• Article Photo. Ag Mechanics Team: Braedon Hepker, Cole Birker, Jameson Demuth, and Andrew Allsup.
    Ag Mechanics Team: Braedon Hepker, Cole Birker, Jameson Demuth, and Andrew Allsup.
  • Article Photo. Dairy Cattle Team: Bri Dulin, Kirsten Pettit, Raine Wheeler, and Zoey McClintock.
    Dairy Cattle Team: Bri Dulin, Kirsten Pettit, Raine Wheeler, and Zoey McClintock.
  • Article Photo. Meats Judging Team: Violet Hainey, Raine Wheeler, Ciara Dods, and Levi Lutz. 
    Meats Judging Team: Violet Hainey, Raine Wheeler, Ciara Dods, and Levi Lutz. 
  • Article Photo. Milk Quality Team: Izzy Graveman and Kendalyn Appleby.
    Milk Quality Team: Izzy Graveman and Kendalyn Appleby.


By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKenna

On Tuesday, May 19th, members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter traveled to Ames to compete in the State Career Development Events (CDEs). Members competed in Meats Judging, Ag Mechanics, and Milk Quality events, representing the chapter well through their hard work and dedication. 

The Meats Judging team, consisting of Ciara Dods, Levi Lutz, Violet Hainey, and Raine Wheeler, earned a Gold rating and placed 4th overall as a team. Throughout the contest, members evaluated various meat cuts and carcasses while using industry standards to make accurate placings and decisions.

Competing in the Ag Mechanics contest were Cole Birker, Jameson Demuth, Andrew Allsup, and Braeden Hepker. The team received a Gold rating after demonstrating their skills and knowledge in agricultural mechanics, including tool identification, problem solving, and technical applications used in the agriculture industry.

The Milk Quality team included Kendalyn Appleby and Izzy Graveman. The team earned a Bronze rating while testing their knowledge of dairy products, milk quality standards, and industry practices.

Additionally, On Friday May 8th, four members traveled to Calmar to compete in State Dairy Cattle Judging. They evaluated characteristics of dairy cattle, completed an exam based on pedigrees and general knowledge, and gave reasons on their placements. The team of Bri Dulin, Zoey McKenna, Kirsten Pettit, and Raine Wheeler ended the day with placing 12th overall.

Congratulations to all members who competed and represented the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter at the State CDE contests!