On behalf of the Chouteau County Extension Office, Janell and I would like to Congratulate Julia on this achievement. The Montana Symbol of Excellence (SOE ) program annually recognizes both 4-H and FFA youth and hog breeders who raise market hogs that meet carcass merit standards and who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in producing quality pork products. The SOE program was created through a partnership between Montana Pork Producers Council (MPPC) and MSU Extension before the Pork Act of 1985. MPPC with MSU Extension Swine Specialists Wayne Gipp and Walt Neuman developed the SOE program to highlight the hard work of both youth and hog breeders that continues today.
Carcass and ultrasound data were collected on 1553 hogs from across the state of Montana with 21% qualifying to be SOE hogs in 2020. These hogs were shown by 4-H and FFA youth who committed to the market swine project from beginning to end. The SOE standards are based upon live weight, hot carcass weight, back fat, loin area, marbling, color, wetness, muscle, and firmness.
John Rauser, MPPC President and Montana hog producer has overseen the program for many years. “The SOE Program is unique to Montana. The vision of SOE as a carcass quality program is to help producers improve their hog carcass quality while educating youth through 4-H. As a hog farmer, I strive to produce a market hog that grows quickly, yields a good carcass, meets standards set by the SOE program, and tastes good. I commend our youth and my fellow pork producers who participate in the SOE program for all of their hard work and the commitment to make this program successful for so many years and many years to come.
The 2020 top hogs (light carcass division) are listed below:
Youth exhibitors and hog breeders in the light carcass division are:
1. Aspen Longie, Beaverhead County (Coco Cervantes, hog breeder).
2. Zachary Bates, Gallatin County (Braaten Show Pigs, hog breeder).
3. Cami Blevins, Marias Fair (Pugsley Show Pigs, hog breeder).
4. Juston West, Missoula County (Bip Bagnell, hog breeder).
5. Julia Vanek, Chouteau County (Twin Hills Colony, hog breeder).
Press release author is Rose Malisani with MSU Cascade County Extension. Rose is the SOE coordinator for the State of Montana.
Montana State University U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
