Columbia, Mo.,—Dane Laut, a student with the Fredericktown FFA program, impressed the judges with his speech to win the FFA Pork Speaking Contest state finals, held on February 18 at the 2025 Missouri Pork Expo. This year’s topic was Driving Pork Demand Among Today’s Younger Generations.

Dane was one of six speakers to reach the state finals. Students qualified for the finals by winning their area, then district contest. With the victory, he earned a plaque and a check for $200.

Scarlett Miller from the Carrollton FFA, placed second, earning $150. Danielle Freund with the Wright City FFA finished third, earning $100. Also competing in the state finals were Keenan Kleiboeker, Pierce City FFA; Liberty Anderson, Lathrop FFA; and Hayleigh Parrett, Steelville FFA—each received $50.

PigTek, Chore-Time sponsored the FFA Pork Speaking Contest, which took place during the Missouri Pork Expo held in Osage Beach at Margaritaville Lake Resort. Pork producers from across the state enjoyed a trade show, producer education seminars and guest speakers.

The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education, and public policy. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, visit www.mopork.com, or call the office at (573) 445-8375.

# # #