Wheeler Wins FFA State Championship

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Wheeler County Future Farmers of America (FFA) found success at the annual State Career Development Event (CDE) Competitions, as both the Junior and Senior Land Judging teams took home the title of state champions.

The Land Judging Career Development Event provides continued from page

students the opportunity to determine land classification, use and treatment practices for selected sites. During the event, the students must consider topsoil texture and thickness, effective depth, permeability of subsoil, slope, erosion, drainage, and land capability.

To qualify for the state competition, the Wheeler FFA Junior and Senior Land Judging Teams first competed at the Area 4 Land Judging CDE, which was held at Riverbend Wildlife Management Area in Rockledge on September 16. In the area competition, the Wheeler FFA Junior Land Judging Team placed first in the region, as Kaden Knight had the top individual score in the competition, while Savannah Purvis finished in second place, Chassity Knight finished in fourth place, and Noah Page finished in fifth place. Meanwhile, the Wheeler FFA Senior Land Judging Team also took home top honors in the region, as Trent Butler had the second highest individual score, Carson Ford finished in fourth place, Ginnie Connell took fifth place, and Lane Connell was awarded eighth place.

At the State Competition, the Wheeler FFA Junior and Senior Land Judging Teams continued to show their excellence in the competition, as the teams swept first place. In the Junior Division, Chassity Knight was the highest placing individual in the competition, while Savannah Purvis took third place, and Kaden Knight placed fourth. In addition to these individual placers, the team also included Noah Page.

In the Senior Division, Trent Butler was one of four students to tie for first place with a perfect score, while Ginnie Connell placed third, Lane Connell finished in seventh place, and Carson Ford took tenth place. Wheeler County FFA Adviser Hannah Henry Snively emphasized that this state championship was extra special for Lane Connell, Ford, and Butler, as the trio won the Junior Land Judging State Championship three years ago, alongside their former teammate Brody Adams.

“We are so grateful to our school administrators, leaders, and parents for their support in all we do,” Snively remarked on behalf of the Wheeler County agriculture teachers. “Without the support of Superintendent Alex Alvarez, the Board of Education members, principals, other administrators, and our students’ parents, these accomplishments would not be possible.”

JUNIOR TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIP – The Wheeler County FFA Junior Land Judging Team also took home a state championship title from the recent competition in Perry. Front Row, L to R: Noah Page, Kade Knight. Back Row, L to R: Wheeler County FFA Adviser Bryant Oliver, Wheeler County FFA Adviser Hannah Henry Snively, Chassity Knight, Savannah Purvis, Wheeler County FFA Adviser Les Bateson.