Versailles FFA members competed in the state dairy cattle career development event, on March 26th at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. The team placed 11th overall out of eighty teams. The team was led by Shawna Schmmitmeyer who placed 41st out of 411 individuals and team members consisted of Lucy Schmitmeyer, Adam Brandt, Blake Schmitmeyer, James Schmitmeyer, Cale Henry, Keria Rahm, and Haley Mescher. Theresa Schmitmeyer placed 21st out of 47 members as a middle school team member. A special thank you to Steve Buschur, Charlie Henry, and Ted Schmitmeyer for hosting a dairy judging practice. Congratulations to everyone who competed!
The dairy foods team attained a notable 10th-place finish out of 34 teams. Team members included Eden Barga, Rhylan Broerman, Adam Rauh, Greta Broering, and Liam Barga. Leading the team was Eden Barga, who placed 22nd individually out of 147 participants. This was the first time in many years that Versailles FFA participated in this contest and thank you to Mrs Wuebker for coaching this team.
The agronomy team delivered an outstanding performance, placing 7th overall out of 50 plus teams. Team members included Gracie Henry, Maggie McGlinch, Simone Grieshop, Patrick McGlinch, Isley DeMange, Drew Geisendorff, Lauren Grogean, Owen DeMange, and Jake Bergman. Gracie Henry led the team with a strong individual performance, ranking 38th overall. The team acknowledges the invaluable coaching and mentorship provided by Greg McGlinch.
The equine evaluation team finished 31st out of 114 competing teams. Team members included Trina Tuente, Mackenzie Spradlin, Allison Pierron, and Ava Jennings, with Trina Tuente leading the team by placing 159th individually. The team expresses gratitude to Madison Warner for facilitating a practice session to enhance their skills.
The general livestock CDE team secured a commendable 20th-place finish overall out of 300 plus teams. Team members included Allee Grimme, Lincoln Winner, Paige Gehret, Roger Winner, Brooklyn Livingston, Noah Seger, and Ava May. Leading the team was Allee Grimme, who placed 59th individually among over 1,000 competitors. In the middle school division, Russell Winner achieved an impressive 45th-place finish out of 285 participants in the middle school contest. The team extends its sincere appreciation to Dylan Hesson and Ian Gehret for their coaching support, as well as to Gary Phlipot, Dylan Hesson, and Gary Gehret for hosting livestock judging practices at their farms.
On Saturday, March 29th, the Versailles FFA Wildlife team participated in the State FFA Wildlife Career Development Event at Hocking College, where they earned an impressive 8th place overall in the state. The team was composed of Luke Kaiser, Josh Henry, Jace Bohman and Sam Albers who represented the top four members. Additional team members included Josie Pothast, Reed Grilliot, Danica York, Ethan Wilker, Jack Borches, Natalie Gehret, Kallie Banks, Eli Keiser, Colten Spradlin, Jaelyn Hecht, Dale Petijean, Cole Williams, Simeon Hess, Logan Nerderman, Jacob Simons and Drake Ahrens. Luke Kaiser demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge, achieving 4th place individually in the state. In the middle school division, Ben Kaiser distinguished himself by placing 8th overall. The Wildlife Career Development Event required participants to demonstrate their proficiency in identifying mammals, birds, plants, fish, and wildlife-related equipment. Additionally, team members engaged in practical exercises related to pond management, game laws and regulations, and habitat management. The Versailles FFA Wildlife team extends its sincere appreciation to Coach John Kaiser for his guidance and dedication in preparing the team for this prestigious competition.
Photos curtesy of Versailles FFA