The 2023-2024 FFA Officers
Future Farmers of America (FFA) members will have the ability to show off their livestock, tractors, and other projects at the Denton County Livestock Association (DCLA) event that is starting Mar. 25 according to Guyer’s FFA website.
This annual contest acts as a beacon for the FFA members, and anyone else who is associated. At this event, students show animals like lambs, rabbits, cows, pigs, and show projects like rabbit hutches, trailers, and much more. Many describe this event as an opportunity to show all of what they know.
“DCLA is more than just showing off livestock and tractors,” A FFA member, Reece Fuhlman said. It is showing what the members have been working on endlessly for the past months. “It took me about 40-50 hours scattered throughout 4 months to finish my project” A student at Guyer, Kaelyn Jackson said. Kaelyn also explains that she has attended previous shows, which she believes can help the students get a better understanding of how to present and what to do in certain situations.
Many people wonder how events like these, or FFA in general can benefit the members. Well the truth is it helps in more ways than it can be described, or listed. According to the FFA’s official website “just one application is required for multiple scholarship opportunities.” which all total to “nearly 2.5 million.” FFA also allows students to help build communities and lasting relationships. But that isn’t it, as stated on the same FFA website, “FFA programs and activities help members develop public speaking skills, conduct and participate in meetings, manage financial matters, strengthen problem-solving abilities and assume civic responsibilities.” As well as helping the students grow professionally.
The students, Kaelyn describes the shows as a type of job interview. She finds that the way judges ask questions about the project, animals, etc. is very closely related to an interview. “Showing an agricultural project is very similar, as you show, judges ask multiple questions and if you don’t know the answer then points will be counted off. Just like an interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about yourself and how you work, and you’re expected to answer everything” Kaelyn says.
With this being the last event of March, it isn’t the last event of the year. Students can still look forward to an Area 5 FFA Convention at Farmersville or Anna happening from April 13 through the 17th.
