The Louisa Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter traveled to the Virginia State Fair on Sept. 29th and Oct. 3rd where they participated in competitions against other counties.
Annually, FFA participates in a variety of events, ranging from agricultural and livestock competitions to technology-based competitions at the state fair.
“We compete in the agriscience research competition, agriculture demonstrations, forestry field day, and hippology contests,” Agricultural teacher Elizabeth Cheesbrew said.
Sophomores Austyn Frame and Garret Rosson started preparing for their agriscience research poster at the beginning of the school year. These were displayed at the state fair, and overall, they placed 20th out of 40.
“Specifically, we did the food science portion of [agriscience],” Frame said.
Sophomore Louisa FFA equine team member Anayah Jackson participated in the hippology competitions at the state fair. The equine team competed alongside 56 other teams.
“I’m competing in the hippology competition there, which is the study of horses,”Jackson said. “It takes a lot to prepare because there’s anything from different bones to different muscles and feet. We stay after on Mondays [to practice], but it’s also a lot of at home practicing as well. We got third overall.”
As a member of FFA, Jackson has been able to improve her knowledge of horses and embrace opportunities that can positively impact her future.
“I own horses, so I just figured it’d be nice to know more about them,” Jackson said. “It’s not just for farmers. There’s many different opportunities that come with FFA, whether it’s a scholarship to certain colleges, jobs, or public speaking [improvement]. It brings so many different opportunities to me, and it’s like a second family. I’ve made many different friendships and bonds through FFA.”
Louisa FFA President Lily Hix competed in the agricultural demonstration contest. There, she was able to showcase her knowledge and commitment not only to FFA but agriculture as a whole.
“I have done this contest since the 6th grade and have done it on everything from a Mastitis test on dairy cattle to clipping chickens’ wings,” Hix said. “This year, I did a demo on Subcutaneous injections and intramuscular injections on cattle. I tied for 1st place out of 34 teams. I was also awarded a scholarship for this win.”
The FFA competitions at the Virginia State Fair are another place where members are able to showcase what they have learned and earn valuable opportunities to further advance their lives.
“I wanted to get a more hands-on experience within school instead of just being behind a desk all day,” Rosson said. “So I stuck with it ever since, and it’s brought me to so many places, to Virginia Tech, to DC, to meet everybody, different politicians, great experiences. It’s really fun, and it can take you everywhere. I can go to Indianapolis in October. It’s just unlimited possibilities.”
