Gillett FFA places 3rd at state milk event

The Gillett FFA Chapter placed third in milk quality career development during the Wisconsin FFA career development event on April 29 in Madison.

Team members Zander Davis, Scott Heroux, Brody Kohls and Tani Lucht brought home the honor. Kohls placed 10th overall individually and was the high member on the team.

The event included 35 teams and 137 contestants. Members scored milk, sampled cheese, identified natural versus artificial product, and scored sediment disc after completing a general dairy product knowledge exam.

Gillett FFA had two additional teams qualify for state events in Madison.

The dairy cattle evaluation team, which included Bradin Bjelland, Thayne Bjelland, Laney DeBauch and Taylor Schuster, placed 16th. Members completed a written exam, evaluated pedigrees and live animals, and prepared oral reasons and delivered them to the judges.

The meats evaluation and technology team, which included Kierstin Genz, Cheyenne Krueger, Cole Schaal and Ryann Wagner, placed 18th. Members evaluated beef, swine and sheep carcasses, identified cuts of meat, and graded the carcasses for quality.

During career development event competitions, FFA members in grades 7 to 12 are challenged to develop critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills, foster teamwork and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement. Most career development event teams consisted of four members who advanced through regional live and virtual competitions to be able to represent their FFA chapter at the state level.