Members of the Buckingham Senior FFA Chapter competed in several competitions June 17-20 at the 93rd Virginia FFA State Convention held on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The FFA competitions are designed to use knowledge and skills that the competitors have learned in their Agriculture Education courses.

The Agricultural Mechanics team placed 17th overall. Team members included Trevor Agee, Eli Bryant, Tyler Padgett and Holden Tyson. This contest involved a written test, welding task and problem-solving scenarios.

The Veterinary Science team also placed 17th overall. The team consisted of Shaylynn Elick, Connor Bohanon, Grace Moss and Haley Peins. Members had to complete a written exam, math practicum and identification component.

Members also competed in the Horse Hippology Contest. They placed 20th overall with Connor Bohanon, Grace Moss, Haley Peins and Rachel Reeves. This contest included a team problem and presentation, written exam and identification component.

Tanner Wise

The final team to compete at the convention was the Nursery Landscape team. The contest also included a written test, landscaping practicum and plant identification. They placed seventh overall with team members Alana Ballowe, Shaylynn Elick, Hailey Peins and Cassidy Tyson.

Tanner Wise competed as an individual in the Junior Level Livestock Judging Contest. Tanner placed 10th overall. Tanner had to rank livestock based on their breeding purposes, physical 93rd characteristics and genetic data.

Trevor Agee is the state winner for the Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Proficiency Award Area. This award is based on his Supervised Agricultural Experience at Dillwyn Repair Service. Trevor’s application is now being judged at the national level.

Rachel Reeves received her state degree on June 19. This is the second highest degree that an FFA member can earn.

The chapter was also recognized with the Public Relations Award, Superior Chapter Award and was rated as a Gold Level Chapter in Virginia. These awards are based on chapter activities throughout the school year.