S-E-M FFA members traveled to Ord on Tuesday, March 6th to compete in the District 8 livestock Judging competition. FFA members judged 6 classes of livestock and one cull/keep class. The classes consisted of Breeding Gilts, Market Hogs, Market Lambs, Breeding Ewes, Market Heifers, Bulls, and the cull/keep class was replacement heifers. The students had prepared earlier in the year with units discussing Livestock Selection in Animal Science and Introduction to Agriculture Classes. Students not in those classes built off of the knowledge they gained previously by coming in before or after school to brush up on their skills.
In the Senior Division, the team consisting of Railen Ripp (a distance student from Kearney), Rachel Ibach, Brandon Trampe, and Kristen Karlberg earned the district champion plaque. Individually Railen was 1st place, Rachel 6th, and Brandon and Kristen received Blue Ribbons. Railen earned some individual praise from the judges about her reason giving skills and Kristen and Brandon had never given reasons before, so this was definitely a great day for them. Jessica Lourenco, Joe Harshbarger and Brian Guerra also competed in the senior division.
In the Junior Division, the highlight was Angel Boteo coming away with the individual champion honor, beating out over 65 other competitors. Not far behind was Miranda Pierce in a three way tie for 3rd. Also receiving blue ribbons in the Junior division was Darin Barth, Brayden Smith and Shaylee Burr. The Junior team received 6th place.
In the Junior High Division the judgers received the first place team plaque led by the 4th place finish of Sage Williams and the 5th place finish of Jason Line. Blues went to Dawnae Nichols, Austin Jeffery, and Kacie Dittmar. Alicia Pierce received a Red Ribbon. Kacie and Alicia had never judged before and this was also only Austins second time Judging.
The hard work has been paying off all year for the SEM FFA members. Their skills will be put to the test in two weeks at the state FFA convention March 28-30 in Lincoln where the Judgers and other state qualifying teams will compete.
