Hard work, dedication, and months of rigorous preparation paid off for the Mayville FFA Chapter members as they wrapped up the school year by traveling to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to compete in the Wisconsin Association of FFA State Career Development Events (CDEs).
Career Development Events are designed to help FFA members develop critical thinking, sharp decision-making, and teamwork skills, while fostering a deep knowledge of specific agricultural industries. For Mayville FFA, the state finals provided a perfect stage to showcase their skills in three diverse categories: Nursery/Landscape, Forestry, and Milk Quality & Product Evaluation, all while competing against the top agricultural students from across Wisconsin.
The Mayville FFA Nursery Landscape Team, consisting of Mette G., Hannah H., Rachel P., and Alexandrea S., proved they were among the top in Wisconsin, placing 7th, featuring a blooming 3rd place overall state finish for Mette G. The contest challenges students’ knowledge in plant and weed identification, landscape design, propagation, use of powered turf and landscape equipment, and turfgrass management.
The Mayville FFA Forestry Team, consisting of: Owen B., Madison F., Owen M., and Samara H., “logged” a solid 11th place finish at state. With a hands-on contest consisting of timber cruising, tree identification, compass and pacing, and chainsaw safety and equipment troubleshooting.
The Mayville FFA Milk Quality & Dairy Products Evaluation team churned out a quality performance featuring a “Cream of the Crop” 5th overall individual finish. The team consisted of Payten B., Phoenix E., Ethan G., and Tristian N., and they demonstrated their sharp senses and industry knowledge on their way to a 24th-place finish in one of the largest contests at the state event. Ethan G. earned an extraordinary individual finish, placing 5th overall in the contest! Competing in the heart of "America's Dairyland," breaking into the top five individually is a massive testament to this student’s expertise and dedication. This event requires students to master the nuances of milk quality, identify various cheeses, detect off-flavors in dairy products, and understand strict dairy industry regulations.
Qualifying for a State CDE contest is a major milestone in itself, requiring chapters to prove their merit at regional levels just to earn a spot on the UW-Madison campus. Earning multiple top-tier team and individual placements is a testament to Mayville FFA’s members' dedication and drive towards real-world skills in Agricultural Education.
The Mayville FFA advisor, chapter leadership, and the alumni and supporters extend their warmest congratulations to all the competitors. These students have not only represented their school and community with the utmost pride and professionalism, but they have also built invaluable career-readiness skills that will serve them long after graduation.
Congratulations to the Nursery/Landscape, Forestry, and Milk Quality teams on an unforgettable state run!