News

Columbia, Missouri FFA judging team among convention winners

The Columbia FFA Chapter won the Missouri FFA Livestock Judging competition among the 59 teams competing.  Team member Aaron Mott, also chosen during the convention to be 2017-2018 Missouri FFA Vice President from Columbia, tells Brownfield having to defend and explain placings of cattle, sheep and swine sharpens a young individual.

“Honestly, I think I have livestock judging to thank as a big part of me being able to come out and speak in front of people; [having to give] reasons is definitely a nerve-racking experience where you have to remember what you said, you need to keep your composure and maintain eye contact,” Mott told Brownfield Ag News Friday, after learning that his team had won the judging competition.  “There are just so many lessons you can learn from that, but also the knowledge that you gain about the industry and what’s really important, and also the people you can meet.”

Mott placed fifth in the state individually.  The top placing individual livestock judge is Jake Forney of the Monroe City, Missouri, FFA Chapter.  Columbia’s livestock judging team, who will go on to compete at the National FFA Convention in October, also includes Audrey Wooden, Derek Strawn and Wyatt Thompson.

During his interview, Mott gave credit to previous judging coach, Nathan Martin, and also to this year’s coach, Shannon Yokley, an accomplished livestock judge in her own right and also Brownfield digital products coordinator.

The many honorees and contest winners among the 26,000 Missouri FFA members announced at the 89^th Annual Convention can be accessed here.

 

AUDIO: Aaron Mott (6 min. MP3)