Members of the Black River FFA chapter participated in multiple judging career development events March 17 at the Ashland FFA Invitational. Team members participated in the Horse Judging, General Livestock and Nature competitions.

The Nature Interpretation competition consists of a students’ capability to evaluate and/or determine techniques of leading nature and wildlife programs. Contestants will identify problem plant and animal species, including invasive and non-native species, and select those practices to best control the species based on the scenario provided.  In addition, each student will complete a 50-question written exam. The team placed eighth overall. The team consisted of William Blicha (6th) and Trent Youngeberg (14th).

The Horse Judging competition consists of judging two halter classes, one performance, and a class of hay, identifying different types of tack and equipment, and taking a 50-question written test. Overall the horse team placed fifth out of 25 teams and 144 individuals. The team consisted of Chloee Howard (1st), Madison Bias (10th), Abigail Groesser (14th), and Melanie Grove (81st).

The General Livestock competition consists of members judging both breeding and market classes for sheep, goats, swine and beef cattle. Participants also answer conformation and production questions for each class in addition to completing a current market grid. The team consisted of Breanna Clifford (1st), Anna Shearer (14th), Jared Bradford (20th), Molly Cordonnier (23rd), Brianna Englehart (29th), Hope Diaz (34th), Callee Aviles (47th), Rebecca Stroud (63rd), and Cori Aviles (85th).

Congratulations to all team members!

 Nature Interpretation Team L-R - Trent Youngeberg, Billy Blicha
Nature Interpretation Team
L-R – Trent Youngeberg, Billy Blicha
 Equine Judging Team L-R - Melanie Grove, Abby Groesser, Madison Bias, Chloee Howard
Equine Judging Team
L-R – Melanie Grove, Abby Groesser, Madison Bias, Chloee Howard
Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
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Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
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Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
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Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
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Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
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Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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