More than 1,000 FFA students from across the state perfected their livestock judging abilities at an event hosted by a local FFA chapter at the Logan County Fairgrounds earlier this month.
The ILHS/OHP FFA Chapter was proud to organize the event that took place March 11 for students from 74 schools across Ohio.
The FFA members honed their judging skills on cattle, sheep, goats and hogs. In addition, they also participated in poultry, equine and dairy cattle contests.
ILHS/OHP FFA Adviser Dan Young said this event is great practice prior to the State FFA Judging contests in late March.
The exercises are all based on standards that the Ohio FFA and Ohio Department of Education require and the content covers material that the students need to know for a career based in livestock.
FFA members take notes during the livestock judging event at the Logan County Fairgrounds. (INDIAN LAKE SCHOOLS PHOTO)
New this year, specially-trained dairy handlers provided students who show at the state level advice on how to increase their scores.
ILHS/OHP FFA members led groups to barns for judging animals in stations throughout the fairgrounds.
Students had about 10 minutes to rank the group of animals and fill out their test sheets. Tests were then turned in and graded by a host of experienced FFA livestock judges ranging from collegiate national team members, and Ohio State University panelists to local experts who judge national and county livestock shows.
The feedback received at this contest should help students in upcoming contests and during fair season this summer.
Local farmers, including many members of the Indian Lake FFA Alumni Group, provided the animals involved in the contests and volunteered to help with the large-scale event.
FFA members participate in swine judging at the March 11 event. (INDIAN LAKE SCHOOLS PHOTO)
