Kylie Schakel handling market lambs during rounds of classes. (Photo provided)
Nine students from Hamilton Heights FFA Chapter competed in the Area Livestock Judging Contest on April 11. Team members judged cattle, swine, sheep and goats for a total of seven classes. Once finished judging, members delivered oral reasons on three classes: Beef, swine and sheep.
After a long day of judging livestock, the senior teams are advancing to the state contest on May 19. The Hamilton Heights FFA Gold team won the entire contest with a total of 1,401 points. Those on the Gold team were Luke Herr, Brady Brennan, Kylie Schakel and Lane Slaton. The Blue team, also advancing to the state contest, placed fifth overall on the day with 1,347 points. Those team members include Chase Brennan, Grace Dent, Blake Webel and Chloe Henderson.
Top 10 judgers were also recognized:
- Second overall senior individual: Luke Herr
- Third overall senior individual: Lane Slaton
- Tenth overall senior individual: Chase Brennan
Grace Allee also competed in the Area Livestock Contest as a junior individual. Grace placed in top 30 as a junior.
When asked why livestock judging is an important piece to his education, Chase Brennan said, “Livestock judging will open doors for me in the future, whether that be a scholarship or judging a show. I enjoy being with the other FFA members on our team and meeting new friends at contests … and also winning!”
(From left) Luke Herr, Lane Slaton and Brady Brennan made up the first place team. (Not pictured: Kylie Schakel) (Photo provided)
Mrs. Carson added that livestock judging is more than cows, sows and ewes. It’s learning to make decisions, defending your placings and overcoming fears of public speaking.
For those unfamiliar with FFA/4-H contests, area contest is the door to state. Teams must place in the top seven in order to move on. The area contest is similar to sectionals in sports. Winning area and advancing to state is quite an accomplishment for the Heights chapter. These members have already begun preparing of the state contest in May.
Livestock Judging is a contest for FFA members to practice and fine-tune their skills in selecting livestock based on market and breeding ideals. Students judge four species: Beef cattle, swine, sheep and goats. After judging each class of livestock, students are then asked to give oral reasons. During oral reasons they are to support their placings of the animals.
(From left) Chloe Henderson, Grace Dent, Chase Brennan and Cole Webel comprised the fifth place team. (Photo provided)
Hamilton Heights FFA is very proud of its members and their dedication and commitment to making the program stronger.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 610,240 student members who belong to one of 7,665 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.