Agricultural News
Morrison FFA Tops 2019 Tulsa Farm Show Livestock Handling Contest
Tue, 17 Dec 2019 11:25:34 CST
Thirty youth from across Oklahoma competed in the 2019 Tulsa Farm Show Livestock Handling Scholarship Contest Dec. 13. Sponsored by American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU), the annual competition showcases the skills of young 4-H and FFA members in practical, real-life cattle handling scenarios, such as weighing for accurate dosage, vaccinating and tagging calves in a hydraulic chute. Contestants are judged on skill, accuracy and efficiency as they process the animals.
"While stress-free processing has always been a goal of good cattlemen, proper and efficient handling has become even more important in the modern age of livestock production," said AFR/OFU Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. "With an increased need to diversify herds, producers can now expect cattle of all ages and backgrounds to be sent through the chute. It's vital that young producers understand the needs of each animal."
The annual contest begins in July with a written exam that measures students' knowledge of livestock handling practices. At the state level, the competition emphasizes the application of classroom study to actual agricultural production scenarios. In order to excel, students must take knowledge out of the classroom and apply it in a real world situation.
"The industry needs young producers more than ever," said Blubaugh. "We hope this contest encourages young producers on their path to becoming full-fledged cattlemen and cattle women. This is a noble profession to pursue. We want them to know we'll be supporting them every step of the way."
The livestock handling written exam takes place at Oklahoma State University's Big Three Field Days. Ten teams of three students qualify for the state competition, with the top two teams from each FFA district advancing to the finals. The ten final teams are guaranteed cash scholarship awards and top-placing teams also receive prize buckles, all sponsored in part by AFR/OFU. This year's first place team also won a Priefert Sweep System to be used by the entire FFA chapter.
The overall winners of this year's Tulsa Farm Show Livestock Handling Scholarship Contest are:
1st Place - Morrison FFA Chapter: Laramie Coffey, Devyn Bales, Ethan Petree
2nd Place - Cherokee FFA Chapter: Riley Hensley, Drake Williams, Treavor Green
3rd Place - Amber-Pocasset FFA Chapter: Pace Mittelstaedt, Blake Janssen, Kaden Ferrell
4th Place - Chickasha FFA Chapter: Lane Cade, Emma Victery, Joseph Victery
5th Place - Battiest FFA Chapter: Reanna Delozier, Luke Delozier, Bryson Berry
6th Place - Latta FFA Chapter: Jonathan Morrow, Angelle Jimenez, Kaycee Reeves
7th Place - Perkins-Tryon FFA Chapter: Kaden Brunker, Tate Armstrong, Kailyn Twyman
8th Place - Central FFA Chapter: Amber Tugmon, Kinley Keyser, Makenna Fishgrab
9th Place - Welch FFA Chapter: Justin Haskell, Austin Jaskell, Ethan Costerisan
10th Place - Pawnee FFA Chapter: Conner Skidgel, Blake Skidgel, Stetson Leforce
Each year, AFR/OFU partners with Midwest Shows, Inc., and other sponsors to offer the livestock handling program. For more information on the Tulsa Farm Show Livestock Handling Scholarship Contest or other AFR/OFU-sponsored youth events, contact AFR/OFU Youth Coordinator Vanessa Wiebe at (405)218-5561 or vanessa.wiebe@afrmic.com
AFR/OFU Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR/OFU provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma's family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state's agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR/OFU principles.
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