Dateline: February 26, 2004

FFA members place in Ft. Worth, San Antonio

By Tyler Lewis, FFA Chapter Reporter

With half the show season left, Clarendon FFA members are having success at the major shows.

Recently at the Fort Worth Livestock Show, Ashley Petty placed 9th in middleweight Cross barrows, and Dustin Willyard placed 16th in heavyweight Black O.P.B. barrows. These two exhibitors received premiums for their efforts.

This past week, eight Ag Mechanics students traveled to San Antonio to compete in the San Antonio Livestock Show - Ag Mechanics Project Show.

J.C. Blackburn received a blue ribbon for his Welding Trailer, and Joaenea Horn received a blue ribbon for her Farrowing Crate. Anndria Kidd, Kimberly Tolbert, and Tim Sanchez received a blue ribbon and placed 3rd in “Other Livestock Equipment” class with their A.I. Preparation Station. Dusty Martindale received a blue ribbon and placed 4th in “Other Livestock Equipment” class with his Fencing Equipment Set.

The projects that placed were awarded several tools and prizes to the exhibitors for their efforts. There were over 400 Ag Mechanics projects competing at this year’s show.

“This year the Ag Mechanics Committee really stepped up the quality of their show,” Wheelus said. “They implemented a scholarship program where they give $1000 and $2000 scholarships to class winners and division winners. They gave over $46,000 in scholarships this first year.

“This really adds to the ag mechanics program. Now, not only do these students learn skills, showmanship, and sportsmanship and build character; but now they have an opportunity to win scholarships where before their prizes were tools and small premiums, trophies, and ribbons. Those are nice to have, but the opportunity to gain extended education is priceless in today’s world.”

Clarendon FFA will have students traveling to San Angelo and Houston in the next couple of weeks. They will be competing in Market Barrows, Commercial Steers, and Judging Team competitions.