On October 1st the Ord FFA range judging teams embarked for the pinnacle of the range judging season- the state range judging contest. This year the contest was held in Garfield County around Burwell. Members that attended from Ord were: Samantha Krikac, Amanda Duvall, Debra Wray, Aaron Kokes , Trisha Dahlke, Thomas Sheppard, Bailey McKay, Nichole Setlik, Homero Gallegos, Elizabeth Vavra, Sarah Hruza, Kris Hornickel, Christie Schauer, Johnny Ference, Tom Krcilek, Austin Ries, Katie Peterson, Grady Gydesen, Geoffrey Foth, and Amanda Shepperd.

436 students from around the state attended the night before for a practice range judging. The next morning those students headed out to the contest area. It was a great day for range judging as it was warm and sunny. The contest consisted of 24 plants, 10 range questions, 3 range conditions, and a ranch map.

The teams then went back to Burwell for a good lunch and then waited for results. When it was all said and done this is how Ord stood. In the Junior Division those receiving ribbons were: Tom Krcilek-37th, Johnny Ference-14th, Christie Schauer-10th, and Kris Hornickel-2nd.  The junior team placed 2nd in the state among all other junior teams. The 2nd place junior team consisted of Tom, Johnny, Christie, and Kris.

In the senior division those who were awarded ribbons were: Nichole Setlik-39th, Elizabeth Vavra-31st, Homero Gallegoes-30th, Aaron Kokes-15th, Debra Wray-14th, Thomas Sheppard-13th, Trisha Dahlke-11th, Bailey McKay-9th, Amanda Duvall-6th, and Samantha Krikac placed 3nd in the state!

The senior teams place 5th and 2nd. The 5th place team consisted of Bailey, Trisha, Thomas, Nichole. The 2nd place senior team also was made of Sam, Aaron, Debra, Amanda.

Also in the adult division Ord had two past range judgers come back to compete, Jamie Hornickel and Caleb Schauer. Caleb received 2nd with Jamie winning the adult division and receiving a plaque! Congratulations to everyone that attended state!

It wasn’t  too long and it was time for the Area 4 District Land Judging held at Thereford, Ne. Four members attended and received ribbons from Ord. They were Aaron Kokes-blue, Trisha Dahlke-blue, Nichole Setlik-blue, and Bailey McKay received 1st overall.

The team received 2nd place and qualified for the State Land Judging that will be held around North Platte.
On their most recent adventure the Ord FFA range judging teams headed out west for the Old West Regional Range Judging Contest held around Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Members who made the seven and half hour drive were Aaron Kokes, Debra Wray, Elizabeth Vavra, Thomas Sheppard, Amanda Duvall, Samantha Krikac, Trisha Dahlke, Bailey McKay, Kris Hornickel, Christie Schauer, Tom Krcilek, and Johnny Ference.

The experience can best be described as cold, educational, lots of fun, and very rewarding.

Trisha, Bailey, Samantha, and Amanda were on the second place team and received embroidered sweatshirts. Debra Wray was the high individual in the FFA division and was awarded a belt buckle.

The Ord FFA is currently looking forward to harvesting the first crop off the chapter farm, selling FFA fruit, hosting the chapter dance, and getting ready for District LSE’s.

The Ord FFA has definitely got a good start on another phenomenal year!