LaRue FFA excels at state and national levels

LaRue County FFA members won two state FFA contests last week and were selected as national finalists in two proficiency areas.

The Food Science and Technology team will participate in the National FFA Food Science and Technology Career Development Event during the 83rd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 20-23 after winning the state contest at Morehead State University on July 26. Members of the team are Nathan Atwell, Brittney Corbin, Ben Tucker and Caleb Whelan.

Tucker was the state’s highest scoring individual in the Food Science CDE. Participants take an objective test, design and formulate or reformulate a simulated food product, practice quality assurance-Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles, conduct a sensory analysis and apply food safety and sanitation principles.

Dairy Foods Team

The Dairy Foods Team will participate in the National FFA Dairy Foods Career Development Event during the Convention.

Members of the team are Justin Carter, Craig Dunn, Kellie Owen, and Lannah Wheeler.

Participants test milk samples for flavor, identify cheese samples as well as evaluate milk samples using the California Mastitis test and also evaluate and score milker unit parts. Finally, the participant’s knowledge of milk production and marketing is assessed by a written exam.

National finalists

The National FFA Organization announced July 30 that Jud Lee was selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Vegetable Production. Aaron Wheeler was selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Wildlife Production and Management. Each of these FFA members is one of only four people chosen to compete for this award at the national finals to be held in October.

The proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company or otherwise gaining hands-on career experience.