CACC News: Poultry Team takes first at FFA National Convention

Congratulations to the team of Loyal Carpenter (HHS), Brooke Eaton (RBHS), Kaitlin Epperson (RBHS) and Maddie Grant (RBHS) for taking first place in the Poultry Career Development Event at the 85^th FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, IN. The Poultry Evaluation CDE is a competitive event that tests the participant’s ability to select top quality poultry and poultry products needed for successful production and marketing. Event participants must complete a written exam on poultry management, evaluate classes of live birds for eggs and meat production, evaluate quality of eggs, and evaluate and identify parts and products. The event was held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Advised by Kevin Duncan, this is the first time a Columbia FFA Poultry team has won at the National level.

Each team member received $1,000 for being on the first place team, along with cash prizes for individually placing in the top ten. Kaitlin Epperson placed second,Maddie Grant placed third, and Loyal Carpenter placed fourth. Loyal also received the Live Bird Evaluation award.

Corporate sponsors Newly Weds Foods, Tyson, and US Poultry and Egg Association hosted the awards banquet and provided the cash awards. In addition, Tyson presented each team member with a commemorative timepiece by Tyson.

Competing at the national level is a great accomplishment. Last spring, students vied for a position on the team by competing in contests throughout the state. The final team was determined based on their placings. They took first at district and state, qualifying them for a national showdown. Loyal, Kaitlin, and Maddie practiced two days a week after school this fall; simulating contest events, studying old tests, preparing for the team activity and even enlisting the help of CACC Math specialist Theresa Yeager. Team member Brooke Eaton, an Iowa State University student, joined them for the trip to Indianapolis where they continued to study until the actual event. The countless hours and determination paid off.

The team will be recognized Monday, November 12 by the Columbia Board of Education.