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Albany FFA members attend convention

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By Kathy Thomson

Three members of the Albany chapter of the Future Farmers of America and sponsor Chris Beard attended the 91st annual Texas FFA State Convention in Fort Worth last week and another local FFA student competed in the State FFA Rodeo that took place during the State Convention.

Seth Hale earned his Lone Star Farmer Degree. 

The Lone Star FFA Degree recognizes FFA members who have received the Chapter degree, been active FFA members for at least two years, completed at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintained a supervised agricultural experience  program, demonstrated their leadership skills, and have shown a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above.

Hale was also one of five finalists for the Lone Star Degree Star in Agribusiness, but he did not win the top spot at state.

The incoming high school junior was one of only 10 FFA members from across the entire state that was presented a $1,000 Ford Leadership Scholars award.

“Seth served as an Area IV officer and was required to attend every session of the convention,” said the chapter advisor. “So Tyler (Beard), Conner (Clark) and I also got up early every morning and attended the entire time, every day.” 

The Texas FFA Conference took place at the Fort Worth Convention Center from Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19.

“Clint Pulver, the keynote speaker, was very good,” said Chris Beard. “The students also visited the exhibit hall, where the kids could go and talk to reps from colleges, feed companies, and a host of industries. The exhibitors were from across Texas and also from out-of-state.” 

Along with the exhibit hall, individual achievement awards, keynote address, leadership development workshops, a dance, FFA rodeo, music concert by Casey Donahew, state officer elections, and chapter awards were presented at the Texas FFA Convention.

Chapter Awards

Albany advanced from area to the state level in two award categories and placed well in both.

Albany FFA earned a Superior National Chapter award.

The local chapter was also honored with a Bronze Golden Horizon Award in Division One (single teacher chapters).

Texas FFA Rodeo

AHS junior Addie Denton competed in the Texas FFA Rodeo and won third place in goat tying. 

The rodeo took place at Shepherd’s Valley Cowboy Church in Alvarado on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, July 14-16.

The first go in barrels was at 6:00 p.m. on July 14. All other events started at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, immediately followed by the second go of all the timed events. 

The top 10 contestants in each event returned for the short go on Tuesday evening.

Denton placed sixth in the first go of Goat Tying and first in the second go, to qualify for the final round on Tuesday. 

She placed fifth in the short go for an overall placing of third in Goat Tying.

The high school FFA member also competed in Breakaway Roping, placing 13th in the first go but missed her calf in the second round of competition.

Denton elected to high lope rather than run all out in the Barrel Race, because she was riding a young, new horse in that event.

“Addie tied her goat in 7.90 seconds in the second go, which was the fastest run in the entire rodeo,” added her mother Dena Denton. “And she had a nice pattern in her first barrel run, but had some equipment problems during her second barrel pattern.”

Texas FFA Convention

The 91st annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 13,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association. 

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 130,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions. 

For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.mytexasffa.org.