Benton County students compete in Skillathon

AMES — This year, 192 youth from 49 Iowa counties participated in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach skillathons for meat goats, sheep and swine at the Iowa State Fair.

Benton County’s Kinze Manson, Caleigh Lewis and Bella Edler finished third in the swine division; and Will McKenna and Olivia Hanson, along with Lindsay Beyer of Buchanan County, finished fourth in meat goat.

Each skillathon team comprised three individuals and included five stations where youth worked together to solve problems and identify goat, swine or sheep production components.

Participants identified feed samples, breeds and meat cuts while answering questions about genetics, nutrients, quality assurance, handling and welfare.

Amy Powell, animal science agriculture and natural resources specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, developed and coordinated the events.

"One of the main goals of the skillathon is to highlight the knowledge gained through participation in our livestock projects. Our livestock shows are more than just the animal in the show ring," Powell said.

“I love getting to experience this contest every year with my friends,” Olivia Hanson of Benton County said

The top five teams were recognized in goat and sheep. The Top 10 teams were recognized for swine. Awards for the swine skillathon were sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

The sheep and goat skillathons were sponsored by Premier 1 Supplies.