Laverne FFA Member Participates in the Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby

Posted Date: 02/07/2025

On October 26th Laverne FFA Chapter Member Kensli Shaffer accompanied by ag teacher, Ms.Kolbe, and father, Jim Shaffer headed to Stillwater to participate in the first ever Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby. 

The Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby is a program through which FFA members who have never shown before have the opportunity to have a show pig. To be selected members had to fill out an application explaining their qualifications, management plans, and expenses. After application those who were selected were invited to the Selection Day Conference. 

This conference was held at the Totusek Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Selectees had the opportunity to listen to many different speakers and learn the many aspects of raising a show animal. The workshops taught things like, nutrition, biosecurity, management, and lastly how the draft would work.

After learning all about how to properly care for their animal the members were then allowed to select their pig and head home. All animals were all provided by the OSU Swine Unit. These pigs will be able to be shown on all levels and given their own division at Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) in March. 

Kensli and her family would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has had a hand in creating this great program. This program has a great future ahead of it and it is truly an honor to have had a Laverne FFA Chapter member participate in this first annual Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby. 

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