Meat judging team to compete at state contest
Moran FFA’s meat judging team is preparing for its debut in state competition with Rayni Vinson, Caleb York, Cotten Campbell, and Ellis Hise competing Saturday, April 27 at TexasA&M.
“This is the first time Moran FFA has ever qualified for state competition,” Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said.
The team won the Big Country District contest and placed fifth in the Area IV contest.
“Students develop skills for careers in the meat animal industry as they complete a written exam, evaluate beef carcasses for quality and yield grade, identify various meat cuts, place beef, lamb, and pork carcasses, and place wholesale and/or retail cuts,” Denson said.
The winning team at the state contest advances to national competition held during the National FFA Convention in October.
A pep rally for the team is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25 (today) at the football field with a send-off at 8:00 a.m. Friday, April 26.
NHS Induction
Moran’s chapter of the National Honor Society will host induction ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 29 at the Moran Events Center.
UIL Academics
Terra Thompson and DannyO’Keefewillcompete in Computer Applications Saturday, April 27 at the Region II-1A UILAcademic meet in San Angelo.
Ellis Hise qualified in Ready Writing, but opted to attend the state meat judging contest the same day.
Degree Plans
Moran FFA members took part in the Area IV Area Degree Check on Monday, April 22 in Weatherford.
“Moran FFA had several applications to be graded to see if they advanced to state,” teacher Robert Stanley said.“There Are Different applications that students can write and apply for recognition. Students can earn their LoneStar Degree, the highest degree that any student can earn in FFA in the state of Texas.”
Students Must Be Thair junior year to apply for the Lone Star Degree and have spent $1,000 and made $1,000 in the Supervised Agriculture Experience. Another requirement is performing at least 35 hours of community service.
“Caleb York has met those qualifications and is seeking his Lone Star this summer at the Texas FFA State Convention held the week of June 8-12 in Houston,” Stanley said.
Students also submitted applications for the Proficiency Award, which covers 51areas of agriculture.Hise applied for Ag Fabrication and Design for his leather working business. Vinson submitted two applications for Beef Production, one under Entrepreneurship and the other under Placement.
“Rayni has a beef breeding herd she started, and that allowed her to write an application for Entrepreneurship,” Stanley said. “Placement means she is working for the cattle ranch her family owns. Of these three, the Beef Production advanced to state, winning the Area IV contest.”
Hise was second with his Ag Mech Proficiency Award, and Vinson was second in Entrepreneurship. Both categories had four submissions with the winners advancing to state.
Afinal category was Star Awards.
“Star Awards are attached to our degrees in FFA,” Stanley said. “Star Awards can be in production, placement, research, and agribusiness.”
Hise has a Star Award in Production based on his leather work business. He placed second one to five with only first place advancing.
Banner Day
Moran FFA advisor Minnie Denson-Bennett announce the receipt of nine awards the chapters received from contests this year.
Tractor Tech received a plaque for fourth place team in Area IV and a banner for third place team in the Big Country District.
Meats received a plaque for fifth place team in area and a banner for first place in the Big Country District.
Radio Broadcasting received a banner for third place team at the Tarleton State contest from October.
Greenhand Spanish Creed Speaking received a banner for ninth place in area and a banner for 1st place in district.
Senior Creed Speaking received a banner for fourth place in district.
Vet Science received a banner for third place team in district.
