Staff writer
Almost a dozen Marion County youths traveled to Denver, Colo., to exhibit animals and participate in a variety of agricultural contests at the National Western Stock Show in Denver last week.
After months of preparation, Lisa and Lauren Geis, Bryce and SaRae Roberts, and Darren Mueller from the Hillsboro area went west to show sheep on the national stage.
Bryce Roberts placed seventh in the lightweight lamb division.
Centre FFA and the Tampa 4-H club sent a swine crew including Chad Mueller, Karl Riffle, Kyle Riffle, Callie Riffle, Kailyn Riffle, and Jared Barney to the annual competition, as well as a group of hogs for a judging contest.
In breed competition, Chad Mueller placed fifth with a Duroc pig bred by Ethan Frantz of Hillsboro. Jared Barney earned ninth place in the Duroc and Crossbred competitions. Karl Riffel placed ninth with his Hampshire pig.
Parents Rickey Roberts, Deb Geis, and James Riffle accompanied the youths to Denver.
“It was a great learning experience for all of us,” Roberts said. “We were very proud of our Marion County youth.”