“It’s a competition, but more than that it’s an educational experience and chance to be active,” said Michigan Livestock Expo Manager Ernie Birchmeier.

Birchmeier indicated this year’s MLE was the best and largest yet in terms of quality and number of animals. More than 750 total animals competed, including about 400 pigs on Sunday. The total number of people involved coming in around several thousand, according to Birchmeier.

“(The MLE) is the premier livestock competition and education event in the state of Michigan,” Birchmeier said.

Height, muscle mass, skeletal structure and foot alignment were some of the qualities evaluated during the event, with the judges ranking each animal.

The MLE also benefits MSU by getting so many visitors on campus.

“It’s an opportunity for exposure for MSU,” Birchmeier said. “There’s a large number of people and animals, and it’s a great opportunity for MSU to play host.”

Birchmeier also said there were visitors from all parts of the state, coming together to compete and learn.

Taylor Copes, a kinesiology senior from MSU who has participated in the MLE each year since it began and raised show pigs for 13 years, echoed Birchmeier’s thoughts.

“You have the opportunity to meet so many people here,” Copes said. “There are so many people here, and you can learn a lot from them.”

Zach Godde of Galesburg, Mich., participated in both the Swine and Beef market shows on Sunday. Godde has participated in the MLE for the last four years and said it hasn’t been easy, but ultimately worth it.

“It’s fun, but it’s a lot of hard work,” said Godde. “The best part is you can see that hard work
pay off.”