HARTINGTON — The Osmond FFA Chapter recently participated in the District FFA Dairy Evaluation Contest, showcasing their knowledge and skills in dairy cattle evaluation and management. The competition, held at the Cedar County Fairgrounds in Hartington, brought together more than 300 FFA members from 16 area schools to test their expertise in the field of dairy cattle management.
The Dairy Evaluation contest challenges students to evaluate various aspects of dairy cattle, including physical conformation, milk production potential, and overall herd management. Participants were tasked with assessing four classes of dairy cattle, ranging from aged milk cows to yearling heifers, and calves.
FFA Advisor Jessica Evans expressed pride in the students’ efforts and dedication. “Our students have put in a lot of time and hard work to prepare for this contest, and it really showed in their performance,” she said. “Participating in events like Dairy Evaluation Contest helps our students gain valuable skills in critical thinking, decision-making, and agricultural science, all of which are important in today’s agriculture industry.”
In addition to evaluating live animals, the students were also tested on their ability to interpret dairy production records and solve practical dairy management problems, further broadening their skills in agricultural analysis.
The senior team of Ava Reikofski, Mackenzie Suhr, Tierney Alexander, and Carson Bolz finished in fourth place, earning a purple ribbon. Individually, Ava Reikofski was in third place earning a purple ribbon. Mackenzie Suhr was 10th place, earning a purple ribbon. Blue ribbons went to Tierney Alexander and Carson Bolz, while Cody Gansebom got a red ribbon.
The junior team of Ava Severson, Dawson Gansebom, Easton Steinkraus, and Remington Schwindt got sixth place, earning a blue ribbon. Individually, blue ribbons went to Ava Severson, Dawson Gansebom, and Easton Steinkraus. Remington Schwindt earned a red ribbon.
The junior high team of Adalyn Koehler, Kenley Friedrich, Katarina Miller and Navaeh Newton got second place and earned a purple ribbon. Individually, Adalyn Koehler was third and got a purple ribbon, Kenley Friedrich got a blue ribbon, and Katarina Miller and Navaeh Newton got red ribbons.
Aidan Stech earned a red ribbon individually in the alternate category.
The Osmond FFA Chapter looks forward to continuing its participation in events like the Dairy Evaluation Contest, which not only fosters agricultural education but also encourage leadership, teamwork, and personal growth among students. As FFA members continue to hone their skills through hands-on experiences, they are preparing to become the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
