News : Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Members Shine at the Iowa State Fair

Leif Allen’s restored tractor.

Will McKenna is exhibiting his market meat goat.

Abby McKenna is exhibiting her crossbreed market hog.

Dakota Lopata with her Reserve Grand Champion Horticulture Exhibitor award

Kirsten Pettit is exhibiting her rabbits at the Iowa State Fair.

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKenna

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter had an outstanding showing at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, with members competing in a wide variety of events and earning recognition for their hard work. Abby McKenna exhibited swine, placing at the top of her class in showmanship. She earned 4th Overall Landrace Barrow, 6th Overall Chester Gilt, and blue ribbons with her market Duroc and Crossbred barrow. Will McKenna received a blue ribbon for his photography exhibit, placed 3rd in class with his market meat goat, and 10th in class with his breeding meat goat. Kirsten Pettit showed rabbits, earning six blue ribbons, one red ribbon, and a showmanship award. She also entered an Ag Mechanics indoor woodworking project that received a blue ribbon, along with photography entries earning one red ribbon and three white ribbons. Andrew Pingenot entered an Ag Mechanics welding project, receiving a blue ribbon, as well as soybean and corn crops that placed eighth. He also showed a goat that finished 10th in class. Leif Allen, a first-year tractor exhibitor, earned a blue ribbon for his efforts. From the chapter's entries in the Ag Mechanics competition, they earned 9th Place overall. Madeline Pingenot showcased her photography skills, earning two red ribbons. Katelyn Fleming received a blue ribbon for her market wether, blue in commercial ewe, and blue in herdsmanship. Dakota Lopata had an impressive run in vegetables, taking Reserve Overall honors while earning 8 blue, 9 red, 5 white, 4 pink, 6 yellow, 7 green, 2 light green, and 2 brown ribbons across her projects. Evan Lopata earned 3 blues, 7 red, 8 white, 6 pink, 7 yellow, 2 green, 2 light green, and 3 brown ribbons across her projects. Together, they received the 1st Place Chapter in the Horticulture division. The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA is proud of these members for representing the chapter at one of the state's largest and most competitive events. Their success reflects hours of preparation, dedication, and leadership in agriculture.