohort members learned the importance of accurate record keeping through a detailed record book they compiled with information about their farrowed and owned projects. The record books are used during an interview each cohort member participates in at the state fair. The interview is an important part of the cohort experience, as members gain valuable life skills from this experience.
Results from the interview portion of the cohort:
- 1st Place: Olivia Beel, Brown County
- 2nd Place: Keely Vaughn, Phelps County
- 3rd Place: Kade Goedeken, Platte County
Congratulations to all 2023 Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort members!
For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort learning opportunity, please visit 4h.unl.edu/farrowed-owned.