On December 13, 2019, Cherokee FFA members Treavor Green, Riley Hensley, and Drake Williams traveled to the Tulsa Farm Show to compete in the State Finals for Livestock Handling. The team qualified last summer by completing a written exam over the livestock industry. Two teams from each of the five areas of Oklahoma FFA qualify based on the highest test scores. During the competition at Tulsa Farm Show, the students are scored on an informative display booth as well as livestock handling. This year, the topic of choice for the display was Organic versus Traditional Beef. In addition, the team processes two head of stocker calves through a manual chute. They give injections, ear tag, implant, take the temperature, give pour-on and check the feet of each calf. Furthermore, the students enter data onto a record book entry sheet for processing.
A combination of test scores, display booth, and processing of calves is totaled for the overall winners. Cherokee FFA won Reserve Champion team! Each student received a scholarship and a cap. In addition, a plaque was presented to the team. This is Cherokee’s first time to compete in this competition. The team also won second place in the cattle handling portion, receiving another plaque. In addition, the Tyler Rose Family sponsored embroidered jackets for each team member.
Sponsors of this event include Midwest Farm Shows, AFR, Preifert, and Behlen. Congratulations to Treavor Green, Riley Hensley, and Drake Williams! The chapter plans on returning next year!