Senior team is state runner-up

The Polk County High School Junior and Senior Dairy Judging Teams participated in the 2018 North Carolina FFA State Dairy Evaluation Career Development Event on April 14 in Iredell County, North Carolina.

Over 65 junior and senior teams competed. The Polk FFA Senior Team placed second in the Western Region, and was the state runner-up, getting edged by 19 points to Brevard High School FFA.

The team was coached by Chauncey Barber, agricultural education instructor, and sponsored by Harmon Brothers’ Dairy.

At the state event, participants are scored based on how well they apply dairy cattle evaluation skills learned in and out of the classroom. Each team evaluates six classes of dairy cattle and defends the reasoning behind their evaluation to a panel of judges.

Senior participants also complete a written test and work collaboratively to select appropriate herd composition. Completing these activities successfully requires a good understanding of both animal science and herd management skills.

The highest scoring team in this event is eligible to compete in the national FFA event at the National FFA Convention in 2018. The top three teams and high scoring individual will be recognized during the 90th North Carolina FFA State Convention in Raleigh June 19-21.

This event is one of 43 different career development events offered to North Carolina FFA members on the state level. The North Carolina Dairy Youth Foundation sponsors the North Carolina FFA Association Dairy Evaluation Career Development Event.

The North Carolina FFA is a youth organization of 20,119 student members preparing for leadership and careers in science, business and technology of agriculture with 263 local chapters across the state. Visit www.ncffa.org for more information.

– Submitted by Chauncey Barber