GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Future Farmers of America (FFA) members from throughout the north state on March 1 competed in the FFA Field Day hosted by the Gridley High School chapter.

About 1,000 participants competed in Impromptu Speaking, Job Interview, Livestock Judging, Ag Mechanics, Parliamentary Procedure, Best Informed Greenhand, Milk Quality and Products, Vegetable Crop Judging, Forestry, Floral, Livestock, Fruit Tree Judging, Farm Power and Veterinary Skills. 

Gridley chapter teams for Ag Mechanics won first-place high team, with individuals Ethan Rickertsen placing second and Merced Acosta placing third. The Livestock Judging team won first-place high team, with individuals Joe Schohr in first-place and Bella Bastiani in third-place.

In addition, Schohr has been named a state finalist in Sheep Production Entrepreneurship and Diversified Livestock Proficiency. Gracie Yost is a finalist in Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency. 

Local FFA members Alina Jackson and Vivian King were in charge of running the Livestock Judging division, instead of competing. Preparations began very early the morning of March 1. 

Fiona Powell came from Reedley Middle College with about 40 students from her school. This is her first year in FFA. She participated in the Impromptu Speaking division and won. Powell said she would like to try dairy goats as an FFA project. 

The Gridley Herald congratulates all the winners and participants.