NEW IN 2012:
Iowa and Nebraska circuits will be separated by state!

GPLA will have separate circuits for Iowa and Nebraska youth starting with the 2012 show season. GPLA members will choose which state they would like to participate in on their enrollment form. This decision is final. Members must then attend a minimum of 2 shows in that state to be eligible for year-end awards. The Grand Finale is a bonus and not included in the 2 show requirement. Youth may also choose to compete in both Iowa and Nebraska concurrently but must meet the minimum show requirements for each state. Iowa shows only count towards Iowa points and Nebraska shows only count towards Nebraska points.

Great Plains Livestock Association is organized to promote youth education and involvement in the swine industry. GPLA is open to Junior members (youth 21 years and under as of January 1 of the current year) in Iowa and Nebraska.

The purpose of GPLA is to encourage young people to learn about all phases of the swine industry by making an educated buying decision and taking proper care of their animals from feeder pig to market hog and learning about how to make the best of their animal in the show ring. GPLA then rewards members for their hard work and dedication to the swine industry.

Many of our members raise their own pigs from farrow to finish and are faced with every day management decisions. The importance of swine health and nutrition is addressed from the time of conception to a finished product.

GPLA will sanction shows in Iowa and Nebraska who wish to take advantage of the show circuit. Each show will have several breed divisions for market hogs, breeding gilts as well as a showmanship contest where members can receive sweepstake points. The showmanship division places importance on the member's show ring abilities and their swine project knowledge.

Members will compete for points in several divisions at each show throughout the summer which will culminate in one Grand Finale and the end of the season. There will again be one Grand Finale at the end of the season for members of both states together. Members from both states will compete against each other in a skillathon, obstacle course, speech contest and any other like activities the board puts together. The live shows and showmanship contests for Iowa and Nebraska members will be divided by state and held in adjoining rings concurrently. The intent of the Grand Finale is to allow youth a chance to showcase the skills they've gained from their project, their passion for the swine industry and to allow members to develop lifelong friendships. At the conclusion of the activities and shows we will have a dinner and end of the year awards ceremony to present the season long awards for those who competed in the circuit.

Through this association the youth learn to exhibit good sportsmanship, responsibility and a desire to remain involved in the swine industry. This association helps to prepare youth for their future in the agricultural industry and holds great value to all who participate, parents, youth and siblings as well as sponsors and breeders.

100% of proceeds from sponsorships and enrollment fees will go back into maintaining the website, sending out newsletters and awards for the youth at the end of the season.