The West Rowan FFA Chapter attended the 86th State FFA Convention in Raleigh from June 17 to 19.
Thirty-two of West Rowan’s FFA members attended and competed in various career development events. West Rowan’s Kaelyn Cranford, Will Lytle, Abby Martin and Sam Reeder competed in the Milk Quality and Products career development event and placed third. Hannah Addair, Morgan Bullock, Tyler Myers, Wood Poteat, Sam Kennedy and Kayla Blackburn competed in the Agricultural Issues Forum event and earned second place.
The State Agriscience Fair was also conducted for students interested in the science and technology of agriculture. In Division I, Amanda Timmerman placed first in social science, and Madeline Wilhelm placed first in food systems. In Division II, Matthew Myers placed first in animal systems. Ashley Wood and Raegan Owen placed first in plant systems, Emilee Eremie and Mackenzie Koontz placed first in animal systems, and Amber White and Emily Muire placed second in social systems in Division III. In Division IV, Tanner Bailey and Justin Walther placed first in power and technical systems.
West Rowan’s FFA chapter also received the National Chapter Award, recognizing West Rowan as the third best chapter in the state.
Several of West Rowan’s FFA members also received Proficiency Awards, honoring members who have gained specialized skills they can apply to their future through their supervised agricultural experiences.
The following students placed first in the state: Jacob Watson for North Carolina star farmer, Lauren Luther for North Carolina star agribusiness, Austin Teeter for beef production placement, Jacob Radtke for diversified livestock, Brandon Lottes for forest management and products, Clinton Euchner for nursery operations, Ryan Menius for sheep production, Jacob Watson for vegetable production and Noah Teeter for wildlife production and management.
The following students placed second in the state: Jacob Steele for beef production entrepreneurship, Morgan Bullock for equine science placement and Ryan Menius for dairy production.
Seven of West Rowan’s FFA members received the State FFA Degree, including Hannah Addair, Will Lytle, Kaelyn Cranford, Bailey Stolsworth, Jacob Steele, Zack Russell and Trey Lloyd. Five received the American FFA Degree, including Bailey Kepley, Megan Kepley, Jordan Myers, Austin Smith and Claire Steele.
Several other career development events were held on different dates. Ryan Menius placed third in dairy handling. Breanna Estrada, Sam Kennedy and Matthew Myers competed in dairy cattle evaluation and management on Oct. 9, where they had to evaluate, manage and select dairy cattle. The team placed second.
The agronomy career development was held on Nov. 16. Will Lytle, Sam Kennedy, Sam Reeder and Matthew Myers were on the team, and they got first place.
Some of West Rowan’s other FFA members competed in career development events at an event on March 12 at N.C. State University. Abby Martin, Kaelyn Cranford, Morgan Bullock and Natalie Winecoff competed in the agricultural sales career development event. This team placed third.
Timmy Wilmont, Madeline Wilhelm, Jessica Sullivan and Amanda Timmerman competed in the farm business management junior career development event. The team placed first.
Hannah Addair, Tyler Myers and Kayla Blackburn competed in the marketing plan career development event. This team got first place.
The teams that placed first will go on to compete at a national level at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.