FFA judging teams prepare for competition

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School FFA members have been competing in area Career Development Events (CDEs) to prepare for district and area meets. 

AHS ag teacher and FFA sponsor Chris Beard said students competed at Tarleton on Thursday, March 25 and at Weatherford College on Thursday, April 1.

Students competed in Horse Judging, Land, and Livestock.

“The kids are doing a great job at these meets,” said Beard. “We are going against a large number of other teams, and I’m pleased with the results I’m seeing.”

The Wildlife Judging team of Brodey Jones, Cade Neve, Ty Everitt, Blanton Belcher, and Jackson Chapman will compete in the Region 5 meet on Monday, April 12 at the Holt River Ranch-Glen Rogers in Graford. 

Because the meet combines district and regional, winning teams will advance to state competition.

The remaining CDE’s will be held on Wednesday, April 14 at Tarleton State University.

The Tarleton meet will combine district and area with winners also advancing to state competition. 

“The students are studying and watching videos related to their events,” Beard said. “The Horse Judging team is riding daily and studying other horses at rodeos and playdays. The Wildlife team is studying plants.”

The Horse Judging team members are Addie Beth Denton, Elizabeth Chavez, Landree Connally, and Susie Cormack. 

Livestock team members include Leddie Leech, Morgan Garcia, Carli Edgar, and Gracie Price. 

CDEs build on what FFA students have learned in their ag classes and are designed to help members prepare for an agricultural career. 

The students’ technical, leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, as well as their knowledge of the subject matter, are tested and challenged during a CDE.