The Pinecrest Future Farmers of America (FFA) Senior Dairy Evaluation Team achieved impressive results on the national stage at the recent National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, where they proudly represented North Carolina in the Dairy Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE).
Having placed first in the state against 37 other teams in March, the team advanced to compete against 42 states at the national level, ultimately earning a bronze team ranking. Individually, team members earned one bronze and three silver rankings.
The Dairy Evaluation CDE emphasizes core competencies in dairy science, testing students on their ability to analyze and assess dairy cattle, evaluate herd records, and make management recommendations based on industry standards.
The event fosters critical skills in dairy cattle judging, linear evaluation, sire selection, pedigree evaluation, and herd record analysis, preparing students for future roles in the agriculture and dairy industries.
Beyond the competition, Pinecrest FFA members embraced the whole National FFA Convention experience, participating in student workshops, volunteering in National Days of Service, and networking with industry professionals and college representatives at the Expo.
Meet the 2024 Pinecrest FFA Dairy Evaluation Team:
● Paxton Dill has completed Animal Science I and Horticulture I and is currently studying Sustainable Agriculture I. With three years of FFA membership, Paxton aspires to attend North Carolina State University, where he plans to join their FFA program, pursue a pre-veterinary track, and potentially run for a state officer position.
● Olivia Maurer has taken Animal Science I, Horticulture I, and Sustainable Agriculture I. In her third year in FFA, Olivia aims to study wildlife or natural resource conservation at Virginia Tech following graduation, with hopes of making a lasting impact in environmental and wildlife preservation.
● Wyatt Taylor is currently enrolled in Vet Assisting and has completed all available animal science courses. Also a three-year FFA member, Wyatt’s goal is to continue studying animal science or pre-veterinary medicine after high school, driven by a commitment to animal care and veterinary science.
● Caitlin Maurer has completed Animal Science I, Animal Science II (Large Animal), and Horticulture I, with plans to take Animal Science II (Small Animal) and Sustainable Agriculture this year. A dedicated three-year FFA member, Caitlin looks forward to pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.
As the Pinecrest FFA Dairy Evaluation Team celebrates this year’s accomplishments, they look forward to inspiring future members and promoting excellence in agriculture through FFA. For further information or to learn more about the Pinecrest FFA program and ways you can support these students, please contact Sharon Manies at [email protected].
Feature photo: Paxton Dill, Wyatt Taylor, Caitlin Maurer, and Olivia Maurer with their bronze team plaque in Indianapolis, IN.
Contributed article and photo.
