By Andi Anderson
The 2026 Iowa State Fair Livestock Skillathons provided young participants with an opportunity to strengthen their agricultural knowledge while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. This year, 299 Iowa youth took part in the competitions, with 100 teams representing 57 counties across the state.
The skillathons focused on swine, sheep, beef, and goat production. Participants completed a variety of hands-on learning stations designed to test their understanding of animal agriculture and prepare them for future livestock projects and careers.
Throughout the contests, youth identified livestock breeds, feed ingredients, hay samples, meat cuts, equipment, and production practices. They also answered questions related to nutrition, genetics, animal health, biosecurity, meat quality, business management, and livestock care.
According to participant feedback, learning new information was the most enjoyable part of the event. Many also highlighted the value of hands-on activities, teamwork, spending time with friends, and testing their knowledge in a competitive setting.
Amy Powell, Animal Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, emphasized the educational value of the event. She said, "The feedback reinforces why Skillathon continues to be such a valuable educational experience. Youth aren't just memorizing facts. They're applying practical livestock knowledge, working through real-world problems as a team and learning information they can take back to their own projects and farms."
Participants reported learning about breed identification, genetics, feed and nutrition, meat quality, wool and fiber production, animal health, biosecurity, livestock handling, and agricultural business concepts. Many stated that they planned to apply these lessons to their own livestock projects.
The hands-on format played an important role in the event's success. Activities involving feed evaluation, breed identification, hay analysis, medications, meat quality assessment, and livestock equipment helped participants connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural practices.
Youth also emphasized the importance of teamwork. Working together to solve challenges, discuss answers, and meet other participants helped create a positive learning environment.
The skillathons were conducted throughout the Iowa State Fair, with swine and sheep contests held on August 16, beef on August 18, and goat on August 19. Awards for the swine and beef competitions were sponsored by JBS, with additional support from the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Premier 1 Supplies sponsored the sheep and goat skillathon awards.
Event organizers also recognized the efforts of approximately 60 volunteers, including industry professionals, educators, and representatives from Iowa State University, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa 4-H, JBS, and the Iowa Beef Center. Their support helped provide meaningful educational experiences and encouraged the next generation of agricultural leaders across Iowa.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle