A four-member Fernley High School FFA team earned bronze honors at the National FFA Livestock Evaluation Contest last week in Indianapolis, Indiana, placing 33rd out of 46 teams and finishing just one spot short of a silver designation.
The contest, held in conjunction with the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 21-24, drew 46 teams and 182 competitors from across the country. Teams qualified for the national competition by winning their respective state contests.
The Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event tests students' knowledge of animal agriculture and their ability to evaluate livestock for breeding and marketing purposes. Competitors evaluate beef cattle, swine, sheep and meat goats, assessing the animals' physical characteristics, quality and desirable traits.
Students must also demonstrate their decision-making and communication skills by explaining and defending their evaluations using industry terminology. The competition is designed to develop practical skills that can be applied to livestock production, agricultural business and other careers in the livestock industry.
Awards were given on a gold, silver and bronze scale. Three Fernley students earned silver individual emblems, while one earned bronze.
Arianna Walker received a silver emblem and finished 59th overall. Ainsley Blackorby earned silver and placed 83rd, while Dylan Viehland earned silver and finished 105th. Jayde Thomas received a bronze emblem and placed 168th.
Fernley High School FFA adviser Sydney Botts said the students spent more than two years preparing to compete at the national level and represented Fernley High School and Nevada FFA well.
“We had an incredible week and are very proud of our students,” Botts said. “They have worked very hard for over two years to qualify and compete at this level, and we are proud of the way they have represented FHS and Nevada FFA.”
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