Christian Peterson
Reporter@riverbendnews.org
On Saturday, Feb. 19, four Lafayette Future Farmers of America (FFA) members competed in the state finals of the Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management career development event (CDE) at the 2022 Florida State Fair in Tampa. High schoolers Callie Buchanan, Delaney Deadwyler, Avery Buchanan and Jack Peterson went up against 19 other teams. Each team had previously been tested in an online format on Dec. 9, 2021.
The official FFA website states the Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management CDE “helps students develop skills in dairy cattle selection and herd management. Participants evaluate the cattle's physical characteristics, explain their various classes and analyze a herd record as a team.” In doing this, FFA members “gain a greater understanding of dairy cattle management” and also “become knowledgeable in areas that include animal welfare, biosecurity, business management, current issues, environmental management and safety practices.”
On Saturday, Feb. 19, Lafayette FFA's Dairy Cattle Evaluation team earned a total of 1,626 points, claiming the title of State Champions. The team collected a whopping total of 50 points more than the second place finisher, Okeechobee, which scored 1,575 points. Brenda Peterson, who coached the team, has officially managed to put a third state title under her belt. Congratulations to these four students on an amazing performance.