Redmond High School FFA sent four students to Indianapolis to compete in the national FFA livestock judging championships Oct. 26-29 and won three individual silver and one gold individual placements. The livestock judging team placed silver and was ranked 19th in the nation.

The livestock judging team comprised of juniors Mackenzie Walker and Cade Storey, who each won silver, and seniors Austin Evans and Emilee Lindquist, who won silver and gold respectively.

“We were so proud of them that they made it this far,” said FFA instructor Kendyl Puller who accompanied the students to Indianapolis. “We were very excited. They had a really good day.”

To qualify for nationals, the team first had to win the title of livestock judging state champions at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in August.

During the national competition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, competitors judged a variety of livestock including steer, cattle, sheep and swine and explained their reasons behind each selection. Also feeding into the team score was a written test and marketing trial.

According to Puller, they introduce the ideas of premier leadership, personal growth and success within their classrooms and through FFA they are able to develop student’s soft skills such as public speaking.

Lance Hill, FFA member and agriculture instructor who has been teaching in the Redmond School District for 13 years, also received a Honorary American Future Farmers of America Degree — the highest national FFA honor — in Indianapolis.