Broadwater FFA had a state winning Livestock Evaluation Team in April 2018. Those students were given the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis, IN to compete and represent the state of Montana. Kadyn Braaten, Trenton Braaten, Lainee Hill, and Abby Leachman all attended National FFA Convention October 24-27, 2018.
Farmland Foods, Inc. and Merck Animal Health sponsor the Livestock Evaluation Event at Nationals. Livestock evaluation is one of 25 career/leadership development event areas, covering jobs skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Participants evaluate classes of breeding and market beef, sheep, swine and goats according to the latest USDA market grades and cutability. They then provide oral reasons for their selections. Team members also collaborate on various team activities. CDEs and LDEs help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market.
Broadwater FFA received 3rd Place in the Nation and were given the opportunity to go to Scotland and Ireland to judge livestock on an international level. Abby Leachman won 5th place as an individual and won $600.00.
Picture from Left to Right: Marlo Leachman (Coach), Trenton Braaten, Abby Leachman, Kadyn Braaten, Lainee Hill, Hugh Braaten (Coach)
To truly understand what a triumph this is, you have to know a little bit about Montana’s past standings at the National FFA Convention. Livestock Evaluation is one of the oldest competitions in FFA. Based on the records that can be tracked down, Montana ranked in the Gold Division only eight times and broke into the top ten only four times since 1933. The Broadwater FFA accomplishment is really remarkable!
Broadwater FFA has been in existence since 2015 and these students are rightfully the cream of the crop. Not only have students from Broadwater High School made a name for themselves at the state level and national level, but now at an international level. Students have worked closely with Hugh Braaten and Marlo Leachman in perfecting their skill in Livestock Evaluation.
Since we have the opportunity for the trip to Scotland, students are in full fundraising mode. It will cost approximately $5,000 per student to attend this trip to represent the USA. If you would like to donate to our fundraising efforts, please contact Advisor Jemma Loughery at 406-441-3423.
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Agricultural Education
Broadwater High School
Townsend, MT
