The Blanco FFA Chapter was recently recognized at the National Cattle Breeders’ Association Convention in San Antonio for their outstanding performance in the National Cattle Judging Contest.

This marks the second year for the NCBA Convention to host this national competition.

In the Novice Division, Asher and Carly Haack, along with Kelton and Kolby Marek, would finish in first place winning the Novice Division National Championship. Individually, Blanco would be the only team to have all four contestants place in the top ten with Asher placing first, followed by Carly in second, Kelton in fourth and Kolby in ninth. Other teams placing in the top five included Burleson County and Guadalupe County from Texas, along with teams from Florida and Minnesota.

In the Senior Division, Blanco would have two teams place in the top 15 overall. Team members Keaton Dodd, Kaleigh Anderson, Quaid Haack, and John Pepper would finish in 3rd place as a team with Keaton ranking 4th individually, followed by Kaleigh and Quaid placing in the top twenty at 13th and 19th respectively. Blanco’s other team of Alex Gustafson, Maggie Dennis, Kylie Leachman, and Matt Pepper would also do well placing 15th overall. Other teams placing in the top five included Marion, TX in first, Minnesota in second, Florida in fourth and Llano, TX in fifth.

Overall, there were more than 300 contestants from across the United States competing in the various divisions with Blanco contestants winning the most individual honors.

Advisors for the Blanco FFA are Felice and Jason Marek.