Fantastic Showing By Montana FFA Kids at National Convention

With membership on the increase, Montana FFA appears to be a growing powerhouse. Let's take a look at some of the excellent accolades they recently received.

MONTANA FFA SHINES AT NUMBER 99

The Northern Ag Network tells us that

Montana FFA Members recently returned from participation at the 99th annual National FFA Convention and Expo held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Approximately 600 Montana students attended the convention where they engaged in competitions, leadership workshops, tours and educational seminars.  This annual event attracted over 72,000 FFA members from across the nation.

In the National Livestock Evaluation competition, the fourth-place team in the nation comes from the Big Timber FFA Chapter.  Team members were Haley Anderson, Tresten Rein, Ryal Carroccia and Greeley Kleinsasser. The livestock evaluation event offers participants the chance to gain hands-on experience in evaluating and selecting livestock, including beef cattle, swine, sheep, and meat goats. Through this event, participants will develop the ability to make accurate observations, determine desirable traits, and make informed decisions based on these observations. They will also learn to discuss and defend their decisions, understand industry standards, and effectively communicate using industry terminology. Through this experience, students gain valuable insights and employability skills essential for success in the livestock field.

Other Montana teams placing in the top ten were the Missoula Food Science team who placed 6^th and the Fergus Veterinary Science team who also placed 6^th. Additionally, Shields Valley FFA was recognized as a top 10 finalist in the National Chapter Award program.

READ MORE: $100,000 FWP Grant to Missoula's Rattlesnake Reservoir Park Preserve

OTHER NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS

In addition to the contest placings, 42 members received the American FFA Degree, the highest degree that can be bestowed upon a member and represents at least five years of dedicated participation in the FFA organization. Montana FFA recipients are:

Kennedy Lyson – Baker; Autumn Benson – Corvallis; Savannah Emens and Hadley Fallang – Three Forks; William Ellis, Savanna Freitas, Clancy Setzer and Faye Holland – Beaverhead; Kylee Finn – Cascade; Asha Jerke – Shields Valley; Paige Wertheimer and Trevor Halverson – Big Timber; Claire Murnin – Shepherd; Caden Leversee, Thomas Stott, and Kyona Yeager – Fairfield; Jordan Leach, Madalyne Stokes, Cole Waldusky, and Trey Kinamon – Conrad; Jonathan Saunders and Signe Saunders – Gardiner; Mary Catherine Nagel, Keagan Merritt and Collin Yoshimura – Missoula; Nick Mcallister and Brooke Jackson – Hot Springs; Kaylee Reid and Alexa Smieja – Belgrade; Hallie Iverson, Elsie Wilson and Tally Berwick – Bainville; Madi Gruszie – Chinook; Finn Graveley and Kaycee Corbin – Deer Lodge; Johanna Demars – Winnifred; Madison Birrer and Annika Birrer – Fromberg; Haylee Summers – Stevensville; Coleton Sherman – Mission Valley; Travis Schallenberger – Carter County; and Hayden Lane – Plevna.

Congratulations and thank you to all the state's FFA participants who made Montana proud.