READLYN -- A pig can serve many a purpose. But beyond the frying pan, just what and how much of a pig is useful?

Just ask Jennifer Leistikow. The 20-year-old Readlyn native recently won the title of 2008 Iowa Pork Queen. One of 11 county pork queens vying for the crown, Leistikow had to demonstrate a healthy knowledge of all things hog.

"You can use every part of the hog except the oink," Leistikow quipped. "Meat … crayons … footballs. That's an easy one."

Leistikow discovered the fun facts while studying up for the queen competition. Judges also quizzed contestants about the pork industry and asked contestants to make a speech, give a mock media interview and to serve up pork burgers at a picnic -- the latter a test in people skills.

"The only thing you can do is your best," Leistikow said. "It's really about just having fun and trying your best."

While Leistikow's interest in pork may seem unusual to her peers, to other it seems a natural extension of her upbringing.

Leistikow is the daughter of Kevin and Deanne Leistikow. The couple has operated a custom swine-feeding operation northeast of Readlyn for the past 10-plus years, according to their oldest daughter.

As a child, Leistikow often visited her grandparents' dairy farm to help with chores. Although she isn't always a fan of getting greasy or dirty, Leistikow enjoys other aspects of farm life: combining, planting a tree line or helping around the house.

During her reign as the Bremer County Fair Queen, Leistikow's used her talents to promote pork. She's visited elementary schools, talked on the radio and answered pig questions at county fairs. As Iowa Pork Queen, she expects she'll get to do more of the same but on a larger scale.

Leistikow also earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Those in the pork industry feel the queen competition is an important tradition.

"It's been a longtime symbol of a high honor … ," said Kevin Rasing, president of Bremer County Pork Producers.

Come fair time, it's hard to miss the queen and all her regalia. The banner and crown and flashing smile catches the crowd's attention, Rasing said. But underneath the glitter is substance. Those who walk away with the queen's crown really learn a lot about pork, Rasing said.

Those in the industry hope pork queens pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm to Iowa youth.

Fewer counties are holding pork queen contests and fewer county queens are going on to compete at state, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association. For example, the association knows of around 20 registered county pork queens but only 11 participated in the 2008 contest.

And Iowa is reportedly one of just two states that offer the competition, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Northeast Iowa advocates are aware of the problem.

"It's getting harder and harder to find people because so many people are getting out of raising hogs," said Leanne Wehling.

Wehling helps with Bremer County's pork queen contest and also education. She is also the 2004 Bremer County Pork Queen.

Those who chose to participate may have varying levels of experience, said Wehling, but all have an intimate connection to pork production and recognize its economic significance. By promoting Iowa pork, some are advocating for their future.

"And a lot of us have grown up on hog farms," Wehling said. "It's important to support your product."

These days, Leistikow lives a ways from the family farm. A sophomore at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Leistikow plans to major in business management and may attend law school.

But she plans to stay in touch with her roots and expects to have a lifelong relationship with agriculture, be it through career, volunteerism or activism.

"I really love being active in agriculture," Leistikow said. "I think it has such a major influence on our future."

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.