Kalispell FFA competitors advance to nationals

The Kalispell FFA agronomy team and three individual state champions have advanced to the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis in November.

The students competed at the Montana Convention in Great Falls.

Kalispell FFA was recognized as the overall state champion team for its top placements in five events.

“The kids knocked it out of the park,” FFA adviser and vo-ag teacher Brian Bay said.

The agronomy team includes: Ethan Bay, Addie Shepard, Evan Heupel and Aaron Conners.

Additional state champions were: Rylee Glimm, extemporaneous speaking, and proficiency award winners Cameron Seymour, diversified crop production, and Rose Thom, outdoor recreation. Sophie Banzet took first place as an individual in ag sales. Glimm, Seymour and Thom advance to nationals.

Among all the state competitors, Ethan Bay rose to the top as the overall sweepstakes champion for the second consecutive year for his performance at state. Cameron Seymour was also recognized for breaking into the top five at state, ranking fourth overall.

Montana FFA Degree recipients were also recognized. This recognition goes to FFA members who attend ag education classes for four years; earn $1,500 or log 450 house in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (work- and project-based learning); complete 25 community service hours; and know parliamentary procedures. Degree recipients are: Ethan Bay, Baylee Beard, Rachelle Becker, Mason Dall, Aiden Delong, Danielle Dixon, Zack Gray, Jordyn Greene, Evan Heupel, Dillon Jewett, Cameron Seymour, Addie Shepard, Rose Thom and Kenzie Walhus.

Following are state career development results.

Agronomy

First place team: Ethan Bay (first place, individually); Addie Shepard (fifth place, individually);

Evan Heupel (sixth place, individually) and Aaron Conners 19th place, individually).

Forestry

Second place team: Ethan Bay (first place, individually); Cameron Seymour (fith place, individually); Nick Fletcher (seventh place, individually) and Cazz Rankosky (14th place, individually).

Meats Evaluation

Second place team: Ethan Bay (fifth place, individually); Evan Heupel (seventh place, individually); Mabel Peterson (ninth place, individually) and Cameron Seymour (18th place, individually)

Veterinary Science

Third place team: Ethan Bay (fifth place, individually); Jordyn Greene (13th place, individually); Gracie Todd (17th place, individually) and Shelby Bergman.

Farm and Agribusiness Management

Third place team: Ethan Bay (first place, individually); Makenna Howard (13th place, individually); Cameron Seymour and Jordyn Greene.

Livestock Evaluation

Third place team

Dillon Jewett (sixth place, individually); Ella Lund, Evan Heupel and Tracen McIntyre.

Ag Sales

Third place team: Sophie Banzet (first place, individually); Rylee Glimm (seventh place, individually); Aaron Connors and Mackenzie Brandt.

Horse Judging

Fourth place team: Sophie Banzet (seventh place, individually); Rachel Mikelson (13th place, individually); Addisyn Jensen and Danielle Dixon.

Floriculture

Fourth place team: Bryce Dorsett (ninth place, individually); Ace Hunt (11th place, individually); Vivian Eberhart and Kaydence Carlisle.

Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems

Fifth place team: Cameron Seymour (third place, individually); Dillon Jewett (17th place, individually); Mason Dall and Zack Gray.

Extemporaneous Speaking

1 Rylee Glimm

FFA Creed Speaking

2 Alexa Pisneo

State Music Talent

2 Laila Sargent

FFA Treasurer Book


2 Ethan Bay

Star Greenhand finalist — Madison Brist

Most inspirational person essay top 10 — Kyla Hays