On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Crookston FFA competed in various Minnesota Region 1 FFA CDEs at the University of Minnesota Crookston. Crookston FFA had a tremendously successful day, sending three more teams and one more individual to the Minnesota FFA State Convention in April.
The Horse Evaluation team took 2nd place out of 12 teams and is advancing to state. Brianna Colborn was the overall 3rd-place individual. In the Horse Evaluation, CDE members evaluate the desirable traits of horses in various classes, give oral reasons defending their placement of the class, take a written exam, and identify many pieces of tack and equipment.
The Small Animals and Veterinary Science team came in 2nd place out of 17 teams and advanced to State. Out of 74 individuals, Samantha Rezac placed 5th, and Emily Shea placed 3rd. In the Small Animals and Veterinary Science CDE, members identify various breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits, tropical fish, birds, and other pets, examine and label animal body systems, and take an exam on veterinary knowledge.
The Nursery Landscape team also took 2nd place out of 10 teams and advanced to state. Emily Bowman and Addisyn Schiller placed individually in 10th and 9th place, respectively. In the Nursery Landscape CDE, members take practicums on industry knowledge like pruning. They also identify many species of landscaping plants and tools.
The Agricultural Mechanics team placed 8th overall and did not advance to the state competition. Ben Capistran placed 6th out of 47 individuals and earned an individual trip to State. The Agricultural Mechanics CDE challenges members to multiple aspects of “Shop.” Members take practicums on welding, electricity, construction, and engines. They also demonstrate their competency with hands-on skills such as welding or wiring a circuit.
The Crops team also competed. Although they did not place, they tried something new and learned more about agriculture.
