Banquet Awards Sponsored By:
This year's banquet was held at Louisa County Middle School's Metal Gym on May 9, 2025. Over 250 members, parents, faculty, and community members were present to celebrate the accomplishments of the the Louisa FFA Chapter.
Our awards this were were sponsored through a grant from the Virginia Horse Industry Board and 573 Kustom Designs helped bring our award ideas to life!
Greenhand Degree
Bella Breedlove, Levi Burkett, Peyton Clark, Anayah Jackson, Evan Peguero, Chase Preddy, Ashlynn Schroyer, Riley Souther, Garrett Rosson, Keely Lloyd, Lucy Ward
Chapter Degree
Savannah Edwards, Kayla Haase, Joe Tarry, Abigail Bryant, and Kylie McIntire, Aaron Molinares
State Degree
Emma Alexander, Grace Vanderploeg, Shanoa Wright
FFA Senior Members
Emma Alexander, Grace Vanderploeg, Shanoa Wright, Emily Jones, Abby Bryant, Sydney Wills, Emma Alpern
As one of our most popular contests, students work in teams of four to judge a class of horses on conformation and various judging classes. Students also need to know information about horse health, anatomy and physiology, breeds, tack, and much more. They will also present reasons.
This year's teams participated in contests being held at the Quarter Horse Congress, the State Fair of Virginia, Virginia Tech Block & Bridle, Equismartz, and the Virginia State FFA Convention.
High School - Emily Jones, Sydney Wills, Ashlynn Schroyer, Abby Tomlin, Shanoa Wright, Kayla Haase, Lucy Ward, Chase Preddy, Anayah Jackson, Lyla Freeman & Bella Breedlove.
Middle School - Mehana Hornsby, Abigale Allen, Olivia Harrier, Gabby McGinley, Ember Cassell, Ada Edelburg, Kadence LaFontaine, Olivia Brown, Carter Burkett
Livestock Judging and Stockman's Contest
Students who are interested in judging cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs would enjoy this contest. Students need to know what producers look for when raising livestock to select the most marketable animal. There are general knowledge tests on production, breeds, meat, anatomy, and more. They will also present reasons.
A new, up and coming contest in Virginia, this contest is great for students who have taken the Turf courses at the high school. This contest is open to all students regardless of course enrollment. The Turf Management CDE involves proper maintenance, explanation of proper use of fertilizers and pesticides, grass identification, pest identification, and general knowledge.
Contestants were Aaron Molinares, Henry Osborne, & Arthur Wills.
Louisa FFA members interested in learning more about small animals and veterinary science should consider participating in the Veterinary Science CDE. The contest is challenging but very interactive for members. It involves the vast variety of knowledge required of veterinarians including anatomy, physiology, procedures, problem solving, and much more.
Contestants included Chase Preddy, Laurie Butler, Tinsley Mulvey, and Savannah Edwards
Students in the floral design contest learn all about the floral design techniques and practice using the principles and elements of design. This contest involves flower identification and tool identification. There is also a portion of the contest that involves budgeting and calculating costs as well as team problem solving portions as well.
Contestants were Grace Vanderploeg, Kylie McIntire.
Many students have enjoyed participating in the forestry contest for the hands-on skills they learn. These skills involve taking tree measurements, evaluating tree stands, identifying common trees and tools. Forestry is prominent in the local community and students may find these relevant skills applicable for local careers.
Agricultural Mechanics/Small Engines/Tractor Troubleshooting
The ag mechanics CDE is an all encompassing contest which includes topics about small engines, wood working, welding, electrical wiring, plumbing, concrete/masonry, tractor troubleshooting, land surveying, and more. Students get to practice identification of parts and tools, maintenance and operation, power calculations and measurements, and much more.
This leadership development event is a great contest for students wanting to step outside of their comfort zone and practice real-world skills. These speaking skills are directly applicable to all careers; not just agriculture. Students can practice prepared speeches, present the FFA Creed, or present extemporaneous speeches. Students can also participate in demonstrations contests or compete in Parliamentary Procedure debates.