ACGC FFA members show at Iowa State Fair

Special to the Times Vedette

ACGC FFA members traveled to the Iowa State Fair Aug. 12-13 to compete in the FFA shows, bringing home numerous blue and purple ribbons, class placings and several top overall honors.

The Iowa State Fair FFA Shows provide students with an opportunity to showcase the time and effort they have invested in their agricultural projects throughout the year while competing against FFA members from across Iowa. ACGC members represented the chapter in beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy goat, horse, poultry and photography competitions.

Tatum Brittain had a successful State Fair experience, competing in the horse show. Brittain placed third in the Aged Mare class and earned a blue ribbon in Horsemanship. Brittain also showed Charli in multiple riding classes, earning one purple ribbon and three blue ribbons during the first day of showing.

Lilah Heinz had an impressive showing in the Broiler Show. Heinz’s broiler pen placed fourth Overall, and she was recognized as a Top Twelve Showman. The pen also earned a purple ribbon for Herdsmanship. Heinz also competed in Photography, earning three red ribbons and one blue ribbon.

Several ACGC members competed in the Breeding Beef Show. Stella Largent placed second in her class with her bull, receiving Reserve Champion Angus Bull and third in her class with her Angus heifer. Largent also earned three red ribbons in Photography. Blair Brown placed second in her class with her Angus heifer, while Gracie Hodges earned fourth in her class with an Angus heifer. Blake Hodges placed second in his class with his Foundation Simmental. Hunter Kress earned several top honors in the Breeding Beef Show. Kress was named Reserve Champion in the AOB Cow/Calf Division, Champion Maintainer Heifer and fourth Overall Breeding Heifer.

ACGC sheep exhibitors also experienced success at the State Fair. Creighton Suhr placed third Overall Market Ewe Lamb and placed fourth in his class, earning a purple ribbon. Suhr also competed in the Meat Goat Breeding Show, placing fifth in class and receiving a purple ribbon. Rylee Robson placed fourth in her class with her Purebred Dorset, earning a purple ribbon, and also received a blue ribbon with her crossbred ewe. Blaire Robson competed in Junior Sheep Showmanship and earned a blue ribbon with her White-Faced wether. She also received a blue ribbon in another sheep class. Cash Suhr earned both blue and purple ribbons with his market sheep entries. In the Meat Goat Market Show, Suhr placed sixth in one class and received a blue ribbon, while placing second in a second class, receiving a purple ribbon.

The ACGC FFA swine exhibitors also brought home several strong results. Colt Wilson competed in Junior Swine Showmanship and earned a blue ribbon with his gilt. Wilson also received two blue ribbons after placing seventh in his classes. His carcass entry, Forest, was one of his highlights of the show, placing first in class and sixth Overall. Alli Wiers earned blue ribbons on all three of her Purebred Poland China entries. Lilly Rochholz competed in the Purebred Duroc class and later earned three blue ribbons with her crossbred swine.

Nora Langgaard represented ACGC FFA in the Dairy Show, earning Senior Division Grade Doe before going on to be named Overall Grand Champion Grade Doe. Shelby Gustin also represented the chapter in Photography, earning two red ribbons and two blue ribbons.

The Iowa State Fair marked another opportunity for ACGC FFA members to put their hard work and dedication on display. Preparing an animal or project for the State Fair requires months of commitment, and students gained valuable experience through competition, showmanship and interaction with other exhibitors from across the state. The ACGC FFA Chapter congratulates all of its members who participated in the Iowa State Fair FFA Shows. The chapter also extends its appreciation to the parents, families, supporters and volunteers who helped students prepare for and participate in this year’s State Fair.