On Friday, February 25, 11 members of the Lord Botetourt FFA Chapter competed in the Block and Bridle Senior State Stockman’s Competition. The competition is held at Virginia Tech every year, with middle school and high school FFA chapters along with 4H members from all over Virginia competing.
The competition included five judging classes including a class of Simmental Heifers, Suffolk Ewes, Duroc Boars, a class of hay and Meats. Students also had to identify different cuts of meats, types of feeds, Cattle handling equipment, breeds of livestock and take a general knowledge exam. After completing the individual portion of the competition, the members met with their team members to solve a complex team problem.
Students participate in this competition to prepare them for careers in the agriculture industry, however many times it is because of a love of animals that draws them to it. “I love animals and it is a lot of fun to participate in,” stated Hailey Lee, one of the team members.