Section Record Book Judging

By Jadyn Benefiel

On February 14, the Princeville FFA chapter hosted the Section Proficiency Contest at Princeville High School. Students keep records (what they did, what skills they gained, number of hours worked, etc.) on an agricultural related job experiences for a year and then showcase all they have learned through an interview. The schools that competed that night were Princeville, Elmwood, Brimfield, Roanoke-Benson, Metamora, Midland, Eureka, and Putnam County. 

The students that competed were interviewed by two to three judges about the record book they created. In their interviews, they were graded on their organization, skills, and knowledge on their topic. Those who placed first in their categories are able to advance to the district level competition at Geneseo on March 7.

“These competitions are a good way to see who has the best of those skills in their respective areas, and it is a good chance to showcase their efforts,” said Princeville FFA Chapter Advisor, Jacob Meisner. 

Competing student of Princeville FFA, Carrie Gill said, “Being consistent and accurate in your books is the hardest part.” Another competing student of Princeville, Kyle Bird said, “Keeping track of all your actions relating to your book” is the hardest part. Not only is the record keeping difficult, but so are the interviews. 

“The interviews are the hardest part and anticipating the questions they will ask and being prepared to answer them is hard,” said senior record book competitor Alyssa Headley. 

The results were determined that night, and five Princeville FFA members will be moving on to the District level competition.  Those students are Alyssa Headley for her Safety book, Kip Hoerr for his Agriculture Mechanics book, Carrie Gill for her Poultry book, Job Feucht for his Beef Placement book, and Kyle Bird for his Wildlife Management book. 

These events are great experiences for the future, teaching them interview skills and teaching them to keep good records. We wish all five of them the best of luck at Districts!