Caldwell Middle School Livestock Judging Team Moving Up

Picture LTR: Brody Chandler, Wyatt Clark, Laney Johnson, and Sophia Marshall at the recent FFA Livestock Invitational

Caldwell FFA Livestock Judging team placed 19th out of 55 teams at the Ashland FFA Livestock Invitational. According to National FFA, “During the Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE), students work within teams to rank breeding and market classes of beef, sheep and swine and give oral reasons to back up their decisions. Students participating in this CDE make accurate and logical observations of livestock, decide on the desirable traits in marketing and breeding livestock, and select and market livestock that will satisfy consumer demands and provide increased economic returns to producers. Understanding what makes a good market or breeding beef, sheep or swine is valuable knowledge for the decisions every livestock producer has to make. This CDE also encourages students to communicate proficiently, interpret data and work as a team — skills that translate into other career opportunities. ”

Placing were Brody Chandler- 51st, Sophia Marshall- 122nd, Laney Johnson- 148th, and Wyatt Clark- 184th.

“All four of the students placed very well,” their advisor, Katrina Baker, said. “They were judging up against students who were currently in high school and have judged for several years already. I cannot wait to see what this group can do in future contests.”