Otsego FFA livestock team excels, chapter recognized

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Livestock judging team
(left to right) — K. Podolak, J. Limes, Emily Limes and Caroline Weihl

INDIANAPOLIS ­- Otsego FFA Livestock Judging Team were a "Gold Medal Team" in the National FFA
Livestock Evaluation career development event. The chapter was also earned the prestigious 3-Star
Chapter award.
The livestock team placed 11th out of the 43 state champions which competed at the national contest. The
event was held in conjunction with the 82nd national FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Team members were
Caroline Weihl, Kacey Podolak, Jamie Limes, and Emily Limes. All Otsego FFA Team member were "Gold
Emblem" individuals, the highest rank a member can earn.
Weihl placed 22nd, Podolak placed 35, Jamie Limes placed 43rd with Emily Limes 46th in the individual
rankings out of 172 competitors. As a team they also placed third high in the area of beef placings for
the event.
The National FFA Livestock CDE is a competitive activity that tests the student’s ability to select and
evaluate livestock. Event components include seven classes of beef, sheep and swine; oral placement
reasons on four classes; a written exam on livestock production; and quality grading of slaughter
cattle. A team event, based on production performance records, demonstrates the team’s breeding
livestock.
Each team in the event competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state
at the National FFA Convention.
In other convention news, Mike Hannewald was selected by an audio addition to perform with the National
FFA Band.
The band consisted of 100 FFA members from all across the United States. Hannewald plays the trumpet and
this was his second year to earn this honor.
The Otsego FFA Chapter received its 3-Star National Chapter Award at the second session. The chapter was
selected from the top chapters in the nation as one of the best. The 3-star award is the highest honor a
chapter can earn.
While at convention, members toured an Ethanol Plant and a machining shop. Chapter members also
participated in convention sessions, the career show and various other activities.
Other chapter members who attended were: Josh Main, Amy Gobrogge, Dylan Jacobs, Kali Battin, Sara Boyle,
and Rachel Johns. Fred Main, a parent and former FFA member, also attended as a chaperone.

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