Lexington-Richland 5 FFA

This past week, four of our FFA members spent an exciting week at FFA Camp in Cherry Grove! During their time at camp, they had the opportunity to connect with fellow FFA members from across South Carolina while participating in a variety of leadership, team-building, and recreational activities.

Representing our chapter were Tessa Brawley, Lucy Bauer, Kendel Choplin, and Ava Genova. We are proud of these students for taking advantage of this experience and for representing our program!

“I had a great week and got to experience so many new things that I wouldn’t have had the chance to otherwise!” – Tessa Brawley

Last Friday, LR5 FFA members competed in the SC FFA Horse Evaluation CDE at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. The team judged 4 classes, including Hunter Under Saddle, Horsemanship, Stock-Type Performance Horses, and Hunter In-Hand. They each presented 2 sets of oral reasons, identified tack, colors & markings, breeds, and equine anatomy, and completed a team activity related to equine nutrition. Overall, the team placed 3rd in the state and Peyton Whittle was the 3rd high individual! We are so proud of this team’s performance and look forward to their future accomplishments! 💛💙

On Thursday our chapter hosted a smoothie making contest to promote healthy lifestyles! Students were tasked with developing and making a unique smoothie, and then presenting and pitching their creation to a panel of judges. Congratulations Dani and Kyra for winning best smoothie of the night!

Yesterday 4 of our animal science students spent the day in Clemson competing in the state livestock judging CDE. Team members were Peyton Whittle, Ashlyn Derrick, Parker Prusator, and Maddie Thornhill. In this contest, students had to judge 6 classes of livestock including cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, defend their placings to a judge by giving 2 sets of oral reasons, and complete a general knowledge test and team activity. Please help us congratulate these students on all of their hard work preparing for and competing in this contest!

This past Tuesday 2 of our students, Peyton Whittle and Chance Bedenbaugh had the opportunity to compete in the Lexington County Young Farmer and Rancher high school discussion meet. In this contest students discuss current agricultural issues in the style of a committee meeting and come up with potential solutions. This year’s topic was discussing how we can promote smart community growth while also protecting farm land. Congratulations to Peyton and Chance on a great contest!