Oklahoma has an undoubtedly strong farming community and a history in National FFA livestock judging contests. This year, a team from Tuttle has secured the opportunity to attend the Royal Highland International Livestock Judging Contest in Scotland.
Tuttle FFA members Chyann Emerson, Destyn Emerson, Laney Harryman, and Brody Scroggins have earned the most consecutive wins on record for a high school judging team in the United States. After winning the National Western Livestock Judging Contest, the National FFA Livestock Evaluation CDE, and many other state and local contests, the team will travel to Edinburgh this June to compete.
This year, Destyn Emerson was the high individual of the National FFA Livestock Evaluation CDE.
Tuttle FFA’s agricultural instructor, C.L. McGill, will accompany the team to Scotland, where they will judge livestock and tour farms and historic sites to learn more about agriculture overseas.
The Livestock Evaluation CDE is designed to increase students’ knowledge in the selection and evaluation of livestock. The contests also measure students’ ability to make decisions based on industry criteria for different livestock species, orally defending their placings, and discussing their decisions with judges. The national contest included preparing a marketing plan for cattle, preparing for an animal science exam, and solving genetics problems in addition to the traditional livestock judging portion of the contest.
Oklahoma’s success on the livestock judging this front has included national championships from Oklahoma State University, Northern Oklahoma College, as well as Tuttle FFA.
“The amount of work, and the amount of support that these kids get not only from their colleges, and universities, and high schools, but also from the agricultural community in Oklahoma as a whole is really tremendous,” Oklahoma state Rep. John Pfeiffer said during a celebration.
The Royal Highland Show is a flagship event in Scotland, and will be held this year for the 200th time. Over 2,000 livestock competitors, and over 6,500 animals will be present at various contest.
Tuttle FFA will be raising funds to help the team with the cost of traveling and competition. You can find out more by contacting advisor C.L. McGill at Tuttle High School.
