Two members of the National Junior Swine Association were recognized as 2010 Superior Young Swine Producers at the Illinois State Fair last week.

Ashley Kauffman of Danvers, Ill., and Amy Loschen of Kempton, Ill., were recognized among the top five winners in the statewide competition that included a swine management test, skillathon, and swine judging contest.

Kauffman and Loschen, along with other top five competitors Lucas Helton of Strasburg, Wade Springer of Hopedale, and Luke Rincker of Strasburg, received $1,000 scholarships from Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur and a plaque from the Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders Association and the Illinois State Fair.

Dan Jennings, University of Illinois Extension Animal Systems Educator, said, “This contest provides youth with an opportunity to showcase their knowledge of the industry while competing for valuable scholarships to help them pursue their career goals.”