Thomas County Central FFA members attended the Area 5 Career Development Event competition at Brooks County High School on Tuesday, Sept. 25. The chapter had several teams and individuals participate. One individual student advanced to the next leg of area competition and one team advanced to state competition, both to be held this November.
TCCHS had two teams compete in the Meat Evaluation event. This CDE is designed to help students develop industry employment skills, expand their knowledge of meat animal marketing and merchandising, strengthen analytical skills and critical thinking strategies, and learn proper meat terminology. It also improves students’ ability to evaluate meat products to enhance economic returns and meet consumers’ needs.
The senior team of Peyton Greene, Blayne Paschall and Dylan Halphen placed fifth. The junior team of Taylor Stegall, Ashley Brannen and Kristen Williams earned first place and advancement to state competition in Athens Nov. 3. Stegall was also named the highest individual (scorer) for the junior contest.
The Job Interview CDE develops and promotes employability skills for the agriculture industry. It simulates “real world” activities used by actual employers. TCCHS student Douglas Hopkins placed second in this event and moves on to the next round of area competition on Nov. 13 in Irwin County.
The TCCHS Farm Business Management team consisting of Shelby Lewis, Hanna Moser, Rodney Cercy and Cannon Wheeler placed 12th in their CDE. This event teaches management skills and critical and analytical thinking.
Floral Design promotes interest and study of the design and marketing of floral arrangements through ag education. TCCHS junior Aysha McBride placed but did not move on to state.
Land Judging asks participants to determine soil characteristics and land capability classes based on those traits. It also develops skills in determining agricultural land use and treatment practices to conserve soil and water. The TCCHS team in this event was Eli Collier, Breanna Long, Jackson Wilson and TJ Saunders. Placing is TBA.