News : Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Members Shine at the 2025 Benton County Fair

FFA member Abby McKenna is teaching kids about chickens and ducks in the FFA learning barn!

FFA members Jenna and Nora Grovert showing their sheep at the Benton County Fair.!

FFA members Bri Dulin and Ali Lutz are serving customers in the pork booth!

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKenna

The Benton County Fair was a fun and rewarding week for the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter as members took part in hands-on agricultural education, livestock exhibitions, and community service.

One of the highlights of the fair was the FFA Learning Barn, where FFA members helped teach hundreds of kids and families about agriculture. Visitors got the chance to interact with and learn about pigs, ducks, rabbits, chicks, llamas, cows, and other animals. A fair favorite is the farrowed sow, where visitors can hold baby piglets just after their birth. Many kids were excited to hold or pet these animals, making it a memorable and educational experience.

Outside the barn, Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members stepped up to help in the community by working shifts at the Pork Producers, Dairy Producers, and Cattlemen’s food booths. Their help ensured fairgoers were well-fed while supporting local ag organizations.

Several members also participated as exhibitors and represented our chapter proudly across a variety of livestock categories:

Swine:

• Abby McKenna:
  • 1st in Class Crossbreed Barrow
  • 2nd in Class Crossbreed Gilt
  • 2nd in Class Duroc Gilt
  • 2nd in Class Chester Gilt

• Zoey McClintock:
  • 3rd in Class Market Gilt
  • 2nd in Class Commercial Gilt
  • 4th in Class Market Barrow

Meat Goats:

• Will McKenna:
  • Champion Wether
  • 2nd in Class with Doe

• Andrew Pingenot:
  • Blue Ribbons

• Megan Schlitter:
  • 4th in Class Breeding Doe

Rabbits:

• Bridgette Castle:

• 1 Lavender Ribbon

• 7 Blue Ribbons

• 3 Red Ribbons

• Cael Koeppen:
  • 2 Blue Ribbons

• Champion Intermediate Showmanship

• Kirsten Pettit:
  • Grand Champion Rabbit
  • Champion Fancy Rabbit
  • 4 Third Place Rankings
  • 1 Reserve Champion
  • 2 First Place Rankings

Chickens:

• Bridgette Castle:
  • Blue Ribbons – Layer Production Hens

Sheep:

• Ali Lutz:
  • 3rd in Division – Lightweight Market Lamb
  
  

• Katelyn Fleming:
  • 2 Blue Ribbons

Market Beef:

• Bri Dulin:
  • 4th in Class

• Andrew Pingenot:
  • Blue Ribbons

Breeding Beef:

• Andrew Pingenot:
  • Blue Ribbons

Horses & Ponies:

• Dakota Lopata:
  • 2x Reserve Champion
  • Multiple Blue Ribbons

• Alana Fleming:
  • Blue Ribbons in All Events

• Katelyn Fleming:
  • Champion Poles
  • Reserve Champion Flags
  • Blue Ribbons in All Other Speed Classes
  • Champion Colt
  • Champion Under a Yearling
  • All Other Classes Received Blue Ribbons

• Evan Lopata:
  • Multiple Blue Ribbons

Bucket Bottle:

• Katelyn Fleming:
  • Grand Champion Bottle Lamb
  • Blue Ribbon

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter is proud of all the members who worked hard, showed leadership, and represented agriculture in such a positive way throughout the week. Events like the Benton County Fair allow us to continue growing as leaders while connecting with our community.