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.
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