INDIANAPOLIS – The Blanco FFA Chapter will be competing Oct. 21–24, 2009 in the National FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) in Indianapolis, Ind. during the 82nd National FFA Convention.

Members of the livestock team are Kaleigh Anderson, Claire Klepac, Quaid Haack, and Keaton Dodd. The team is coached by Felice Marek.

“FFA members are challenged to evaluate marketable stock based on current business and industry standards, while developing solid technical and business skills needed to excel in their chosen profession,” said Melissa Brown, CDE program manager.

During the event, participants demonstrate their ability to grade market classes of feeder and slaughter steers and hogs according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) market grading standards. Participants evaluate classes of breeding and market beef, sheep and swine according to the latest USDA market grades and cutability. They then provide oral reasons for their selections.

Bayer Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Merial and the National FFA Foundation sponsor the National FFA Livestock Evaluation CDE. The event is one of 23 CDEs held annually at the national FFA convention.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Visit www.ffa.org for more information.