Blue Jackets do well at State
Colton Sherman of Ronan prepares for FFA judging competition, held last month at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Ronan. Sherman took first in Livestock Judging and Agriscience at last week's state convention. (Susan Lake photo)
Mission Valley FFA showed their mettle in Great Falls March 21-25 during the 93rd Montana State FFA convention, which celebrates students and their accomplishments.
Over 1,400 Blue Jackets, their advisors, chaperones and families came together for workshops, seminars, a trade fair, local factory and production tours. FFA students vied for the opportunity to represent Montana at the national level in Indianapolis.
Mission Valley teams placed second in Agricultural Sales with Isaac Cantlon in fourth and Gunnar Lahaug in fifth as individuals. The Poultry team placed third with Hannah Fussel placing ninth as an individual. The Meats team came in 10th place. The Ag Mechanics team notched third place with Isaac Cantlon in first and Briar Largent in seventh as individuals.
Mission Valley’s team took 15th in Horse Judging with Abigail Porte in the second place individual position. Livestock Judging took fifth with Colton Sherman in first place; and the Vet Science team took eighth. The Forestry team took third with Will James Courville in fourth, Hunter Learn in eighth and Cale Snyder in ninth as individuals. In Agriscience, Colton Sherman took first in his division.
After some technical issues were resolved involving scoring, Mission Valley FFA was also named winner of ATMS (Ag Mechanics) and Horse Judging.
The Mission Valley FFA Seniors were awarded the Montana State FFA degree – the highest state award that can be won. Logan Lahaug received the FFA Legacy Scholarship.
Jaylea Lunceford stepped down as 2022-2023 Montana State Secretary and Gunnar Lahaug was named 2023-2024 Montana State Sentinel. These officers represent the state across the nation, and help inform, motivate and inspire others through FFA leadership.
“If you see an FFA member out in the community this month give them a big congratulations,” suggests advisor Casey Lunceford. “These kids are placing in the top 10 in the state and have earned some recognition and a nap.”
The next event will be the local FFA Banquet in May.