The Blanco FFA Chapter was well represented at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as several local FFA members traveled to Houston with their animal projects to compete in the world’s largest livestock show. Overall, the Blanco FFA had over 30 animal projects at this year’s show, with several placing and making the sale. With the conclusion of this year’s show, Blanco FFA members accounted for over $40,000 in premiums through the sale ring with placing animals.

The first week of the market livestock show would see Kaleigh Anderson bring home the first ribbon as she exhibited the Reserve Champion American Breed Cross Steer. On sale day, Kaleigh’s steer sold for $22,000 with Kaleigh guaranteed to receive $12,500, while the remainder goes into the Houston Livestock Show Scholarship Fund. Others placing animals the first week included, Tyler Hardin with a 3rd place Southdown Lamb, Victoria Jones with a 7th place Charolais Steer and a 15th place Medium Wool Lamb, Trevor Hardin with a 10th place Crossbred Lamb, Katie Baker with a 15th place Chianina Steer, and Alex Gustafson with a 21st place Southdown Lamb.

The second week proved to be just as successful for local FFA members as Blanco Jr. FFA member Logan Dodd exhibited the Reserve Champion Middle Weight Hampshire Barrow. Keaton Dodd also placed high, finishing 2nd with his Spotted Poland China Barrow. Also doing well and making it through the sift, but falling just short of the sale ring was Cody Perez with his heavy weight Berkshire Barrow.

Other local students competing in Houston included: Dustin Green, Quaid Haack, Shelby Moore, Spencer Moore, Robert Jones, Ryan Edwards, Mindy Dechert, Maggie Dennis, Susannah Campbell, and Claire Klepac.

Finally, the conclusion of a busy livestock show season will come to an end this week as exhibitors will travel to Austin for the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. The Blanco FFA will have over 20 animals competing with hopes of making the premium sale.

Advisors for the Blanco FFA are Jason and Felice Marek.