The Oklahoma Youth Expo is by far the world’s largest junior livestock show. And okPORK is privileged to be a part of it year after year.

There were over 5,000 swine projects exhibited this year. Looking at hundreds of great hogs is always a good day but seeing the smiles of the kids driving those projects made it a spectacular week! Those kids are why okPORK invests more than $18,000 in OYE. Those dollars are split between scholarships, prize sponsorships, feeding the swine committee and judges daily and premium sale purchases.

The top three market hogs were; Grand Champion, a Hampshire exhibited by Madilyn Norvell of Amber-Pocasset 4-H, Reserve Champion, a Crossbred exhibited by Ty Goss of Leedey FFA, and the Bronze Medallion, a Crossbred exhibited by Gavin Straka of Yukon 4-H.

“Being part of OYE is a highlight for me each year,” said Roy Lee Lindsey, okPORK executive director. “There is no other youth livestock event in the country that compares, and we are fortunate to host this event right here in Oklahoma City. okPORK and Oklahoma’s hog farmers will continue to support Oklahoma’s ag youth at OYE for many years.

One especially fun aspect of the OYE is the legislative showmanship night. Members of the Oklahoma House and Senate are paired up with a showman and learn how to exhibit a hog, lamb, goat steer or heifer. Several of the youth exhibitors leading the legislators were alums of our Youth Leadership Camp. It’s always great to see them leading the way and get a hug their necks.

So, mark your calendars for March 2020 and be sure to catch some of the OYE action.