The FFA Poultry Judging team from Potosi High School recently earned the opportunity to compete at state after months of practice and preparation. For the seniors involved, the experience was not only a chance to compete, but also an opportunity to learn new skills, challenge themselves, and work together as a team during their final year of high school.
Senior Connor Robbins explained that the team spent a great deal of time preparing throughout the year. “At the beginning we practiced just about every day, and towards the end of the year we practiced once a week,” he said. Robbins, who had previous poultry judging experience, helped guide the new members of the team through the season. He described poultry judging as learning to evaluate different parts of chickens, including eggs, meat cuts, and overall poultry quality. “You have to know a decent amount of information about chickens,” he explained.
For several team members, this year was their first experience with poultry judging. Senior Manhattyn Udelhofen said she practiced during power hour and whenever the team had extra time. Although she found it difficult at first, she said it became easier as she learned more. “I was excited to go to state since it was my first time ever judging poultry,” she said. The team placed 14th out of 30 teams at state, while Udelhofen earned 19th place individually out of 120 contestants. She recognized advisor Mrs. Brunton and teammate Robbins for helping the team prepare for the competition.
Senior Ryleigh Meier also practiced during power hours with the team and said the event became easier with experience. “It was difficult for me to understand at first, but as we practiced more, it got easier,” she said. Meier added that she enjoyed being able to try something completely new. “It was a cool experience to get to be a part of because I have never poultry judged before and judging is something I enjoy a lot,” she explained.
Senior Madi Cooley shared similar thoughts about the competition. She practiced during power hour and said she was excited to attend state with the team. Cooley said the competition itself was challenging, but she appreciated the opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone. “I’m glad I tried something new,” she said. Cooley finished 93rd individually.
Through weeks of preparation, teamwork, and competition, the Poultry Judging team gained more than just experience at state. The seniors learned new skills, pushed themselves to try unfamiliar events, and created memories together during their final year in FFA. For many of the competitors, the season proved that trying something new can become one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in FFA.