Livestock judgers bring home first

Members of the Thermopolis FFA Chapter attended the 56th NILE in Billings, Mont., to compete in a large judging contest against more than 70 other teams from 5 states. The contest was a judge 4 count 4 layout. Teams from Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon and North Dakota competed.

The Livestock Judging Team of Rylee Agar, Taylor Agar, Tymber Eckley and Hayden Overfield won the Senior FFA division.Ava Dafoe was an alternate.

There were 312 students and 72 teams competing in the Sr. FFA category. There were also Jr. FFA, Jr. 4-H and Sr. 4-H members who competed.

Thermopolis FFA Advisor Britton VanHeule stated, "In all they said over 800 contestants competed. This was an outstanding win for this team! They are headed to the Mid-American Livestock Show in Hutchinson, Kansas on Oct. 28."

Taylor was high individual taking 1st, Rylee placed 10th, Tymber was 21st and Hayden was 48th.

The Meats Judging team of Porter McCumber, Simon Ream, Ryan Axtell and Camden Weyer competed against 27 teams with 100 contestants.

Porter placed 9th, Simon was 11th, Ryan was 25th, and Camden was 71st.The team consisted of two seniors who were experienced judgers and two freshman beginning judgers.

Van Heule said, "They did well, and I am proud of the effort they put forth. They will be a real good team when we get to State Convention in April."

The horse judging team included Kamryn Farrell, Kaycee Stothart, Autumn Cornwell and Patrick Chapel. Ella Slover was an alternate. They placed 13th out of 47 teams and 194 contestants.

Kamryn was 15th, Kaycee 41st, Autumn 74th and Patrick was 145th.

"We were missing Maile McCumber that was out with the flu. This team was comprised of members that were 2nd at State Convention last April. We look forward to seeing if they can win state this year," said Van Heule.