FFA speaks of national success

Back row: Addison Huber, Tyler Young, Justin Leman, Lily Schaffer, Layne Schaffer, Kaylee Skaggs, Kylie Miller. Front row: Kamber Kilgus, Ellie Ellis, Abbey Bachtold, Samantha Slagel.

Representatives from the nationally-recognized Prairie Central FFA teams spoke at Tuesday’s meeting of the Fairbury Rotary Club.

Once again, Prairie Central’s FFA chapter saw much success at the national level last fall.

The Ag Communications team received second place and a scholarship. They had to make a communications plan for a company – something the team members referred to as a “great experience.”

Food Science received second at nationals and had to pick and choose ingredients to make a product. They also learned different smells and focused on safety.

The Dairy Judging Cattle Evaluation team was eighth in the nation. They presented to a panel of judges and took a test.

Ag Business also went to the national contest answering questions on taxes and cash flow while the Vet Science team also competed, receiving seventh place, with a real world experience with large and small animals.

Horse Judging was a silver team overall. They judged classes, took a written test and worked through a team problem.

Dairy Products received second in the nation with Samantha Slagel and Hannah Miller in the top 10. Their work included cheese tasting, smelling and identifying along with a team problem.

Hannah Miller was national champion for her swine entrepreneurship proficiency award.

Work didn’t stop after the national convention as members of the Prairie Central FFA had meats and livestock judging events and had the chance to judge out in the western United States. They even took a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to an international processing and production expo.

It was noted this year’s PC FFA Farm and Home Show at Forrest was a record-breaking event with vendor spots full and 550 meals served that day. This is something the FFA members and alumni look forward to hosting each year.

This is judging season for FFA and it is sure to be a busy time as spring approaches. A district contest is next Wednesday.

“Why are we so good?” one Rotarian asked, referring to the PC FFA chapter.

“Our kids have a lot of passion for it,” replied one of the PC FFA advisors, Kylie Miller.

“We have passionate ag teachers too,” suggested Addison Huber, FFA reporter.

PC FFA members speak to the Fairbury Rotary Tuesday afternoon.