Osage Beach, Mo.,— An Owensville High School student placed third Feb. 17 in the FFA Pork Speaking Contest state finals during the 2026 Missouri Pork Expo.

Gavin Howerton, a student with the Clinton FFA program, impressed the judges with his speech to win this year’s contest on the topic Building Consumer Trust: How Pork Producers Connect Farm to Fork.

Howerton 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.

Marah Greiman from the Monroe City FFA, placed second, earning $150. Kelby Herbel with the Owensville FFA finished third, earning $100. Also competing in the state finals were Lyla-Rose Adams, East Prairie FFA; Lily Cady, Jefferson FFA; and Kampbell Thomas, Republic 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.