Carrington FFA excels at National FFA Convention

October 29, 2024

The Carrington FFA Chapter has a long tradition of competing at a high level at the National FFA Convention, and 2024 was no different. This year, the chapter had three teams competing at the national level – livestock judging, agricultural mechanics and floriculture. Fourteen of the chapter's members traveled to Indianapolis for the annual event, where more than 71,096 FFA members from across the country meet.

Livestock Judging

It's been 17 years since the Carrington FFA Chapter has represented the state of North Dakota in the livestock judging competition at the National FFA Convention, and this team was driven to accomplish some big goals. After judging 12 classes, giving 4 sets of oral reasons and answering ten team questions, the Livestock Judging Team tied for second place, ultimately earning the third place award after the oral reasons tie breaker. Molly Hansen was the seventh place individual, earning a $400 cash award. Cally Hansen tied for the 10th place individual, receiving 13th place after the oral reasons tie breaker. Cyrena Kuss placed 41st, earning a gold award, and Isabel Wendel placed 73rd, earning a silver award. During the awards ceremony, event organizers commented about the competitiveness of this year's livestock judging competition multiple times. Forty-four teams and 176 individuals from across the United States and Puerto Rico competed in this year's contest.

"There are no words to describe the emotions of this past week at National FFA Convention," said Molly Hansen. "I am grateful for the opportunity to compete on the highest level alongside my sister and teammates, and I am proud to say we took full advantage of it!"

Specialty awards were also distributed at the awards ceremony. Cally Hansen placed fifth in the swine category. Molly Hansen placed seventh in the oral reasons category. The team placed fifth in swine, fifth in sheep/goats and 10th in beef.

"The most exciting part for me is the fact that we have been competing together for so long and we were able to come so far in our judging careers together," said Isabel Wendel. The group has been livestock judging together through 4H, and now FFA, for the last six years.

With their third place finish, the team has been invited to compete at the international contest held at the Royal Highland Livestock Show in Scotland next summer.

"This team worked hard all fall, and I am incredibly proud of them," said advisor Missy Hansen. "Our goal was to place in the top ten and a third place finish far exceeded that goal, especially given the competitiveness of this contest and the high caliber students competing from across the country."

Agricultural Mechanics

The FFA Agricultural Mechanics Team placed ninth at the National FFA Convention, earning a gold award. Individually, Sam Simons placed 21st, earning a gold award; Joe Lindberg placed 22nd, earning a gold award; Bryan Harris placed 34th, earning a gold award and Gabe Ricter placed 83rd, earning a silver award. A total of 43 teams from across the United States and 173 individuals competed in this year's event.

As part of their competition, the agricultural mechanics team had to complete a team activity that involved measuring, mixing and pouring concrete. The team also had to write a written report about the concrete project. Individually, the students took a written test and completed five practicums related to electric motors, a single-cylinder diesel engine, a John Deere Lawn Mower, arc and flux-core welding and surveying.

Floriculture

The Floriculture Team placed 18th at the National FFA Convention, earning a silver award. Individually, Izzy Neuman placed 44th, earning a gold award; Emma Aberle placed 56th, earning a gold award; Kelsi Neuman placed 77th, earning a silver award and Abby Lee placed 106th, earning a silver award.

In the floriculture competition, individuals complete a team activity that involved preparing floral items and a presentation. Individually, the students took a general knowledge and problem-solving test. They also had to identify different floriculture plants and equipment, perform asexual propagation on floral stock and design and price a floral arrangement, body piece and mixed planter.

Other Highlights

During the National FFA Convention, Carrington FFA members also participated in the Days of Service community service project, where they helped organize donated articles of clothing at the St. Vincent de Paul Distribution Center.

Bailey Ness also filled in as a national delegate where she was able to participate in discussion of the Delivery of National Level Competitive Events Committee.

In addition to the students' incredible competitive success at this year's convention, we are proud of the way they represented our chapter, our school and community.